Immunomodulatory Effects of a Bioactive Compound Isolated from Dryopteris crassirhizoma on the Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) as adjuvant enhances the immune effects of Aeromonas veronii inactivated vaccine in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) has emerged as a significant economic fish species, with a rise in Aeromonas veronii infections in farming. However, research on adjuvants for vaccines against A. veronii in largemouth bass remains scarce. In present study, recombinant largemouth bass IL-1β (LbIL-1β) was expressed to explore its adjuvant effect on the A. veronii inactivated vaccine. Following vaccination with recombinant LbIL-1β (rLbIL-1β) and the inactivated A. veronii, higher serum SOD levels and lysozyme activities were observed in largemouth bass from inactivated A. veronii + rLbIL-1β vaccinated group. Furthermore, it was discovered that rLbIL-1β was able to boost the serum-specific antibody levels induced by the inactivated A. veronii. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that rLbIL-1β also enhanced the expression of IgM, CD4, and MHC II in largemouth bass triggered by the inactivated A. veronii. After challenged with live A. veronii, the outcomes demonstrated that the relative percentage survival (RPS) for largemouth bass resulting from the inactivated A. veronii in combination with rLbIL-1β was 76.67 %, surpassing the RPS of 60 % in the inactivated A. veronii group. Collectively, these findings indicate that rLbIL-1β enhances the protective effect of the A. veronii inactivated vaccine on largemouth bass, showcasing potential as an adjuvant for further development.

Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai.: A review of its botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, toxicology and pharmacokinetics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai., a commonly used herb, is known as "Guan Zhong" in China, "Oshida" in Japan and "Gwanjung" in Korea. It has long been used for parasitic infestation, hemorrhages and epidemic influenza.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The present paper aims to provide an up-to-date review at the advancements of the investigations on the traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, toxicology and pharmacokinetics of D. crassirhizoma. Besides, possible trends, therapeutic potentials, and perspectives for future research of this plant are also briefly discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant information on traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, toxicology and pharmacokinetics of D. crassirhizoma was collected through published materials and electronic databases, including the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Flora of China, Web of Science, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. 109 papers included in the article and we determined that no major information was missing after many checks. All authors participated in the review process for this article and all research paper are from authoritative published materials and electronic databases.

RESULTS

130 chemical components, among which phloroglucinols are the predominant groups, have been isolated and identified from D. crassirhizoma. D. crassirhizoma with its bioactive compounds is possessed of extensive biological activities, including anti-parasite, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, bone protective, immunomodulatory, anti-platelet and anti-hyperuricemia activity. Besides, D. crassirhizoma has special toxicology and pharmacokinetics characterization.

CONCLUSIONS

D. crassirhizoma is a traditional Chinese medicine having a long history of application. This review mainly summarized the different chemical components extract from D. crassirhizoma and various reported pharmacological effects. Besides, the toxicology and pharmacokinetics of D. crassirhizoma also be analysed in this review. However, the chemical components of D. crassirhizoma are understudied and require further research to expand its medicinal potential, and it is urgent to design a new extraction scheme, so that the active ingredients can be obtained at a lower cost.

Comparison of Constituents and Antioxidant Activity of Above-Ground and Underground Parts of Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS and UPLC/Q-TOF-MS

Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai is a Chinese traditional medicinal fern plant for heat-clearing and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation and dissipating blood stasis. Previous researches showed that many factors could influence the components of medicinal plants, and the plant part is one of the main factors. So far, only the underground part of D. crassirhizoma, called “Mianma Guanzhong”, has been widely sold in the market. However, the above-ground part was usually at low utilization, resulting in a waste of medicinal resources. In order to further develop and utilize the medicinal resources of D. crassirhizoma, the constituents, total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of the above-ground and underground parts of D. crassirhizoma were tentatively analyzed and compared based on HS-SPME-GC-MS and UPLC/Q-TOF-MS. The results showed that (1) the volatile components were mainly focused in the above-ground part of D. crassirhizoma, including 3-carene, isoledene, ionene, 4-amino-1-naphthol and furfural. (2) Nonvolatile components of the underground part of D. crassirhizoma contained phenolic acid, flavonoids, phloroglucinol and less fatty acid. (3) The common compounds of the above-ground and underground parts of D. crassirhizoma were phenolic acid and flavaspidic acid AB. (4) Antioxidant activity of the underground part was stronger than that of the above-ground part of D. crassirhizoma. In conclusion, both the above-ground and underground parts of D. crassirhizoma are important medicinal resources worthy of further development.

