Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced inflammatory responses in cattle

Global Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis of Research on Lactoferrin from 1978 to 2024

SCOPE

Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-bound protein with a molecular weight of about 80 kDa. LF has many biological functions such as antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anticancer. The purpose of this study is to explore the research trend of LF through bibliometric analysis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The search is conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection database, and then the publications information of LF related literature is exported. Based on CiteSpace and VOSviewer software, countries, institutions, authors, journals, keywords, and so on are analyzed. Since 1987, a total of 9382 literature have been included, and the number of papers related to LF has increased year by year. These publications come mainly from 124 countries and 725 institutions. Of the 1256 authors analyzed, Valenti Piera is the one with the most publications. The burst strength of gut microbiota, antioxidant, nanoparticles, and in vitro digestion are 21.3, 15.63, 23.03, and 13.51, respectively. They represent the frontier of research in this field and are developing rapidly.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that LF has important research value. The study of LF nanoparticles and the effects of LF on the gut microbiota are an emerging field that helps to explore new research directions.

Tumor necrosis factor-α polymorphism and risk of primary nephrotic syndrome: A case-control study and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The current study aims to explore the relationship between tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) polymorphism and the risk of primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS).

METHODS

A total of 250 PNS patients were selected for this study, as well as 300 volunteers serving as the control group. TNF-α polymorphism were assessed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. In addition, a meta-analysis was conducted to analyze previously published literature on this topic.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in the genotypes frequency or alleles frequency among the study populations. Meta-analysis results revealed a positive association between TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism and allele contrast in African populations (p = 0), homozygote comparison (p = .007), heterozygote comparison (p = .026), recessive genetic model (p = .011), and dominant genetic model (p = .000).

CONCLUSIONS

TNF-α rs1800629 polymorphism does not appear to confer any increased risk for PNS.

Dietary Supplementation with Naringin Improves Systemic Metabolic Status and Alleviates Oxidative Stress in Transition Cows via Modulating Adipose Tissue Function: A Lipid Perspective

Dairy cows face metabolic challenges around the time of calving, leading to a negative energy balance and various postpartum health issues. Adipose tissue is crucial for cows during this period, as it regulates energy metabolism and supports immune function. Naringin, one of the main flavonoids in citrus fruit and their byproducts, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytoconstituent. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplemental naringin on performance, systemic inflammation, oxidative status, and adipose tissue metabolic status. A total of 36 multiparous Holstein cows (from ~21 d prepartum through 35 d postpartum) were provided a basal control (CON) diet or a CON diet containing naringin (NAR) at 30 g/d per cow. Supplemental NAR increased the yield of raw milk and milk protein, without affecting dry matter intake. Cows fed NAR showed significantly lower levels (p < 0.05) of serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), C-reactive protein, IL-1β, IL-6, malonaldehyde, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, but increased (p < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase activity relative to those fed CON. Supplemental NAR increased (p < 0.05) adipose tissue adiponectin abundance, decreased inflammatory responses, and reduced oxidative stress. Lipidomic analysis showed that cows fed NAR had lower concentrations of ceramide species (p < 0.05) in the serum and adipose tissue than did the CON-fed cows. Adipose tissue proteomics showed that proteins related to lipolysis, ceramide biosynthesis, inflammation, and heat stress were downregulated (p < 0.05), while those related to glycerophospholipid biosynthesis and the extracellular matrix were upregulated (p < 0.05). Feeding NAR to cows may reduce the accumulation of ceramide by lowering serum levels of NEFA and LPS and increasing adiponectin expression, thereby decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in adipose tissue, ultimately improving their systemic metabolic status. Including NAR in periparturient cows' diets improves lactational performance, reduces excessive lipolysis in adipose tissue, and decreases systemic and adipose tissue inflammation and oxidative stress. Integrating lipidomic and proteomic data revealed that reduced ceramide and increased glycerophospholipids may alleviate metabolic dysregulations in adipose tissue, which in turn benefits systemic metabolic status.

Development of specific monoclonal antibodies for the detection of natural chicken tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is an important proinflammatory cytokine and the only known cytokine that can directly kill tumor cells. Unlike mammalian counterparts, chicken TNF-α (chTNF-α) gene has not been identified until very recently due to its high GC content (∼70%) and long GC fragments. The biological functions of this newly-identified cytokine and its detection methods remain to be further investigated. In this study, the extracellular domain of chTNF-α was cloned into prokaryotic vector after codon optimization and recombinant chTNF-α protein was expressed. Subsequently, using recombinant chTNF-ɑ as immunogen, rabbit polyclonal antibody (pAb) and eight clones of mouse anti-chTNF-ɑ monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were produced, respectively. Both the pAb and mAbs specifically recognized recombinant chTNF-ɑ expressed in E.coli and transfected COS-7 cells. Further mapping the antigenic region showed that all the mAbs recognized a region of amino acid residues 195-285 of chTNF-ɑ. Furthermore, an antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of chTNF-ɑ was established using one mAb and the pAb. This assay showed no cross-reactivity with irrelevant Trx-fused antigens and could detect natural chTNF-ɑ expressed by mitogen-activated chicken splenocytes in a dose-dependent manner, with a detection limit of 1 ng/mL. Collectively, our results indicated that the mAbs and pAb against chTNF-α are specific and could be used for the study of the biological functions of chTNF-ɑ and the detection of chTNF-ɑ.

