Lymphoblastic transformation assay of sheep peripheral blood lymphocytes: a new rapid and easy-to-read technique

Enhancing effect of oregano essential oil and Bacillus subtilis on broiler immune function, intestinal morphology and growth performance

The present study evaluated the effect of two categories of feed additives on chicken performance through immunological and intestinal histo-morphometric measurements. A total of 150 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb) were randomly assigned to three groups. Group I received a non-supplemented basal diet. While groups II and III were treated with a basal diet supplemented with oregano essential oil (OEO) and Bacillus subtilis, respectively, in water for 28 days. Blood samples were taken at 6, 18 and 28 days for hematological analysis, phagocytosis, lymphocyte proliferation and measuring antibody responses. Additionally, growth performance indices were recorded weekly. The results showed that groups supplemented with OEO and B. subtilis improved growth performance expressed by a significant increase in weight gain (P < 0.05), with a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio (FCR). Hematological findings indicated a significant increase in blood parameters as well as a significant increase in phagocytic % & phagocytic index at all time points with a greater probiotic effect. On the other hand, OEO produced a significant increase in lymphocyte proliferation at 18 & 28 days. Humoral immunity revealed a significant increase in serum antibody titer phytobiotic & probiotic-fed groups at time points of 18 & 28 days with a superior phytobiotic effect. The histological examination showed a significant increase in villi length, villi width, crypt depth & V/C ratio. In conclusion, these results indicated positive effects of B. subtilis & OEO on both growth and immunity and could be considered effective alternatives to the antibiotic.

Hepatic P53 upregulation and the genotoxic potential of acesulfame-K treatment in rats with a special emphasis on in vitro lymphocyte and macrophage activity testing

Acesulfame-k (Ace-k) is a widely used artificial sweetener in various products, and long-term cumulative and multisource exposure is possible despite inadequate toxicological data confirming its safety. Ninety male rats were divided into two main groups according to their body weight into immature and mature rats. Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups: control untreated, 30 and 90 mg/kg b. w of Ace-k via gastric intubation. The treatment was performed daily 5 days per week for 12 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for in vitro testing of lymphocyte proliferation rate, comet assay, and macrophage activity about nitric oxide (NO) production. In addition, the collection of liver specimens was performed for P53 gene expression and histopathological evaluation. The results revealed that Ace-k induced modulation in lymphocyte proliferation rate and affected the production of NO by macrophages while increasing in tail moment in a dose-dependent manner that varied among different age groups. The upregulation of P53 in the liver was correlated with increased polyploidization and necro apoptotic reaction and various histopathological hepatic alterations. The present data revealed that chronic treatment of rats with Ace-k affects lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage activity in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the genotoxic and hepatotoxic potential of Ace-k were confirmed.

Easy-to-Read: Evolution and Perspectives-A Bibliometric Analysis of Research, 1978-2021

The purpose of this paper is to observe the use of the Easy-to-Read term in the international scientific literature. Therefore, a bibliometric analysis was carried out using the Web of Science database, focusing on the period between 1978 and 2021. From this, 1065 records that met the search criteria were further identified. After applying the PRISMA model, the final analysis was performed on a corpus of 102 documents, comprising an analysis of the keywords and expressions where the term was found, an authorship analysis, a citation analysis, as well as a co-occurrence analysis. The publications were grouped based on the research area, with the field of Computer Science standing out with most of the occurrences (25), followed by Education & Educational Research (14 occurrences) and Linguistics (9 occurrences). The results suggest that interest in this field of research is limited, as the maximum number of publications related to this topic was 16 in 2020 and 14 in 2021. The study is important as it sheds light on the current state of the topic and seeks to identify future trends in this field.

