Human herpesvirus 7 meningitis in an adolescent with normal immune function:A case report

BACKGROUND Human herpesvirus type 7(HHV-7)is a less common herpes virus that usually causes mild,self-limiting illnesses.However,in recent years,there have been increasing reports of HHV-7 causing serious central nervous system infections,especially meningitis.The pathogenesis and clinical features of HHV-7 meningitis,particularly in adolescents with normal immune function,remain incompletely studied.Therefore,the purpose of this report is to share a case of HHV-7 meningitis in an immunocompetent adolescent with a view to deepening our understanding of the disease.CASE SUMMARY A 12-year-old female was admitted with fever,headache,and vomiting.4 d before admission,the patient developed a fever without obvious induction,with a temperature up to 39.5℃,no convulsions,accompanied by chills,headaches,fatigue,and no muscle aches.The patient was treated with fever reduction,which could be reduced to 38℃;repeated high fever,accompanied by vomiting 7-8 times;and no abdominal pain or diarrhea.The patient was diagnosed with"acute suppurative tonsillitis"in a local hospital,and the blood routine was generally normal.The patient was given symptomatic support treatment such as"ceftriaxone sodium"and antiemetic rehydration for 2 d,and his condition did not improve.The patient's physical examination showed pharyngeal congestion,bilateral tonsil grade I hypertrophy,regression of purulent secretions,and cervical resistance.Ocular B-ultrasound:Opacity of the vitreous body and edema of the optic disc in both eyes.Optical coherence tomography examination showed that the macular fovea was generally normal in both eyes,with edema of the optic disc.DNA virus monitoring results:HHV-7.We gave ganciclovir antiviral therapy,dexamethasone anti-inflammatory treatment,mannitol to reduce cranial pressure,omeprazole to protect gastrointestinal mucosa,and calcium and potassium supplementation.CONCLUSION This study reports a case of HHV-7 meningitis in an adolescent with normal immune function.Through comprehensive analysis of the clinical manifestations,laboratory tests,and treatment methods of the patient,it is found that early identification and antiviral treatment are essential for the outcome of the disease.This case suggests that despite normal immune function,adolescents may still suffer from herpes virus type 7 meningitis,so clinicians should be vigilant and take effective treatment measures in time.

Clinical effect of spleen aminopeptide on improving liver function damage and immune function in children with infant hepatitis syndrome

BACKGROUND Infant hepatitis syndrome(IHS)is a clinical syndrome in infants less than one year of age with generalized skin jaundice,abnormal liver function,and hepato-megaly due to various etiologies such as infection.AIM To investigate the effect of IHS patients,after treatment with arsphenamine-based peptides,on patients'liver function damage and immune function.METHODS Of 110 patients with IHS treated in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 were grouped according to the randomized residual grouping method,with 5 cases in each group shed due to transfer,etc.Ultimately,50 cases remained in each group.The control group was treated with reduced glutathione,and the treat-ment group was treated with sesquiterpene peptide based on the control group.Observe and compare the differences in indicators after treatment.RESULTS The comparison of serum total bilirubin,direct bilirubin,and serum alanine transferase after treatment was significantly different and lower in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05).The comparison of CD4+,CD3+,CD4+/CD8+after treatment was significantly different and higher in the treatment group than in the control group,and the comparison was statist-ically significant(P<0.05).The complication of the two groups showed that the rash,cough and sputum,elevated platelets,and gastrointestinal reactions in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant by test(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The comparative study of IHS treated with arsphenamine combined with reduced glutathione is more effective.

Effect of Shortening Day Length on Immune Function in Siberian Hamsters

In order to understand the effect of gradual changes in photoperiod on immune function, adult female Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) were randomly divided into the control group (12L:12D, Con, n = 11) and the shortening day length group (SD, n = 11), in which day length was reduced from 12:12 h to 8:16 h light-dark cycle at the pace of half an hour every week. Meanwhile the winter immunoenhancement hypothesis, which holds that animals’ immune function would be enhanced in winter or winter-like conditions, was tested. Gradual shortening day length had no effect on body mass and body composition including wet carcass mass, the subcutaneous, retroperitoneal, mesenteric and total body fat masses in Siberian hamsters. The masses of liver and small intestine with contents were higher in the SD group than in the Con group, however other organ masses such as brain, heart, kidney and so on did not differ between the two groups. Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) response after 24 h of PHA injection was enhanced by the shortening photoperiod, which supported the winter immunoenhancement hypothesis. The masses of spleen and thymus, white blood cells, bacteria killing capacity indicative of innate immunity were not affected, which did not support this hypothesis. In summary, gradually decrease in day length increased cellular immunity, but had no effect on other immunological parameters in Siberian hamsters.