Temporal Release and Denature of Several Mediators in Pure Platelet-Rich Plasma and Temperature-Induced Platelet Lysates Derived from a Similar Bovine Platelet Concentrate

There is scarce information about bovine platelet-rich plasma/platelet-rich gel (PRP/PRG) and related hemocomponents (HCs), such as platelet lysates (PLs), including growth factor (GF) and cytokine concentrations, and how the stability of these biomolecules could be affected by time and temperature. This study aimed to evaluate the release and stability of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β₁), interleukin 4 (IL-4), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) contained in bovine pure PRP (P-PRP) and temperature-induced PL (TIPL) coming from a similar platelet concentrate (PC) at 4 and 37°C at 3 and 96 h. Platelet concentrates (PCs) presented a 1.7-fold concentration of platelets (PLTs) with negligible counts of white blood cells (WBCs) when compared to the counts for these cells in whole blood. TGF-β₁ concentrations were significantly lowest in plasma followed by TIPL, chemical-induced PL (CIPL), and P-PRP. IL-4 and TNF-α concentrations did not differ between HCs. TGF-β₁ concentrations were negatively affected in P-PRPs stored at 4°C at 3 and 96 h, whereas those from P-PRP maintained at 37°C presented similar concentrations to TIPL stored at both temperatures over time. IL-4 and TNF-α concentrations were not affected by time or temperature in any of the HCs evaluated. Pure PRGs released additional quantities of GF and cytokines over time when compared with HCs stored over 96 h at 4 and 37°C. The method, either chemical or physical, used for platelet activation or damage produces a different GF and cytokine release pattern, which makes to each evaluated HCs different despite they come from a similar bovine PC. P-PRP activated with calcium gluconate and maintained at 37°C, which polymerizes in P-PRG, showed the best GF and cytokine release/denature profile compared with the rest of the HCs evaluated.

Effects of ozonized glycerin on inflammation of mammary glands induced by intramammary lipopolysaccharide infusion in goats

Although ozone shows antimicrobial activity against mastitis-causing pathogens in ruminants, its anti-inflammatory effect on mammary glands remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of ozonized glycerin (OG) on experimentally induced inflammation in the mammary glands of six Shiba and two Tokara lactating goats. We infused 1 μg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into all udders on day -1. On day 0, post LPS infusion, OG (ozone group), and glycerin (control group) were infused into the right and left sides of the udders, respectively. Milk samples were collected once daily from days -1 to 7. The somatic cell count and lactoperoxidase (LPO) activity, along with the interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-8, IL-10, lactoferrin, and sodium ion concentrations in milk were measured. IL-8, IL-10, and lactoferrin levels after LPS infusion in the ozone group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the LPO activity tended to be lower than that observed in the control group. This study showed that OG has anti-inflammatory potential against LPS-induced inflammation in the mammary glands.

Effects of Transportation Stress on Complete Blood Count, Blood Chemistry, and Cytokine Gene Expression in Heifers

Blood samples were obtained from 16 high-risk heifers; eight were newly arrived from a 40 h road trip (0 days post-arrival (DPA)), whereas the other eight heifers had been in the feedlot at 25 DPA. Both groups were transported from the southeast tropical region of Mexico to a feedlot in the northeast and were sampled on the same day. The complete blood count, blood chemistry, and cytokine gene expression were analyzed. Gene expression was analyzed using specific primers to amplify and quantify the cDNA reverse transcribed from the mRNA transcripts for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and interleukin (IL)-2. Higher values for hematocrit (p = 0.029), hemoglobin (p = 0.002), eosinophils (0.029), albumin (p = 0.014), alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.004), bilirubin (p = 0.003), cholesterol (p = 0.014), and cortisol (p = 0.051) were observed in the 0 DPA group than the 25 DPA group. In the electrophoresis of TNF-α amplification products, two non-specific bands were observed in the 0 DPA group. These bands were sequenced, and BLAST analysis suggested that they corresponded to bovine lymphotoxin and have not been reported previously related to stress. The TNF-α expression level was higher (p = 0.001) in the 25 DPA group than the 0 DPA group according to the semi-quantitative expression analysis. This may indicate a persistent inflammatory process that could be related to trauma and disease, which can negatively impact their subsequent health and growth performance. In conclusion, homeostatic disruption was apparent in the 0 DPA heifers, which showed higher cortisol and reductions in TNF-α levels and stress-induced bovine lymphotoxin (SIBL) co-expression.