Assessment of the potential toxic effect of magnetite nanoparticles on the male reproductive system based on immunological and molecular studies

Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) are the most conventional type of iron oxide nanoparticles used in the food industrial processes, removal of heavy metals, and biomedical applications in vivo or in vitro. Until now, there is no sufficient information that can confirm its effect on the body's immune system and reproductive health in males. The purpose of this research is to estimate the immunotoxic and reproductive toxic effects of MNPs in male rats. This study included 36 adult male albino rats divided into three groups. The experimental groups were intraperitoneally injected with MNPs at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight 3 times/week for 60 days, while the control group was injected with saline solution. MNPs caused a significant decrease in the body weight change of the high-treated group. MNPs produced changes in the lymphocyte proliferation rate which referred to a significant immunotoxic effect measured by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-di-phenyltetrazolium bromide reduction method. The testicular tissue of male-treated rats showed some moderate and severe degenerative changes. The sperm parameters of count, motility, and viability were significantly decreased. Sperm morphological abnormalities were detected in all treated animals. MNPs produced a significant decrease in testosterone levels, increased the level of malondialdehyde, impaired the activity of the antioxidant enzymes and induced testicular DNA damage. In conclusion, MNPs affected the normal immune state in male rats and facilitated the generation of reactive oxygen species subsequently triggering testicular oxidative stress damages. All these consequences had a negative impact on male reproductive health.

Effect of gold nanoparticles shape and dose on immunological, hematological, inflammatory, and antioxidants parameters in male rabbit

Background and Aim:

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) have gained much attention recent years due to their promising optical and chemical properties and are hence used in applied research and industrial nanotechnology. This study was designed to investigate the effect of gold nanoparticle shape (Gold nanorods vs. gold nanosphere) on immune response in rabbit.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into six groups (n=5 rabbits). The first group is the control negative received an intravenous (IV) injection of normal saline 0.9%; the second group (vaccinated) is the control positive, and the other four groups were vaccinated and received a single-dose or repeated five consecutive IV doses of 300 mg/kg body weight 50 nm AuNRs or 50 nm gold nanosphere (50 nm AuNSs) dissolved in ultrapure water. Blood and serum were collected for the hematological and biochemical analysis.

Results:

White blood cells (WBCs) count, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils showed significantly (p<0.05) higher values with the repeated-dose AuNRs. g-globulin levels showed a significant difference after 15 days in the single-dose AuNSs. Single-dose AuNSs significantly (p<0.05) increased the immunoglobulin G (IgG) and significantly (p<0.05) decreased the tumor necrosis factor-alpha. In addition, it elicited a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the malondialdehyde levels and a significant (p<0.05) increase of the superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase levels. Moreover, evoked red blood cells count, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were significantly (p<0.05) lower than the control group. The platelet count, lysozymes, and nitric oxide were significantly (p<0.05) higher in repeated-dose AuNRs.

Conclusion:

The effect of AuNPs is shape and dose-dependent. The repeated 5 days IV 50 nm AuNRs doses over 15 days showed a significant antioxidant effect, with no considerable toxicity or vascular reactions.

Immunomodulatory efficacy of methanolic extract of Ajuga macrosperma in cyclophosphamide induced immunocompromised rat

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate immunomodulatory potential of Ajuga macrosperma against cyclophoshphamide (CP) induced immunosupression in rats. The immunological parameters such as haemaglutation (HA) titre and serum immunoglobulin (Ig) for humoral immunity (HI); lymphocyte stimulation test (LST), phagocytic index test, neutrophil adhesion test (NAT) and delayed type hypersensitivity reaction (DTH) for cellular immunity(CMI) were determined. The cyclophoshphamide treatment significantly suppressed both HI and CMI responses, which were significantly improved following treatment with 100 ppm and 200 ppm of methanolic extract of Ajuga macrosperma (MEAM) in dose dependent manner. The decreases in HI and CMI related parameters by CP treatment revealed immunosuppresion, whereas simultaneous treatment with MEAM ameliorated immune response which indicated immunomodulatory properties of Ajuga macrosperma.