Effects of Tongluo Jiedu prescription on immune function and oxidative stress in patients with oral cancer

BACKGROUND Oral cancer,which is caused by mucous membrane variation,represents a prevalent malignant tumor in the oral and maxillofacial region,posing a significant threat to patients’lives and safety.While surgical intervention stands as a cornerstone treatment for oral cancer patients,it carries the risk of incomplete treatment or high rates of postoperative recurrence.Hence,a multifaceted approach incorporating diverse treatment modalities is essential to enhance patient prognosis.AIM To analyze the application effect of Tongluo Jiedu prescription as adjuvant therapy and its influence on patient prognosis in patients with oral cancer.METHODS Eighty oral cancer patients in our hospital were selected and divided into the observation group and control group by a random number table.The control group was treated with continuous arterial infusion chemotherapy of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.The observation group was additionally given Tongluo Jiadu prescription.The inflammatory stress level,peripheral blood T-cell subsets,and immune function of the two groups were subsequently observed.SPSS 21.0 was used for data analysis.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated lower levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein,and a higher level of tumor necrosis factor in comparison to the control group.After treatment,the immune function in the observation group was significantly better than in the control group.CONCLUSION Tongluo Jiedu prescription can improve the immune function and oxidative stress level of patients with oral cancer and accelerate the recovery process.

Impact of nutritional support on immunity,nutrition,inflammation,and outcomes in elderly gastric cancer patients after surgery

BACKGROUND Postoperative rehabilitation of elderly patients with gastric cancer has always been the focus of clinical attention.Whether the intervention by a full-course nutritional support team can have a positive impact on the postoperative immune function,nutritional status,inflammatory response,and clinical outcomes of this special population has not yet been fully verified.AIM To evaluate the impact of full-course nutritional support on postoperative comprehensive symptoms in elderly patients with gastric cancer.METHODS This is a retrospective study,including 60 elderly gastric cancer patients aged 70 years and above,divided into a nutritional support group and a control group.The nutritional support group received full postoperative nutritional support,including individualized meal formulation,and intravenous and parenteral nutrition supplementation,and was regularly evaluated and adjusted by a professional nutrition team.The control group received routine postoperative care.RESULTS After intervention,the proportion of CD4+lymphocytes(25.3%±3.1%vs 21.8%±2.9%,P<0.05)and the level of immunoglobulin G(12.5 G/L±2.3 G/L vs 10.2 G/L±1.8 G/L,P<0.01)were significantly higher in the nutritional support group than in the control group;the changes in body weight(-0.5 kg±0.8 kg vs-1.8 kg±0.9 kg,P<0.05)and body mass index(-0.2±0.3 vs-0.7±0.4,P<0.05)were less significant in the nutritional support group than in the control group;and the level of C-reactive protein(1.2 mg/L±0.4 mg/L vs 2.5 mg/L±0.6 mg/L,P<0.01)and WBC count(7.2×10^(9)/L±1.5×10^(9)/L vs 9.8×10^(9)/L±2.0×10^(9)/L,P<0.01)were significantly lower in the nutritional support group than in the control group.In addition,patients in the nutritional support group had a shorter hospital stay(10.3 d±2.1 d vs 14.8 d±3.6 d,P<0.05)and lower incidence of infection(15%vs 35%,P<0.05)in those of the control group.CONCLUSION The intervention by the nutritional support team has a positive impact on postoperative immune function,nutritional status,inflammatory response,and clinical outcomes in elderly patients with gastric cancer.