Effect of precalving body condition score on insulin signaling and hepatic inflammatory state in grazing dairy cattle

During postpartum, high-production dairy cows show a temporary period of insulin resistance, during which glucose uptake by peripheral tissues is reduced to prioritize milk production. However, this can further increase their negative energy balance by compromising liver function, especially in cows with excessive body condition score (BCS) and a pro-inflammatory state. Based on this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatic expression of proteins of the insulin signaling pathway (PI3K) and of the cytokines TNFα, IL-6 and NF-κB, as well as the plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, triglycerides (TAG), insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin sensitivity indexes, and the hepatic content of TAG during the transition period in cows with different BCS. Sixteen Holstein cows were selected 14 days before the expecting calving date and classified into 2 groups: low BCS (LBCS) ≤ 3.25 (n = 9) and high BCS (HBCS) ≥ 3.5 (n = 7). Blood and liver samples were obtained 14 (±3) days before the expected calving date and 4 (±3), 14 (±3) and 28 (±3) days after calving. The concentration of NEFA was higher in the HBCS group than in the LBCS group. Glucose concentration showed an interaction effect, with a greater concentration on day 28 in HBCS. Insulin concentration showed no changes. While the pAkt/total Akt ratio was lower in the HBCS group, the TNFα protein expression was higher only on day 4 postcalving in the HBCS group. In agreement with these results, the insulin sensitivity indexes RQUICKI and RQUICKI_BHBA were lower in the HCBS group. The results suggest an insulin resistance and a pro-inflammatory state in the liver of cows with HBCS.

Green tea polyphenols supplementation alters immunometabolism and oxidative stress in dairy cows with hyperketonemia

Peripartal cows often experience negative energy balance, and are therefore prone to suffering from metabolic diseases such as hyperketonemia, which causes financial losses in dairy farms. This study aimed to investigate the effect of green tea polyphenol (GTP) supplementation during the periparturient period on production performance, oxidative stress and immunometabolism in dairy cows with hyperketonemia. One hundred Holstein cows were assigned to GTP (0.2 g/kg DM; n = 50) or control (without GTP; n = 50) group based on body weight, previous milk yield, and parity on d 15 before expected parturition. Subsequently, 10 cows with hyperketonemia were selected from each group, according to blood β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentration between 1.2 and 2.9 mmol/L from 2 to 3 d postpartum. All cows were fed a close-up diet and a lactation diet with or without GTP supply from 15 d prepartum until 30 d postpartum. Milk and blood samples were obtained from 20 cows selected with hyperketonemia on 10, 20, and 30 d postpartum. Compared with control cows, greater milk yield and lower somatic cell count were observed in GTP cows. The GTP group had lower concentrations of BHBA, free fatty acids, cholesterol, triglyceride, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide, greater concentrations of glucose, lower activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and glutamyl transpeptidase, alongside greater activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity. Additionally, GTP supplementation up-regulated concentrations of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10, but down-regulated concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-2, interleukin-8, and interferon-γ in plasma. Greater concentrations of plasma immunoglobulin G were also detected in the GTP group. Overall, the data suggested that GTP supplementation from 15 d prepartum to 30 d postpartum improved the milk yield and health status in cows with hyperketonemia during early lactation.

Undernutrition modified metabolic responses to intramammary lipopolysaccharide but had limited effects on selected inflammation indicators in early-lactation cows

The objective was to assess effects of experimentally induced undernutrition on responses to an intramammary lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in early-lactation cows. Starting at 24 ± 3 d in milk, multiparous Holstein cows either received a ration containing 48% straw for 96 h to restrict nutrient intake (REST, n = 8) or were allowed ad libitum intake of a lactation diet (CONT, n = 9). After 72 h on diet or after an equivalent period for CONT, 50 µg of LPS (Escherichia coli 0111:B4) was injected into one healthy rear mammary quarter to induce an acute inflammation response. Blood samples were collected weekly until 7 wk of lactation, daily during feed restriction (or control), before and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 24 h relative to LPS injection. Foremilk quarter samples were collected before and at 4, 6, 10, and 24 h after LPS injection. Dry matter intake, milk yield, energy balance, plasma glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations did not differ between CONT and REST immediately before nutrient restriction in REST (least squares means at d -1 were 21.8, 39.0 kg/d, -2.5 MJ/d, and 3.78, 0.415, 0.66 mM, respectively) but were significantly altered at 72 h of nutrient restriction (9.8, 28.3 kg/d, -81.6 MJ/d, and 2.77, 1.672, and 2.98 mM, respectively), when the LPS challenge was performed. The rectal temperature increment from baseline values in response to LPS did not differ, but cortisol increment was greater and cortisol response area under the curve (AUC) tended to be greater [202 vs. 122 (ng/mL) × 10 h] for REST than CONT. No treatment differences were observed in foremilk IL-8, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 3 concentrations in response to LPS injection. Composite milk somatic cell count per milliliter (6.919 × 10⁶ vs. 1.956 × 10⁶ cells/mL) and total number of somatic cells secreted in milk per day were greater for REST than CONT during the day following LPS. Plasma glucose, urea, and insulin concentrations increased after the LPS challenge, suggesting establishment of insulin resistance and modifications of glucose metabolism to support acute inflammation in both CONT and REST. Nonetheless, nutrient-restricted cows had delayed plasma insulin and glucose responses to LPS, smaller insulin AUC but greater glucose AUC compared with CONT, despite the limited nutrient availability to sustain an inflammation response. Undernutrition altered peripheral metabolic responses to an intramammary LPS challenge but had limited effects on selected indicators of inflammation response in early-lactation cows.