Impact of dietary nano-zinc oxide on immune response and antioxidant defense of broiler chickens

This study aimed to elucidate the response of broiler chickens to the dietary nano-zinc supplementation in terms of immune response and antioxidant activity. Ninety-one-day-old chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments in three replicates, in a feeding trial that lasted for 5 weeks. Birds were fed a basal diet supplemented with inorganic zinc oxide at 40 mg/kg diet (control), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) at 40 mg/kg diet (ZN1), or ZnONPs at 80 mg/kg diet (ZN2). Birds were injected with DNP-KLH at the 7th and 21st days from the beginning of the experiment, and blood samples were collected on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 to determine the levels of immunoglobulin Y (IgY) and malondialdehyde as well as the antioxidant enzyme activities. Cellular immunity was assayed by estimation of phagocytic percentage and index of peripheral monocytes of blood and estimation of the T lymphocyte activity using a lymphocyte transformation test. The results showed that feeding broiler chickens a diet supplemented with ZnONPs increased (p < 0.05) the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase and decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde compared to the control diet, without significant differences between NZ1 and NZ2 diets. Moreover, the chicks fed diets supplemented with ZnONPs showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in serum IgY, total lymphocyte count, and macrophages compared to the control. A higher significant response for antibodies IgY concentration was observed in birds fed the NZ2 vs NZ1 diet. Also, there was a significant increase in phagocytic activity and phagocytic index in ZnONP-fed groups with a higher significance in the group fed NZ1 than with NZ2 diet as compared with the control. In conclusion, ZnONP application up to 80 mg/kg in the diet is safe for broiler chickens and could improve their antioxidant defense and cellular immunity.

KRAS-mutation status dependent effect of zoledronic acid in human non-small cell cancer preclinical models

Background

In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) KRAS-mutant status is a negative prognostic and predictive factor. Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates inhibit prenylation of small G-proteins (e.g. Ras, Rac, Rho) and thus may affect proliferation and migration. In our preclinical work, we investigated the effect of an aminobisphosphonate compound (zoledronic acid) on mutant and wild type KRAS-expressing human NSCLC cell lines.

Results

We confirmed that zoledronic acid was unable to inhibit the prenylation of mutant K-Ras unlike in the case of wild type K-Ras. In case of in vitro proliferation, the KRAS-mutant human NSCLC cell lines showed resistance to zoledronic acid wild-type KRAS-cells proved to be sensitive. Combinatory application of zoledronic acid enhanced the cytostatic effect of cisplatin. Zoledronic acid did not induce significant apoptosis. In xenograft model, zoledronic acid significantly reduced the weight of wild type KRAS-EGFR-expressing xenograft tumor by decreasing the proliferative capacity. Futhermore, zoledronic acid induced VEGF expression and improved in vivo tumor vascularization.

Materials and methods

Membrane association of K-Ras was examined by Western-blot. In vitro cell viability, apoptotic cell death and migration were measured in NSCLC lines with different molecular background. The in vivo effect of zoledronic acid was investigated in a SCID mouse subcutaneous xenograft model.

Conclusions

The in vitro and in vivo inhibitory effect of zoledronic acid was based on the blockade of cell cycle in wild type KRAS-expressing human NSCLC cells. The zoledronic acid induced vascularization supported in vivo cytostatic effect. Our preclinical investigation suggests that patients with wild type KRAS-expressing NSCLC could potentially benefit from aminobisphosphonate therapy.