Impact of minimally invasive surgery on immune function and stress response in gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally.Traditional open surgery for gastric cancer is often associated with significant morbidity and prolonged recovery.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery as an alternative to traditional open surgery for gastric cancer,focusing on its potential to reduce trauma,accelerate recovery,and achieve comparable oncological out-comes.METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed 203 patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgery at the Shanghai Health Medical College Affiliated Chongming Hospital from January 2020 to December 2023.The patients were divided into two groups:Minimally invasive surgery group(n=102),who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy,and open surgery group(n=101),who underwent traditional open gastrectomy.We compared surgical indicators(surgical incision size,intraop-erative blood loss,surgical duration,and number of lymph nodes dissected),recovery parameters(time to first flatus,time to start eating,time to ambulation,and length of hospital stay),immune function(levels of IgA,IgG,and IgM),intestinal barrier function(levels of D-lactic acid and diamine oxidase),and stress response(levels of C-reactive protein,interleukin-6,and procalcitonin).RESULTS The minimally invasive surgery group demonstrated significantly better outcomes in terms of surgical indicators,including smaller incisions,less blood loss,shorter surgery time,and more lymph nodes dissected(P<0.05 for all).Recovery was also faster in the minimally invasive surgery group,with earlier return of bowel function,earlier initiation of diet,quicker mobilization,and shorter hospital stays(P<0.05 for all).Furthermore,patients in the minimally invasive surgery group had better preserved immune function,superior intestinal barrier function,and a less pronounced stress response postoperatively(P<0.05 for all).CONCLUSION Laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer not only provides superior surgical indicators and faster recovery but also offers advantages in preserving immune function,protecting intestinal barrier function,and mitigating the stress response compared to traditional open surgery.These findings support the broader adoption of laparoscopic techniques in the management of gastric cancer.

Role of Immune Cells and Non-immune Cells with Immune Functions in the Pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS

This review outlines the effects of different types of cells with immune function on acute lung injury(ALI)inflammation and the regulation of inflammatory responses between these cells via cell-cell interactions.It is expected to provide some possible strategies for the research and treatment of ALI and acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).

The Effect of Immunotherapy on the Gut Microbiota,Intestinal Barrier,and Immune Function in Patients with Gastric Cancer

Objective:To explore the effect of immunotherapy on the gut microbiota,intestinal barrier,and immune function in patients with gastric cancer.Methods:From July 2023 to July 2024,60 patients with gastric cancer from our hospital were randomly divided into two groups,the control group and the study group,with 30 patients in each group.The control group received conventional treatment,while the study group received immunotherapy.A comparative analysis was conducted between the two groups on gut microbiota content(Bifidobacterium,Fusobacterium nucleatum,Streptococcus,Lactobacillus acidophilus),intestinal barrier indicators[D-lactate(D-LA),diamine oxidase(DAO),lipopolysaccharide(LPS)],immune function indicators[Immunoglobulin A(IgA),Immunoglobulin G(IgG),Immunoglobulin M(IgM)],adverse reactions,and treatment effects.Results:After treatment,the content of Bifidobacterium and Fusobacterium nucleatum in the study group was higher than in the control group,while the content of Streptococcus and Lactobacillus acidophilus was lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The levels of D-lactate and DAO in the study group were lower than in the control group,while the LPS level in the study group was higher(P<0.05).The levels of IgA and IgG in the study group were lower than in the control group,and the IgM level was also lower than in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the total incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The overall treatment efficacy rate in the study group was higher than in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Immunotherapy in patients with gastric cancer can improve gut microbiota,intestinal barrier,and immune function,reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions,and promote better clinical treatment outcomes,making it worthy of clinical recommendation.

Clinical Efficacy of Laparoscopic Radical Colorectal Cancer Treatment for Colorectal Cancer and Its Effect on Immune Function

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of laparoscopic radical colorectal cancer treatment in colorectal cancer patients.Methods:A total of 50 colorectal cancer patients treated between August 2018 and August 2023 were randomly divided into two groups:Group A underwent laparoscopic radical colorectal cancer surgery,while Group B received open surgery.Clinical indicators,inflammatory factors,immune function indicators,and complications were compared between the two groups.Results:Group A showed significantly shorter operation times,faster recovery times,and reduced hospital stays compared to Group B.Additionally,Group A had less abdominal drainage and intraoperative bleeding(P<0.05).Levels of interleukin(IL)-4,IL-6,ultrasensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)were lower in Group A compared to Group B(P<0.05).Furthermore,immune function indicators,including CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,and CD4+/CD8+ratios,were better in Group A(P<0.05).The complication rate in Group A was also lower than in Group B(P<0.05).Conclusion:Laparoscopic radical treatment for colorectal cancer is efficient and feasible,causing minimal immune function impairment and inflammatory response.It also shortens postoperative recovery time.