Universal Primers for Amplification of TNF-α -308 Promoter Region

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Genetic variation in the form of a single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) promoter region is known to influence the regulation of TNF-α production, transcription and translation and has been linked to several diseases. Primer sequences that amplify DNA flanking the -308 sequence are not universal, therefore, research on SNP conducted in this area still uses different primer pairs. The purpose of this research was to design and optimize universal primers to amplify DNA sequences covering the TNF-α -308 promoter area for other researchers to study the presence of SNPs in the -308 nucleotide and beyond.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The peripheral blood samples for DNA preparation were obtained from 3 participants. The DNAs were extracted using available commercial kit. The candidate of universal primers were designed using BLAST and Primer3 softwares. Amplification of DNA region flanked by the designed primer pairs was performed using PCR method using available commercial kit.

RESULTS

The study showed that there were significant differences between the 5 primary pairs studied. From the 5 pairs of primers, the TNF-α 1 primer pair (TNF-α 1F: AACCAGCATTATGAGTCTC and TNF-α 1R: AACAACTGCCTTTATATGTC) and the TNF-α 2 primer pair (TNF-α 2F: TGAAACCAGCATTATGAGT and TNF-α 2R: AACAACTGCCTTTATATGTC) produced single, distinct, sharp and thick bands.

CONCLUSION

From this study it can be concluded that TNF-α 1 and TNF-α 2 primer pairs have the potential to be used as universal primers to study the SNPs in the TNF-α -308 promoter region.

The Potential Role of TNF-α (rs361525 and rs1800629) in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Multivariate Analysis (Meta-Analysis)

PURPOSE

Tumor necrosis factor-α has been suggested to play a crucial role in the development andprogression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous reports have indicated that rs361525 and rs1800629 might be risk factors for various cancers. Increasing studies have been conducted on the association of these two SNPs with HCC risk but the results remain inconclusive.

METHODS

In order to detect association between TNF- α and HCC, a meta-analysis was performed. Five studies with 541 cases and 795 controls were used for rs361525, while six studies including 925 cases and 1307 controls were collected for investigating rs1800629. The grouping of countries from data were obtained was done by Principal Coordinate Analysis plot (PCA). Moreover, association between geographical area and grouping of genotypes was determined by Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA).

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis showed that rs361525 and rs1800629 were not significantly associated with the risk of HCC. CCA analysis illustrated that there was not any correlation between genotype distribution and geographical distance for rs1800629 but there was significant correlation between genotype distribution and geographical features for rs361525. PCA analysis for both SNPs showed India and Korea were placed near each other and also China and Brazil were in same part of PCA plot.

CONCLUSION

To sum up, this meta-analysis suggests that the rs361525 and rs1800629 are not associated with HCC development while geographical distance effect on rs361525 genetic inheritance but not effect on rs1800629. However, it is necessary to conduct further studies with larger sample. Moreover, gene-gene and gene-environment interactions should also be considered.

Effect of reproductive disorders on productivity and reproductive efficiency of dromedary she-camels in relation to cytokine concentration

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of reproductive disorders on reproductive efficiency and milk production in relation with pro-inflammatory cytokines in dromedary she-camels. Total of 20 late pregnant Maghrabi she-camels, aging 6-9 years, weighing 420-550 kg, and between the second and third parities were divided into two groups. Animals in the first group (n = 12) showed normal reproductive status (G₁) at parturition, while those in the second one (n = 8) were suffered from reproductive disorders after parturition (G₂). Results showed that during pre-partum, red blood cells (RBCs) count decreased (P ≤ 0.05), while white blood cells (WBCs), packed cell volume (PCV) value, and neutrophils percentage increased (P ≤ 0.05) in G₂ than in G₁. Percentages of monocytes, basophils, and eosinophils as well as hemoglobin concentration did not differ significantly (P ≥ 0.05) in G1 and G2. During postpartum period, the same results were noticed in addition to increase (P ≤ 0.05) in eosinophil and decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in basophils percentages. During prepartum period, concentration of total proteins, albumin (AL) and IGF-1decreased (P ≤ 0.05), cholesterol concentration, and activity of AST and ALT were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in G₂ than in G₁. Globulin (GL), AL: GL ratio, glucose, urea-N, creatinine, and triglyceride concentrations did not differ significantly in G₁ and G₂. During postpartum period, the same results were noticed with decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in GL and glucose concentrations in G₂ as compared to G₁. Concentration of all pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ, was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in G₂ than in G₁ at different peri-parturient times. Milk yield, days in milk, protein and lactose percentages, and IgG concentration were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in G₁ than in G₂. Fat, total solids, solid non-fat, and ash percentages did not show any significant differences between both groups. Reproductive traits, including length of estrous cycle, duration of estrous period, number of services/conception, gestation period, days open, and conception rate, were higher (P < 0.05) in G₁ than in G₂. From the present study can be concluded that pro-inflammatory cytokines may be a necessary test for the early diagnosis to prevent related disease in dromedary camels suffering from reproductive disorders. This study indicated strong relationship between hematological parameters and concentration of blood biochemicals and cytokines with reproductive efficiency in camels, which may be helpful in elucidating the adverse effects associated with reproductive disorders.