Effect of clove and cinnamon extracts on experimental model of acute hematogenous pyelonephritis in albino rats: Immunopathological and antimicrobial study

Recent studies showed prominent antimicrobial activity of some plant extracts on some pathogenic microorganisms so we evaluated antimicrobial activity of aqueous extracts of clove and cinnamon using the agar well diffusion method. An in vivo study was carried out on 40 adult healthy male albino rats divided into four groups: Group 1: negative control group (received intragastric saline solution daily); Group 2: injected with mixed bacterial suspension of S. aureus and E.coli as a model of pyelonephritis then received intragastric saline solution daily; Group 3: injected with the same dose of mixed bacterial suspension then received intragastric clove extract 500 mg/kg/day; and Group (4): injected with mixed bacterial suspension then received intragastric cinnamon 500 mg/kg/day. Five rats from each group were sacrificed after 1 and 4 weeks. Serum and blood samples were collected for lysozymes activity and nitric oxide production, lymphocyte transformation test, as well as counting of both total and differential leukocytes and erythrocytes. Kidney samples were tested histopathologically. Both in vivo and in vitro results confirmed the efficacy of clove extract as natural antimicrobials and suggested the possibility of its use in treatment of such bacterial infections.

Experimental Studies on Some Immunotoxicological Aspects of Aflatoxins Containing Diet and Protective Effect of Bee Pollen Dietary Supplement

Aflatoxins (AFs), widely distributed food-borne mycotoxins, affect quality and safety of food and cause economic losses in livestock. In this study, the protective effect of Bee Pollen (BP) against some immunotoxic hazards elucidated from eating of AFs-containing diet was investigated in Wistar rats. Rats were randomly classified intofour groups and treated for 30 days, Group 1; control negative, Group 2; Total AFs (3 mg kg(-1) basal diet), Group 3; BP (20 g kg(-1) basal diet) and Group 4; AFs+BP in basal diet. The immunoprotective effect of BP was revealed in terms of increasing (relative to levels seen in Group 2 rats that consumed the AFs diet) serum total protein and globulin levels, restored normal neutrophil (PMN)/lymphocyte ratio, increased PMN phagocytic activity and increased lymphocyte proliferative capacity. Also, the use of the BP reduced spleen H2O2 levels and increased GSH content while maintaining normal levels of NO formation. Histopathologic analysis showed thatthe AFs caused lymphocytic depletion in the spleen; however, BP induced lymphocytic hyperplasia and reduced the levels of AFs-inducible cellular exhaustion or depletion. These results provide evidence of a protective effect of BP against some immunotoxic actions induced in situ by consumption of AFs.

Overexpression of Wild-Type p53-Induced Phosphatase 1 Confers Poor Prognosis of Patients with Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

This study aimed to analyze the expression, clinical significance of proto-oncogene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the biological effect in its cell line by siRNA targeting wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1 (Wip1). Immunohistochemistry and western blot were respectively used to analyze Wip1 protein expression in 85 cases of nasopharyngeal cancer and normal tissues to study the relationship between Wip1 expression and clinical factors. Wip1 siRNA was transiently transfected into papillary nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell by liposome-mediated method and was detected by Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot. MTT assay, cell apoptosis, migration and invasion were also conducted as to the influence of the down-regulated expression of Wip1 that might be found on CNE2 cells biological effect. The level of Wip1 protein expression was found to be significantly higher in nasopharyngeal cancer tissue than normal tissues (P <0.05). There were significant differences between Wip1 expression and T stages, lymph node metastasis, clinical stages, tumor differentiation and radiotherapy response (P < 0.05), regardless of age, gender (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, Increased expression of Wip1 was significantly with poor overall survival time by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P < 0.05). Wip1 expression deletion determines independent risk factors for prognosis of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in addition to tumor T stage, clinical stage, histological grade and lymph node metastasis outside by Cox-2 in the regression analysis (P < 0.05). qRT-PCR and Western blot showed that CNE2 cell transfected Wip1 siRNA had a lower relative expressive content than normal cell (P < 0.05). MTT assay, cell apoptosis, cell cycles demonstrated that CNE2 cell transfected Wip1 siRNA had a lower survival fraction, higher cell apoptosis, more percentage of the G0/G1 phases, significant decrease in migration and invasion, and higher P53 and P16 protein expression compared with CNE2 cell untransfected Wip1 siRNA (P < 0.05). Wip1 protein was increased in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, specifically in T stages, lymph node metastasis, clinical stages and tumor differentiation. Wip1 may involved in the biological processes of nasopharyngeal cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration and invasion by regulation P53 and P16 protein expression.