Microbiota composition and intestinal integrity remain unaltered after the inclusion of hydrolysed Nannochloropsis gaditana in Sparus aurata diet

The use of lysed microalgae in the diet of carnivorous fish can increase the bioavailability of proteins and bioactive compounds, such as unsaturated fatty acids or vitamins in the digestive tract. These are essential molecules for the proper physiological development of fish in aquaculture. However, some antinutritional components and other undesirable molecules can be released from an excess of microalgae supplied, compromising the integrity of the intestine. The inclusion of small amounts of hydrolized microalgae in the fish diet can be a good strategy to avoid negative effects, improving the availability of beneficial compounds. Nannochloropsis gaditana is an interesting microalgae as it contains nutraceuticals. Previous studies reported beneficial effects after its inclusion in the diet of Sparus aurata, a widely cultured species in Europe and in all Mediterranean countries. However, administration of raw microalgae can produce intestinal inflammation, increased intestinal permeability, bacterial translocation and disturbance of digestion and absorption processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the intestinal microbiota and barrier stability of S. aurata fed with low inclusion (5%) hydrolysed N. gaditana. Intestinal microbiota was analyzed using Illumina MiSeq technology and libraries were constructed using variable regions V3–V4 of 16S rDNA molecules. Analysis were based in the identification, quantification and comparison of sequences. The predictive intestinal microbial functionality was analyzed with PICRUSt software. The results determined that the intestinal microbiota bacterial composition and the predictive intestinal microbiota functionality did not change statistically after the inclusion of N. gaditana on the diet. The study of gene expression showed that genes involved in intestinal permeability and integrity were not altered in fish treated with the experimental diet. The potential functionality and bacterial taxonomic composition of the intestinal microbiota, and the expression of integrity and permeability genes in the intestine of the carnivorous fish S. aurata were not affected by the inclusion of hydrolysed 5% N. gaditana microalgae.

Immunomodulatory effects of standardized extract of Curcuma mangga val. on cytokines, antibody and delayed-type hypersensitivity response in Wistar rats

Background and purpose:

Recently, we have highlighted the immunomodulatory activity of Curcuma mangga Val. on phagocytosis ability. The current study was conducted to determine the immunomodulatory effects of the standardized extract of C. mangga rhizomes by in vitro and in vivo studies.

Experimental approach:

The C. mangga extract was standardized according to a guideline for herbal preparation. The extract was investigated for its immunomodulatory effects on gene expression of cytokines, cytokines and antibody production as well as delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response. The gene expression of cytokines on lipopolysaccharide-induced-RAW 264.7 cells was analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. The effect of the extract on DTH response was investigated by the paw edema method, meanwhile the effects of the extract on antibody and cytokine production from normal and cyclophosphamide-induced Salmonella typhimurium infected rats were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Findings/Results:

The extract of C. mangga demonstrated an inhibitory effect on gene expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 as compared to lipopolysaccharide-induced cells. The extract also depicted inhibitory activity on IL-4 production as compared to the negative control. Whereas, the DTH response and production of immunoglobulin G from both groups after treatment with C. mangga extract were higher than those of negative control (P < 0.05).

Conclusion and implications:

The results indicated that the C. mangga extract has immunomodulatory effects, emphasizing its potential to be developed as immunotherapeutic agent.