Metabolic and Endocrine Role of Adipose Tissue During Lactation

The adipose tissue serves an essential role for survival and reproduction in mammals, especially females. It serves primarily as an energy storage organ and is directly linked to the reproductive success of mammals. In wild animals, adipose tissue function is linked to seasonality of the food supply to support fetal growth and milk production. Adipose tissue depots in ruminants and non-ruminants can secrete many signal molecules (adipokines) that act as hormones and as pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The visceral adipose tissue especially appears to be more endocrinologically active than other adipose depots. The endocrine function is important for the overall long-term regulation of energy metabolism and plays an important role in the adaptation to lactation in many mammalian species, including humans. Furthermore, endocrine signals from adipose tissue depots contribute to fertility modulation, immune function, and inflammatory response. Energy homeostasis is modulated by changes in feed intake, insulin sensitivity, and energy expenditure, processes that can be influenced by adipokines in the brain and in peripheral tissues.

Transcriptome profiling of Staphylococci-infected cow mammary gland parenchyma

BACKGROUND

Genome-wide gene expression profiling allows for identification of genes involved in the defense response of the host against pathogens. As presented here, transcriptomic analysis and bioinformatics tools were applied in order to identify genes expressed in the mammary gland parenchyma of cows naturally infected with coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative Staphylococci.

RESULTS

In cows infected with coagulase-positive Staphylococci, being in 1st or 2nd lactation, 1700 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. However, examination of the 3rd or 4th lactations revealed 2200 DEGs. Gene ontology functional classification showed the molecular functions of the DEGs overrepresented the activity of cytokines, chemokines, and their receptors. In cows infected with coagulase-negative Staphylococci, in the 1st or 2nd lactations 418 DEGs, while in the 3rd or 4th lactations, 1200 DEGs were identified that involved in molecular functions such as protein, calcium ion and lipid binding, chemokine activity, and protein homodimerization. Gene network analysis showed DEGs associated with inflammation, cell migration, and immune response to infection, development of cells and tissues, and humoral responses to infections caused by both types of Staphylococci.

CONCLUSION

A coagulase-positive Staphylococci infection caused a markedly stronger host response than that of coagulase-negative, resulting in vastly increased DEGs. A significant increase in the expression of the FOS, TNF, and genes encoding the major histocompatibility complex proteins (MHC) was observed. It suggests these genes play a key role in the synchronization of the immune response of the cow's parenchyma against mastitis-causing bacteria. Moreover, the following genes that belong to several physiological pathways (KEGG pathways) were selected for further studies as candidate genes of mammary gland immune response for use in Marker Assisted Selection (MAS): chemokine signaling pathway (CCL2, CXCL5, HCK, CCR1), cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) pathway (BOLA-DQA2, BOLA-DQA1, F11R, ITGAL, CD86), antigen processing and presentation pathway (CD8A, PDIA3, LGMN, IFI30, HSPA1A), and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway (TNF, IL8, IL18, NFKBIA).

Advances in lactoferrin research concerning bovine mastitis

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional, iron-binding glycoprotein found in milk and other exocrine secretions. Lactoferrin in milk plays vital roles in the healthy development of newborn mammals, and is also an innate resistance factor involved in the prevention of mammary gland infection by microorganisms. Inflammation of the udder because of bacterial infection is referred to as mastitis. There have been many investigations into the relationships between lactoferrin and mastitis, which fall into several categories. The main categories are fluctuations in the lactoferrin concentration of milk, lactoferrin activity against mastitis pathogens, elucidation of the processes underlying the onset of mastitis, participation of lactoferrin in the immune system, and utilization of lactoferrin in mastitis treatment and prevention. This minireview describes lactoferrin research concerning bovine mastitis. In the 1970s, many researchers reported that the lactoferrin concentration fluctuates in milk from cows with mastitis. From the late 1980s, many studies clarified the infection-defense mechanism in the udder and the contribution of lactoferrin to the immune system. After the year 2000, the processes underlying the onset of mastitis were elucidated in vivo and in vitro, and lactoferrin was applied for the treatment and prevention of mastitis.

Effects of aqueous extracts of Taraxacum Officinale on expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and intracellular adhesion molecule 1 in LPS-stimulated RMMVECs

Background

Mastitis gives rise to big financial burden to farm industry (mainly dairy production) and public health. Its incidence is currently high and therefore, highly effective treatments for therapy, especially with natural products are required. Taraxacum officinale has been reported to use for anti-inflammation. However, its effect on endothelium during mastitis has not been reported.

Methods

We firstly established inflammation experimental model of rat mammary microvascular endothelial cells (RMMVECs). We evaluated the effects of dandelion leaf aqueous extracts (DAE) on LPS-induced production of inflammatory mediators in RMMVECs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. We treated RMMVECs with 1 μg/ml LPS for 4 h and then incubated with 10, 100 and 200 μg/mL DAE for 4, 8, 12 and 24 h. The expression (mRNA and protein level) of targets (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) and Intracellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM1) was analyzed by employing real-time PCR and Western blots. The in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of DAE on mastitis within an Staphylococcus aureus-induced mouse model was also determined.

Results

The obtained results showed that dandelion extracts at the concentration of 100 and 200 μg/mL could significantly inhibit both TNF-α and ICAM-1 expression in all time points checked while 10 μg/mL of dandelion only suppress both expression at 8 and 12 h post-treatment. The in vivo tests showed that the DAE inhibited the expression of TNF-α and ICAM-1 in a time-dependent manner.