Oxidative stress and immunotoxic effects of lead and their amelioration with myrrh (Commiphora molmol) emulsion

The possible role of Commiphora molmol emulsion (CME) in protecting against lead (PbAc)-induced hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress and immunotoxicity in rabbits was assessed. Six groups of animals were used: groups I (control) and II (PbAc) were not supplemented with CME. Groups III (CME50) and IV (CME50+PbAc) were administered with CME in a dose rate of 50mg/kg bwt, while groups V (CME100) and VI (CME100+PbAc) were received 100mg CME/kg bwt daily p.o for successive 14 weeks. Groups II, IV and VI were given 80 mg PbAc/kg bwt/day orally for 6 weeks starting from the 9th week. At the 12th week, animals were subjected to immunization by a single dose of sheep RBCs. The PbAc-group showed 220% increase in hepatic malondialdehyde levels, while glutathione, glutathione s-transferase and glutathione peroxidase levels decreased. Lead-acetate induced hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia, and increased aminotransferases activity. It reduced the values of lymphocyte transformation test, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index and antibody titer against sheep SRBCs. Interestingly, pretreatment with CME attenuated these adverse effects in a dose-dependent protection. CME, therefore, is a potent antioxidant, and can protect against PbAc-induced hepatic oxidative damage and immunotoxicity by reducing lipid peroxidation and enhancing the antioxidant and immune defense mechanisms.

Compound MMH01 possesses toxicity against human leukemia and pancreatic cancer cells

MMH01 is a compound isolated from Antrodia cinnamomea. MMH01 markedly inhibited growth of human leukemia U937 and pancreatic cancer BxPC3 cells. It resulted in distinct patterns of cell cycle distribution in U937 (G2/M, sub-G1 and polyploidy) and BxPC3 cells (G0/G1 and sub-G1). The modes of cell death in U937 cells include apoptosis and mitotic catastrophe, whereas apoptosis-associated events or necrosis in BxPC3 cells. Neither mitochondrial membrane permeabilization nor caspase dependence was noted. Proteins involving mitotic catastrophe-associated cell death such as cyclin B1 and checkpoint kinase 2 were activated in U937 cells. Only slight to moderate viability inhibition was noted to human monocytes, the normal counterpart of these myeloid leukemic cells. In conclusion, MMH01 possesses cytotoxicity against human leukemia and pancreatic cancer cells.

Down regulation of humoral immunity in chickens due to carbendazim

This study was planned to investigate the effect of very low dose of carbendazim on the humoral immune response in the chicken. Sixteen adult chickens, earlier vaccinated against New Castle Disease were divided in two experimental groups. Chickens of group I served as control, while group II birds were given a feed containing 200 ppm of carbendazim, which is considered no observable effect level (NOEL) dose, for a period of 6 months. The Humoral immune response was measured by the B-lymphocyte blastogenesis assay using lipopolysaccharide as mitogen and the quantitation of IgG, IgA, IgM levels by using respective antichicken conjugates, through an ELISA method. Total serum proteins, serum gamma-globulins and globulins were measured using commercially available kits. Carbendazim significantly (P< or =0.05) reduced both the B-lymphocyte proliferation and serum IgG, IgM and IgA levels, leading to decreased immunocompetence. At the end of experiment percent decrease in B-lymphocyte proliferation was 20.5% and that in serum IgG, IgM and IgA were 11.2, 22.9 and 28.8%, respectively. The percent decrease in total serum protein, serum gamma-globulins and serum globulins were 14.6, 18.5 and 9.7%, respectively. Results clearly indicated down regulation of humoral immunity by carbendazim at NOEL dose.