Effect of Dietary Alanyl-glutamine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Development of Intestinal Tract, Antioxidant Status and Plasma Non-specific Immunity of Young Mirror Carp(Cyprinus carpio L.)

Exogenous alanyl-glutamine（Aln-Gln） was evaluated for its effects on growth performance, intestinal structure and function, antioxidant status and non-specific immunity of young carp（Cyprinus carpio L.）. Six diets supplemented with 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, or 15.0 g · kg-1 of Aln-Gln were fed to fish for 12 weeks. Supplementation with 7.5, 10.0, or 15.0 g · kg-1 of Aln-Gln significantly increased weight gain rate（WGR）, protein efficiency ratio（PER）, but feed conservation rate（FCR） and survival were not affected（P〉0.05）. The intestinal fold height and number, digestive enzyme, Na＋, K＋-ATPase activities was found to be significantly high（P〈0.05） with increasing dietary Aln-Gln supplementation up to 7.5 g · kg-1, but there were no significant differences for Aln-Gln supplementation from 7.5 to 15.0 g · kg-1. The glutathione peroxidase（GPX） activity, glutathione（GSH）, superoxide dismutase（SOD） activity increased and malondialdehyde（MDA） levels decreased significantly（P〈0.05） in the intestine, hepatopancreas, plasma and muscles. The plasma complement-3（C3） and complement-4（C4） levels were significantly（P〈0.05） improved at 5.0 g · kg-1 level and decreased when over 7.5 g · kg-1. The plasma lysozyme（LSZ） activity increased significantly（P〈0.05） at 7.5, 10.0, or 15.0 g · kg-1 level. In summary, the results showed that Aln-Gln improved growth performance, development and function of the intestine, the activity of the antioxidant defense system and the plasma non-specific immunity of the carps. The optimal Aln-Gln level was 8.24 g · kg-1 diet for WGR based on broken-line regression model analysis.

Effects of Size Grading on Growth and Non-Specific Immunity Factors of the Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Boone

The study aims to determine the effects of graded farming on growth performance and non-specific immunity factors of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Boone. Three size groups of shrimp, i.e., the small size group [Gs, with an average body length （BL） of （3.04 ± 0.36） cm and body weight （BW） （0.412± 0.35） g], the large group [GL, with a BL of （4.29±0.55） cm and BW of （1.098 ±0.42） g], and the ungraded group [Gm, with a BL of （3.47±0.81） cm and BW of （0.611 ±0.79） g], were reared under the same conditions for 8 wk. Growth performance and non- specific immunity factors were measured. The results showed that BW gain, biomass gain and the specific growth rate of body length （SGRL） were significantly influenced by size grading （one-way ANOVA, P 〈 0.05）. The peroxidase （POD） and antibacterial （Ua） activities of GL were lower than those of G. Superoxide dismutase （SOD） and lysozyme （U1） activities of Gm were lower than those of G. No significant difference （P = 0.121 〉 0.05） was found on phenoloxidase （PO） activity among the three size groups. Synthetically, size grading could enhance growth and rearing efficiency, and did not have a significant influence on the immunity of L. vannamei Boone. Therefore, graded fanning in L. vannamei Boone was feasible in the culture practice.