Conclusions

All results suggest that the endothelium may use as as a possible target of dandelion for anti-inflammation.

Heavy metal mediated innate immune responses of the Indian green frog, Euphlyctis hexadactylus (Anura: Ranidae): Cellular profiles and associated Th1 skewed cytokine response

Immune cell and cytokine profiles in relation to metal exposure though much studied in mammals has not been adequately investigated in amphibians, due mainly to lack of suitable reagents for cytokine profiling in non-model species. However, interspecies cross reactivity of cytokines permitted us to assay levels of IFNγ, TNFα, IL6 and IL10in a common anuran, the Indian green frog (Euphlyctis hexadactylus), exposed to heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn and Pb, at ~5ppm each) under field and laboratory settings in Sri Lanka. Enumeration of immune cells in blood and melanomacrophages in the liver, assay of serum and hepatic cytokines, and Th1/Th2 cytokine polarisation were investigated. Immune cell counts indicated overall immunosuppression with decreasing total WBC and splenocyte counts while neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio increased with metal exposure, indicating metal mediated stress. Serum IL6 levels of metal exposed frogs reported the highest (~9360pg/mL) of all cytokines tested. Significantly elevated IFNγ production (P<0.05) was evident in heavy metal exposed frogs. Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio in both serum and liver tissue homogenates was Th1 skewed due to significantly higher production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IFNγ in serum and TNFα in the liver (P<0.01).Metal mediated aggregations of melanomacrophages in the liver were positively and significantly (P<0.05) correlated with the hepatic expression of TNFα, IL6 and IL10 activity. Overall, Th1 skewed response may well be due to oxidative stress mediated nuclear factor κ-light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) which enhances the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Xenobiotic stress has recently imposed an unprecedented level of threat to wildlife, particularly to sensitive species such as amphibians. Therefore, understanding the interactions between physiological stress and related immune responses is fundamental to conserve these environmental sentinels in the face of emerging eco-challenges.

Lipopolysaccharide enhances apoptosis of corpus luteum in isolated perfused bovine ovaries in vitro

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the endotoxin of Gram-negative bacteria, has detrimental effects on the structure and function of bovine corpus luteum (CL)in vivo. The objective was to investigate whether these effects were mediated directly by LPS orviaLPS-induced release of PGF2α. Bovine ovaries with a mid-cycle CL were collected immediately after slaughter and isolated perfused for 240 min. After 60 min of equilibration, LPS (0.5 μg/ml) was added to the medium of five ovaries, whereas an additional six ovaries were not treated with LPS (control). After 210 min of perfusion, all ovaries were treated with 500 iu of hCG. In the effluent perfusate, concentrations of progesterone (P4) and PGF2αwere measured every 10 and 30 min, respectively. Punch biopsies of the CL were collected every 60 min and used for RT-qPCR to evaluate mRNA expression of receptors for LPS (TLR2,-4) and LH (LHCGR); the cytokineTNFA; steroidogenic (STAR,HSD3B), angiogenic (VEGFA121,FGF2), and vasoactive (EDN1) factors; and factors of prostaglandin synthesis (PGES,PGFS,PTGFR) and apoptosis (CASP3,-8,-9). Treatment with LPS abolished the hCG-induced increase in P4(P≤0.05); however, there was a tendency (P=0.10) for increased release of PGF2αat 70 min after LPS challenge. Furthermore, mRNA abundance ofTLR2,TNFA,CASP3,CASP8,PGES,PGFS, andVEGFA121increased (P≤0.05) after LPS treatment, whereas all other factors remained unchanged (P>0.05). In conclusion, reduced P4responsiveness to hCG in LPS-treated ovariesin vitrowas not due to reduced steroidogenesis, but was attributed to enhanced apoptosis. However, an impact of luteal PGF2αcould not be excluded.

Chemerin is a novel regulator of lactogenesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells

Chemerin is a chemoattractant cytokine (chemokine) produced by adipocytes and hepatocytes; it regulates insulin sensitivity and adipocyte differentiation. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chemerin on the expression of genes related to lactogenesis and the regulators of chemerin signaling in a bovine mammary epithelial cell line (MAC-T). Two types of chemerin receptors, chemokine like-receptor 1 (CMKLR1) and chemokine (C-C motif) receptor-like 2 (CCRL2), were detected in cultured MAC-T cells, whereas chemerin was not detected. G protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPR1), another receptor of chemerin, was undetectable in MAC-T cells. Chemerin upregulated transcript expression of CMKLR1, CCRL2, and genes associated with fatty acid synthesis, glucose uptake, insulin signaling, and casein synthesis in MAC-T cells. Lactogenic hormones (insulin, growth hormone, and prolactin) downregulated the expression of CMKLR1 in MAC-T cells. Adiponectin suppressed CMKLR1 expression. TNF-α suppressed CMKLR1, but induced CCRL2 expression. These data suggest chemerin is a novel regulator of lactogenesis via its own receptor in bovine mammary epithelial cells.