Changes of immunological response after experimentally ozonated autohemoadministration in calves

Changes in subsets of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymphocyte blastogenesis reaction were observed after ozonated autohemoadministration (OAHA) in calves. Ten healthy calves were used in this study. After OAHA, CD8+ cells, CD14+ cells and WCl+cells increased (p<0.05). The level of lymphocyte blastogenesis stimulated by PHA decreased after OAHA. A significant increase in serum IL-6 activity was observed in OAHA calves. These results suggested that OAHA induced immunological changes in calves.

Characterization of some parameters of non-specific immunity in dairy cattle (I)

The concentrations of serum protein and immunoglobulin, complement, lysozyme, serum bactericidal activity and blast transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes were assessed in dairy cattle in different herds and age groups. The study aimed at defining fundamental aspects of non-specific defence under the field conditions, related to age/season/management influences. The observed differences in the expression of these parameters are discussed, with regard to their role in the immune defence of calves and their relation to colostrum uptake. The possible use of these parameters in the control of animal welfare is stressed and the possibility is put forward of predicting possible unfavourable interactions with environmental pathogens.

On the suitability of the MTT-assay for the evaluation of mitogenic lymphocyte blastogenesis in swine

Using swine peripheral blood lymphocytes, we examined the suitability of a colorimetric tetrazolium (MTT) reduction test for the evaluation of mitogenic lymphoblastogenesis in comparison to radiolabelling methods. In our study, we did not find a correlation between the 3H-thymidine- or 14C-thymidine uptake into DNA and the mitochondrial MTT cleavage activity, comparable to that formerly demonstrated for mouse cytotoxic T cells and for sheep peripheral blood lymphocytes. With the MTT assay, mitogen-driven lymphocyte activation was scarcely assessable, whereas a clear mitogenic response could be observed using radiolabelling methods. The results show that the MTT cleavage activity reflects quite a different state of cellular function than the DNA synthesis and that the evaluation of this activity is not suited to determining lymphocyte activation in swine as a measure of mitogenic response.

Importance of the hour of sampling in the lymphoblastic transformation assay of sheep peripheral blood lymphocytes

This paper describes the effect of the nycthemeral cycle on the lymphocyte response of sheep to different mitogens (PHA, Con A and PWM). A considerable decline in the lymphocyte response was evident in the afternoon and early in the morning in all 6 animals tested. Three peak responses were identified during a 24 hour study period, at 14.00 h, 24.00 h and 08.00 h. The results presented here suggest that this variation in lymphocyte response is a meaningful difference in the response ability of individual lymphocytes. Factors affecting the number of leukocytes and the proportion of different types of lymphocytes in peripheral blood might be the essential causes of variation. To obtain an accurate indication of an individual's immunocompetence, it is important to make a preliminary determination of the optimal hour for sampling. If this is not possible, all the samples must be taken at the same hour on each test day, in order to make significant comparisons.

Blastogenic response of peripheral blood lymphocytes from multiparous pregnant ewes

The immunocompetence of pregnant multiparous ewes was investigated with respect to the blastogenic response of peripheral blood lymphocytes of (PBL) to three mitogens: PHA, Con A, and PWM. The profile of PBL responses shows 1) progressive suppression at 36 and 66 days of gestation, 2) enhanced response at 97 days of gestation, which approaches the mean values observed at the premating period, and 3) a redecline of the response at 137 days of gestation to depressed values lower than observed at 36 and 66 days of gestation. The results suggest that mitogen-treated lymphocytes were depressed and that the immunodepressive factor(s), which can influence lymphocytes at the systemic level, may be involved in the maintenance of the ovine fetal semiallograft.

[Lymphocyte markers in domestic animals. I. Mitogenic lectins and non-mitogenic lectins]

The authors reviewed the lymphocyte markers in domestic animals. The first part is devoted to lectins. The general and methodologic aspects of lectins as mitogens are studied. The main mitogen lectins are emphasized in regard to their field of utilisation and the technical aspect of their use. The non-mitogen lectins are presented for cell suspension or tissue section staining.