Effects of the Chinese Medicinal Herb Com plex Additives on Non-specific Immunity of Amursturgeon( Acipenser schrencki Brandt)

This study was to investigate the effects of aqueous decotion from three Chinese medicinal herb additives （ Cyrtomium fortunei, prescription I and prescription II） on non-specific immunity of 1 ＋ age old Amur sturgeon （Acipenser schrencki Brandt） by oral perfusion. Cyrtomiumfortunei, prescription I and prescription II were orally given to 15 fishes for each experimental group once a day, with the concentration of 9,175 and 36 g/S0 kg body weight, respectively. The administration was lasted for 14 days. Meanwhile, distilled water was orally given as the control. After the experiment, some of the experimental fishes were stimulated with high temperature （30 ℃ ） for two hours. Sampling was performed from fishes treated at 22 ℃ and 30 ℃ for measuring the protein content in the serum, phagocytic activity of leucocytes and the activity of the lysozyme in six tissues. The results indicated that Cyrtomiumfortunei and prescription II could help to enhance the content of various proteins and the phagocytic activity of leucocytes. There was no significant change in the effects between these two additives at either the normal temperature or high temperature. Prescription I did not show an obvious effect on the immunity of fishes at the normal temperature, but it did in promo- ting high-efficiency response and improving immunoregulation of fish shocked by some stimuli.

Effect of Ammonia-Nitrogen Stress on Non-specific Immunity of Hybrid Tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus× Oreochromis areus)

The juveniles of hybrid tilapia （ Oreochromis niloticus x Oreochromis areus） were exposed to ananonia-nitrogen （N） （0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/L） for 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h to evaluate the effect of ammonia-N stress on their non-specific immunity. Results show that the activity of serum lysozyme decreased signifi- candy with extension of stress time （P 〈 0.05）. The total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC） and activity of antioxidase in liver were significantly affected. The activi- ty of T-AOC and total superoxide dismutase （T-SOD） of fish exposed to ammonia-N were initially decreasing then increasing （ P 〈 0.05 ）. Activities of catalase （CAT） and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） were correlated with concentrations of ammonia-N. Fish exposed to lower concentrations （2.5 mg/L or 5 mg/L） showed decreased CAT activity within 24 h （P 〈 0.05 ）, while those exposed to higher concentrations （10 mg/L or 20 mg/L） initially showed increased then decreased activity of CAT. Except for the highest concentration groups, fish exposed to ammonia-N showed inductive activity of GSH-Px （ P 〈 0.05 ）. Under the ex- perimental conditions, non-specific immunity of tilapia was affected by ammonia-N stress, and the impact was increased with increased concentration and extension of time.

Immune function, gastrointestinal hormone levels, and their clinical significance in patients with gastric ulcers complicated with depression

BACKGROUND Gastric ulcer(GU)is a common digestive tract disease,and medical records of GU combined with depression are increasingly common.Currently,the risk factors and pathogenesis of GU complicated with depression remain unclear.Low immune function and gastrointestinal hormone levels may also be significant risk factors.Therefore,this study explored the immune function and gastrointestinal hormone levels in patients with GU combined with depression.AIM To explore the immune function,gastrointestinal hormone level,and clinical significance of patients with GU combined with depression.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 300 patients with GU combined with depression admitted to Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 as the study subjects.According to the Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD)score,patients were divided into mild-to-moderate(n=210)and heavy(n=90)groups.Basic data,immune function indices[immunoglobulin A(IgA),IgM,IgG,serum CD4+and CD8+percentage,and CD4+/CD8+ratio],and gastrointestinal hormone indices[serum gastrin(GAS),cholecystokinin(CCK),and motilin(MTL)levels]were collected.The basic data of the two groups were compared,and the immune function and gastrointestinal hormone indices were analyzed.Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing the severity of GU complicated with depression.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and area under the ROC curve(AUC)were used to analyze the value of the immune function index,gastrointestinal hormone index,and combined index in predicting the severity of GU complicated with depression.RESULTS There were no marked differences in sex,age,body mass index,abdominal distension,abdominal pain,belching,nausea,vomiting,or sleep disorders between the heavy and mild-to-moderate groups(P>0.05).There was a marked difference in the family history of depression between the heavy and mild-to-moderate groups(P<0.05).There were significant differences in serum IgA and IgM levels and serum CD4+,CD8+,and CD4+/CD8+ratios between the heavy and mild-to-moderate groups(P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that IgA,IgM,GAS,and CCK serum levels influenced the severity of GU with depression(P<0.05).The AUC of the ROC curve for serum IgA level predicting GU with depression severity was 0.808[95%confidence interval(CI):0.760-0.857],the AUC of the serum IgM level was 0.757(95%CI:0.700-0.814),the AUC of the serum GAS level was 0.853(95%CI:0.810-0.897),the AUC of the serum CCK level was 0.762(95%CI:0.709-0.822),the AUC of immune function(IgA,IgM)and gastrointestinal hormone levels(GAS,CCK)for the prediction of GU with depression severity was 0.958(95%CI:0.933-0.976).CONCLUSION Important factors influencing GU complicated with depression are serum IgA,IgM,GAS,and CCK indicators.They can be used as indicators to predict the severity of GU complicated with depression.