Screening of immuno-modulatory potential of different herbal plant extracts using striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) leukocyte-based in vitro tests

Many medicinal plants have been shown to possess biological effects, including immuno-modulatory activities on human and other mammals. However, studies about the potential mechanisms of plant extracts on the humoral and tissular immunities in fish have received less attention. This study aimed to screen the immunestimulating properties of 20 ethanol plant extracts on striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus leukocytes. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and head kidney leukocytes (HKLs) of striped catfish (50 ± 5 g per fish) were stimulated at 10 and 100 μg of each plant extract per mL of cell culture medium. Several humoral immune parameters (lysozyme, complement and total immunoglobulin) were examined at 24-h post stimulation (hps). Furthermore, the responses of four cytokine genes, namely il1β, ifrγ 2a and b, and mhc class II were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hps. The results showed that lysozyme, complement as well as total immunoglobulin levels in both PBMCs and HKLs were regulated by some of the plant extracts tested in a concentration-dependent manner; some plant extracts induced the highest immune responses at the low dose (10 μg mL^-1) while others were more efficient at high dose (100 μg mL^-1). Among the extracts, five extracts including garlic Allium sativum L. (As), neem Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Ai), asthma-plant Euphorbia hirta L. (Eh), bhumi amla Phyllanthus amarus Schum. et Thonn (Pa), and ginger Zingiber officinale Rosc (Zo) induced significant changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine (il1β), antiviral cytokines (ifrγ 2a and b) and adaptive immune cytokine (mhc class II) in striped catfish cells. Pa always modulated the strongest expression of the four cytokines in PBMCs and HKLs over the whole experimental period (p < 0.05), whereas Zo did not stimulate the mhc class II expression in striped catfish leukocytes throughout experimental periods. These in vitro results demonstrated that some plant extracts could differently modulate great potential immune response in fish, supporting their applications in further in vivo experiments.

Nutraceutical Characteristics of Ancient Malus x domestica Borkh. Fruits Recovered across Siena in Tuscany

Background: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables contributes to lowering the risk of chronic diseases. The fruits of Malus x domestica are a rich dietary source of bioactive compounds, namely vitamins and antioxidants, with recognized action on human health protection. Tuscany is known for its rich plant biodiversity, especially represented by ancient varieties of fruit trees. Particularly noteworthy are the many ancient Tuscan varieties of apple trees. Methods: Sugar quantification via HPLC and spectrophotometric assays to quantify the antioxidant power and total polyphenol content revealed interesting differences in 17 old varieties of Malus x domestica Borkh. recovered in Siena (Tuscany). Results: The quantification of antioxidants, polyphenols, and the main free sugars revealed that their content in the old fruits was often superior to the widespread commercial counterparts ('Red Delicious' and 'Golden Delicious'). Such differences were, in certain cases, dramatic, with 8-fold higher values. Differences were also present for sugars and fibers (pectin). Most ancient fruits displayed low values of glucose and high contents of xylitol and pectin. Conclusions: The results reported here suggest the possible use of ancient apple varieties from Siena for nutraceutical purposes and draw attention to the valorization of local old varieties.

The Immunomodulatory Activities of Picria Fel-Terrae Lour Herbs towards RAW 264.7 Cells

AIM:

To investigate immunomodulatory activities of Picria fel-terrae Lour herbs extract against inflammatory biomarkers by conducting cell culture experiments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

The herbs of Picria fel-terrae Lour were dried and extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, 96% ethanol, followed by evaporation and freeze-drying. Phytochemicals screening were analysed with thin layer chromatography method. Cell viability was assessed with MTT assay. The genes of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-6, interleukin (IL)-1β and inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS), Cyclooxygenase (COX-2) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages were analysed by Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) method.