Alterations of Innate Immunity Reactants in Transition Dairy Cows before Clinical Signs of Lameness

The objectives of this study were to evaluate metabolic and innate immunity alterations in the blood of transition dairy cows before, during, and after diagnosis of lameness during periparturient period. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vain once per week before morning feeding from 100 multiparous Holstein dairy cows during -8, -4, disease diagnosis, and +4 weeks (wks) relative to parturition. Six healthy cows (CON) and six cows that showed clinical signs of lameness were selected for intensive serum analyses. Concentrations of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), lactate, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) were measured in serum by ELISA or colorimetric methods. Health status, DMI, rectal temperature, milk yield, and milk composition also were monitored for each cow during the whole experimental period. Results showed that cows affected by lameness had greater concentrations of lactate, IL-6, and SAA in the serum vs. CON cows. Concentrations of TNF tended to be greater in cows with lameness compared with CON. In addition, there was a health status (Hs) by time (week) interaction for IL-1, TNF, and Hp in lameness cows vs. CON ones. Enhanced serum concentrations of lactate, IL-6, and SAA at -8 and -4 wks before parturition were different in cows with lameness as compared with those of the CON group. The disease was also associated with lowered overall milk production and DMI as well as milk fat and fat-to-protein ratio. In conclusion, cows affected postpartum by lameness had alterations in several serum variables related to innate immunity and carbohydrate metabolism that give insights into the etiopathogenesis of the disease and might serve to monitor health status of transition dairy cows in the near future.

Angiopoietin-like protein 2 may mediate the inflammation in murine mastitis through the activation of interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α

Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland. Recent research has shown that Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) is a key inflammatory mediator. In the present study, we tested whether there is a correlation between increased ANGPTL2 expression and inflammation in response to Staphylococcus aureus in murine mastitis and the mechanisms involved. Thirty mice were divided into two groups: blank control group, challenged group. The entire infused mammary glands were removed to observe the changes of histopathology, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, production of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6, and genes expression of ANGPTL2, TNF-α and IL-6. In challenged group, the structure of mammary glands was damaged and the large areas of cell fragments were observed. The MPO activity, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations, ANGPTL2, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA levels were significantly elevated in challenged group compared with blank control group. The present findings indicate ANGPTL2 may mediate the inflammation in murine mastitis through the activation of IL-6 and TNF-α.

Low expression of the antibacterial factor L-amino acid oxidase in bovine mammary gland

In the mouse, L-amino acid oxidase (LAO) produces hydrogen peroxide by utilizing free amino acids and is a proven antibacterial factor in mammary glands. Mastitis, a bacterial infection of the mammary gland, is the most frequent disease in dairy cattle. Here, we investigate whether LAO is expressed in the mammary gland of dairy cattle and is antibacterial. In dairy cattle, the expression level of LAO mRNA in the mammary gland was considerably lower than that in mice, and LAO activity was not observed in cattle milk that produced hydrogen peroxide. The expression of LAO mRNA was also low in Japanese Black cattle, the same as in Holstein cattle. A higher LAO mRNA expression was observed in the mastitis glands than in the lactating glands. Furthermore, spleen and lymph nodes expressed high levels of LAO mRNA in dairy cattle. We conclude that mammary glands in dairy cattle have lower ability to express the LAO gene compared to that in mice, which may result in a high incidence of mastitis.

The association between tumor necrosis factor alpha promoter polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies investigating the association between tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha promoter polymorphisms and ankylosing spondylitis have reported conflicting results. We here performed a meta-analysis based on the evidence currently available from the literature to make a more precise estimation of this relationship.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of the National Library of Medline and Embase databases before January 2013. This meta-analysis included 14 case-control studies, which included 1607 ankylosing spondylitis cases and 1910 controls.

RESULTS

The combined results based on all studies showed that ankylosing spondylitis cases had a significantly lower frequency of -308GA [OR (codominant model)=0.81, 95% CI=0.66, 0.99, P=0.04], -857CT [OR (codominant model)=0.55, 95% CI=0.32, 0.94, P=0.03], -863AA [OR (codominant model)=0.11, 95% CI=0.01, 0.94, P=0.04], -863CA [OR (codominant model)=0.32, 95% CI=0.18, 0.58, P<0.001], and -1031TC [OR (codominant model)=0.44, 95% CI=0.25, 0.77, P=0.004] genotype. However, ankylosing spondylitis cases had a significantly higher frequency of -238AA [OR (recessive model)=7.43, 95% CI=3.66, 15.05, P<0.001] and -850TT [OR (recessive model)=2.49, 95% CI=1.16, 5.34, P=0.02; OR (codominant model)=2.83, 95% CI=1.28, 6.25, P=0.01] genotype. In the subgroup analysis by race, we found that ankylosing spondylitis cases had a significantly higher frequency of -238AA [OR (recessive model)=7.43, 95% CI=3.66, 15.05, P<0.001] genotype in Caucasians and lower frequency of -857CT [OR (codominant model)=0.53, 95% CI=0.30, 0.94, P=0.03] in Asians.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggests that TNF-alpha promoter polymorphisms at positions -238, -308, -850, -857, -863 and -1031 could have a small influence on ankylosing spondylitis susceptibility. But there is a lack of association of the TNF-alpha-376G/A and -646G/A polymorphisms with ankylosing spondylitis.

Identification of immune traits correlated with dairy cow health, reproduction and productivity

Detailed biological analyses (e.g. epidemiological, genetic) of animal health and fitness in the field are limited by the lack of large-scale recording of individual animals. An alternative approach is to identify immune traits that are associated with these important functions and can be subsequently used in more detailed studies. We have used an experimental dairy herd with uniquely dense phenotypic data to identify a range of potentially useful immune traits correlated with enhanced (or depressed) health and fitness. Blood samples from 248 dairy cows were collected at two-monthly intervals over a 10-month period and analysed for a number of immune traits, including levels of serum proteins associated with the innate immune response and circulating leukocyte populations. Immune measures were matched to individual cow records related to productivity, fertility and disease. Correlations between traits were calculated using bivariate analyses based on animal repeatability and random regression models with a Bonferroni correction to account for multiple testing. A number of significant correlations were found between immune traits and other recorded traits including: CD4⁺:CD8⁺ T lymphocyte ratio and subclinical mastitis; % CD8⁺ lymphocytes and fertility; % CD335⁺ natural killer cells and lameness episodes; and serum haptoglobin levels and clinical mastitis. Importantly these traits were not associated with reduced productivity and, in the case of cellular immune traits, were highly repeatable. Moreover these immune traits displayed significant between-animal variation suggesting that they may be altered by genetic selection. This study represents the largest simultaneous analysis of multiple immune traits in dairy cattle to-date and demonstrates that a number of immune traits are associated with health events. These traits represent useful selection markers for future programmes aimed at improving animal health and fitness.

Inflammation and liver tumorigenesis

Inflammation has been considered as one of the hallmarks of cancer, and chronic hepatitis is a major cause of liver cancer. This review will focus on the pathogenic role of inflammation in hepatocarcinogenesis and will discuss recent advances in understanding the chronic hepatitis-liver cancer link based on hot spots in liver cancer research, including cellular interaction, cytokines, microRNA and stem cells. All of these mechanisms should be taken into consideration because they are crucial for the development of more efficacious therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating human chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Transcriptional profiling of the bovine hepatic response to experimentally induced E. coli mastitis

The mammalian liver works to keep the body in a state of homeostasis and plays an important role in systemic acute phase response to infections. In this study we investigated the bovine hepatic acute phase response at the gene transcription level in dairy cows with experimentally Escherichia coli-induced mastitis. At time = 0, each of 16 periparturient dairy cows received 20-40 colony-forming units of live E. coli in one front quarter of the udder. A time series of liver biopsies was collected at -144, 12, 24, and 192 h relative to time of inoculation. Changes in transcription levels in response to E. coli inoculation were analyzed using the Bovine Genome Array and tested significant for 408 transcripts over the time series [adjusted p ≤ 0.05, abs(fold-change) > 2]. After 2-D clustering, transcripts represented three distinct transcription profiles: 1) regulation of gene transcription and apoptosis, 2) responses to cellular stress invoked by reactive metabolites, and 3) metabolism and turnover of proteins. The results showed that the liver went through a period of perturbations to its normal homeostatic condition during the first 24 h following the E. coli-induced intra-mammary inflammation. In previous studies, bacterial lipopolysaccharide, LPS, was used for intramammary stimulation to mimic E. coli infection. Comparing responses to LPS and E. coli, induced biochemical processes were similar but not identical (94 and 85% similarity between corresponding samples at early and late acute phase, respectively), but their kinetics were not. A notable difference concerned transcription of factors associated with oxidative stress in E. coli-induced liver responses.

Alpha-Tocopherol Alters Transcription Activities that Modulates Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) Induced Inflammatory Response in Bovine Cells

To further investigate the potential role of α-tocopherol in maintaining immuno-homeostasis in bovine cells (Madin-Darby bovine kidney epithelial cell line), we undertook in vitro experiments using recombinant TNF-α as an immuno-stimulant to simulate inflammation response in cells with or without α-tocopherol pre-treatment. Using microarray global-profiling and IPA (Ingenuity Pathways Analysis, Ingenuity^® Systems, http://www.ingenuity.com) data analysis on TNF-α-induced gene perturbation in those cells, we focused on determining whether α-tocopherol treatment of normal bovine cells in a standard cell culture condition can modify cell’s immune response induced by TNF-α challenge. When three datasets were filtered and compared using IPA, there were a total of 1750 genes in all three datasets for comparison, 97 genes were common in all three sets; 615 genes were common in at least two datasets; there were 261 genes unique in TNF-α challenge, 399 genes were unique in α-tocopherol treatment, and 378 genes were unique in the α-tocopherol plus TNF-α treatment. TNF-α challenge induced significant change in gene expression. Many of those genes induced by TNF-α are related to the cells immune and inflammatory responses. The results of IPA data analysis showed that α-tocopherol-pretreatment of cells modulated cell’s response to TNF-α challenge. In most of the canonical pathways, α-tocopherol pretreatment showed the antagonistic effect against the TNF-α-induced pro-inflammatory responses. We concluded that α-tocopherol pre-treatment has a significant antagonistic effect that modulates the cell’s response to the TNF-α challenge by altering the gene expression activities of some important signaling molecules.