RESULTS:

Phytochemicals screening showed the presence of steroids in n-hexane extract (ENPFH) and flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins in ethyl acetate (EEAPFH) and ethanol (EEPFH) extracts. The Viability of RAW 264.7 cell toward ENPFH, EEAPFH, and EEPFH (1-200 μgmL^-1) showed no toxicity effects. At the gene level, ENPFH; EEAPFH; EEPFH decreased the gene expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS, and COX-2 which induced with LPS (1 μgmL-1).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest that extracts of Picria fel-terrae Lour Herbs possesses immunomodulatory activities by inhibiting selected inflammatory biomarkers at the gene levels in LPS-induced macrophages.

Immunomodulatory effects of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaf extract and its derivative compound, rhodomyrtone, on head kidney macrophages of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa is a medicinal plant that shows biological effects including immunomodulatory activity on human and other mammals but not in fish. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro immunomodulatory effects of R. tomentosa leaf extract and its active compound, rhodomyrtone, on the immune responses, using rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) head kidney (HK) macrophages as a model. The tested immune functions included the expression of genes involved in innate immune and inflammatory responses and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Gene expression was evaluated after exposure to 10 μg mL^-1 of R. tomentosa and 1 μg mL^-1 of rhodomyrtone for 4 and 24 h. R. tomentosa and rhodomyrtone induced changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (il1β, il8, and tnfα), anti-inflammatory cytokines (il10 and tgfβ), inducible enzymes (inos, cox2, and arginase), and an antioxidant enzyme (gpx1). Co-exposure of R. tomentosa with LPS resulted in a prominent reduction in the expression of genes related to an inflammatory process (il1β, il8, tnfα, inos, saa, hepcidin, and gpx1), suggesting anti-inflammatory effects. Similarly, co-exposure of rhodomyrtone with LPS led to a downregulation of inflammation-related genes (il1β, inos, saa, and hepcidin). In addition, exposure to both natural plant products caused a reduction in cellular ROS levels by HK macrophages. The present results indicate that R. tomentosa and rhodomyrtone exerted immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects on fish macrophages, thus opening up the possibility of using these natural products to further develop immunostimulants for health management in aquaculture.

Immunological responses and disease resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles following dietary administration of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on growth performance, skin mucus, immune response and disease resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed with diets supplemented with U. dioica at 0, 1, 2 and 3%. After 8 weeks of feeding, the addition of U. dioica at 3% level resulted in improved weight gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio significantly when compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Hematological responses including: hematocrit (Htc), hemoglobin (Hb), lymphocyte and neutrophil populations enhanced significantly in fish fed 3% of stinging nettle when measured after 4 weeks; while, total red blood cells, white blood, Htc, Hb, lymphocyte and neutrophil populations significantly increased after 8 weeks in the same group (P < 0.05). Total serum protein and glucose contents increased significantly in fish fed stinging nettle at 3% when compared to the other groups after 8 weeks; however, triglycerides decreased significantly in the same group on the 4th and 8th week (P < 0.05). Additionally, several immune parameters, namely, IgM, lysozyme, complement components C3 and C4, and respiratory burst of blood leukocytes significantly increased in the 3% fed group on the 4th week; while, after 8 weeks the immune responses enhanced in fish fed 2 and 3% diets (P < 0.05). At the end of the feeding trial, mucus samples obtained from the fish fed stinging nettle supplementation exhibited improved antagonistic activities against several bacterial pathogens (Streptococcus iniae, Yersinia ruckeri, Vibrio anguillarum and Lactococcus garviae), skin mucus enzymes activities (alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme, protease and esterase) and protein levels in 2 and 3% groups with the highest being in case of 3% group when compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). The cumulative mortality of rainbow trout subjected to Y. ruckeri infectious exhibited relatively low mortality levels in all supplemented groups with the lowest being in fish fed 3% stinging nettle. The present findings demonstrated that dietary administration of U. dioica enhanced growth and stimulated fish immunity; thus, enabling the fish to be more resistant against bacterial infections.

Effects of dietary supplementation with fenugreek seeds, alone or in combination with probiotics, on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) skin mucosal immunity

Despite increasing interest in modulating the immune response of fish, providing a combination of probiotics and herbal immunostimulants in aquafeed has rarely has been studied. The effects on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) of the dietary administration of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds alone (FE), or combined with one of the following probiotic strains: Bacillus licheniformis (FEBL), Lactobacillus plantarum (FELP) or Bacillus subtilis (FEBS) were evaluated. Fish were fed a control or one of the supplemented diets for 3 weeks. After 2 and 3 weeks of the feeding trial, the abundance of terminal carbohydrates, IgM levels, enzymatic activities (proteases, alkaline phosphatase, esterase and ceruloplasmin) and bactericidal activity were determined in skin mucus. Our results demonstrated that the dietary administration of FE in combination with L. plantarum, particularly, increased carbohydrate abundance, the activity of certain enzymes such as ceruloplasmin, and bactericidal activity against the pathogenic bacterium Photobacterium damselae and the non-pathogenic bacterium B. subtilis in skin mucus at the end of the trial. The carbohydrates most affected by the FELP diet were mannose/glucose, N-acetyl-d-galactosamine and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosamine. Interestingly, IgM levels were significantly higher in fish fed the FELP and FEBS diets whilst protease activity generally increased in all supplemented diets, which could suggests that the main effect in this activity was to the result of FE supplementation although that fact cannot be confirmed because the effects of probiotics addition alone were not studied. These results suggest that the combined dietary administration of fenugreek and L. plantarum will best enhance the skin mucosal immunity response of gilthead seabream.

Role of dietary ginger Zingiber officinale in improving growth performances and immune functions of Labeo rohita fingerlings

This study evaluated the effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) as a feeding supplement on the growth, skin mucus immune parameters, and cytokine-related gene expression of Labeo rohita, and its susceptibility to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Diets containing six different concentrations of dried ginger (0% [basal diet], 0.2% [G2], 0.4% [G4], 0.6% [G6], 0.8% [G8], and 1.0% [G10] were fed to fish (average weight: 12.3 g) for 60 days. Growth parameters were examined at 30 and 60 days post-feeding. Skin mucosal immune responses and gene expression were examined 60 days post-feeding. Results showed that growth parameters such as final weight gain (93.47 ± 1.73 g) and specific growth rate (3.41 ± 0.14) were significantly higher in G8 than in the control. Among the skin mucosal immune parameters examined, lysozyme (46.5 ± 3.8 U mg(-1)), immunoglobulin level (8.9 ± 0.4 unit-mg mL(-1)), protein level (44.3 ± 2.2 mg mL(-1)) were significantly higher in G8. However, alkaline phosphatase activity (171.6 ± 10.2 IU L(-1)) was high (P < 0.05) in the G10 group. Skin mucus of G8 exhibited significantly higher inhibition zones when tested against pathogenic bacterial strains. For cytokine-related genes, anti-oxidant genes (zinc/copper superoxide dismutase [SOD1], glutathione peroxidase [GPx], anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-10 [IL-10], transforming growth factor-beta [TGF-β]), signalling molecules nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 [Nrf2], and Inhibitor protein κBα [IκB-α]) were all up-regulated in the head kidney, intestine, and hepatopancreas of fish that were fed experimental diets. In addition, expression abundance was significantly higher in most tissues in G2 and/or G10, than in the control. Conversely, expression of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), signalling molecules Kelch-like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κBp65) were down-regulated in treatment groups. Moreover, fish fed a 0.8% [G8] ginger supplemented diet exhibited significantly higher relative post-challenge survival (65.52%) against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Collectively, these results suggest that dietary supplements of ginger (at 0.8%) can promote growth performance, skin mucus immune parameters, and strengthen immunity of L. rohita. Therefore, ginger represents a promising food additive for carps in aquaculture.