Gegen Qinlian decoction enhances immunity and protects intestinal barrier function in colorectal cancer patients via gut microbiota

BACKGROUND We previously showed,using the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database,that Gegen Qinlian decoction(GQD)had a direct antitumor effect,and was combined with programmed cell death protein(PD)-1 inhibitors to treat microsatellite stable(MSS)tumor-bearing mice.However,the effect of GQD on patients with colorectal cancer(CRC)is not clear.AIM To determine the therapeutic mechanism of GQD in improving immune function,reducing inflammation and protecting intestinal barrier function.METHODS Seventy patients with CRC were included in this study:37 in the control group and 33 in the treatment group.The proportions of CD4+T,CD8+T,natural killer(NK),NKT and T regulatory cells were measured by flow cytometry.Levels of the cytokines tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interferon(IFN)-γ,interleukin(IL)-2,IL-6,IL-10 and serotonin(5-hydroxytryptamine;5-HT)in serum were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The expression of zonula occludens(ZO)-1,occludin,nuclear factor(NF)-κB and TNF-αin tumor and normal tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry.The composition of gut microbiota from patients in the treatment group was assessed using 16S rDNA analysis.RESULTS There were no adverse events in the treatment group.The proportion of CD4+T cells and NKT cells in the post-treatment group was significantly higher than that in the pre-treatment and control groups(P<0.05).The level of TNF-αin the posttreatment group was significantly lower than that in the pre-treatment and control groups(P<0.05).The concentration of 5-HT in the post-treatment group was significantly lower than that in the pre-treatment group(P<0.05).The expression of ZO-1 and occludin in tumor tissues in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The expression of ZO-1 in normal tissues of the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P=0.010).Compared with the control group,expression of NF-κB and TNF-αin tumor tissues of the treatment group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with the pre-treatment group,GQD decreased the relative abundance of Megamonas and Veillonella.In addition,GQD increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides,Akkermansia and Prevotella.CONCLUSION GQD enhances immunity and protects intestinal barrier function in patients with CRC by regulating the composition of gut microbiota.

Influences of immersion bathing in Bacillus velezensis DY-6 on growth performance,non-specific immune enzyme activities and gut microbiota of Apostichopus japonicus

In this study, the influences of immersion bathing in different concentrations of Bacillus velezensis DY-6 on the body weight gain rate and non-specific immune enzyme activities of the coelom fluid of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) were determined in order to obtain the optimum bacterial concentration. The gut microbiota change in A. japonicus was then analyzed through high-throughput sequencing during the immersion bathing in B. velezensis DY-6 at the optimum concentration for 49 d. The results illustrate that the body weight growth rate of all bathing groups was higher than that of the control. The highest growth rate (25.3%) was achieved when the bacterial concentration was 1×10^3 CFU/mL. The activities of non-specific immune enzymes (ACP, AKP, SOD and LZM) of all bathing groups increased, and the activities of the enzymes of groups bathed with the bacterium at 1×10^3 and 1×10^4 CFU/mL reached the highest on day 21 and day 28. Taking the growth rate and economic cost into consideration, the optimum concentration of B. velezensis DY-6 was 1×10^3 CFU/mL. The influences of immersion bathing in B. velezensis DY-6 at 1×10^3 CFU/mL on the gut microbiota of A. japonicus were then evaluated through 16S rDNA sequencing analysis. Results showed that the gut microbiota changed with the addition of B. velezensis DY-6, and the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota peaked twice on day 14 and day 21, respectively. In association with the non-specific immune enzyme activities and if day 28 was selected as the dividing point, the community structure of the gut microbiota could be obviously divided into two types. The correlation analysis revealed that the non-specific immune enzyme activities were correlated significantly to some gut bacteria (in the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes) after immersion bathing in B. velezensis DY-6. Our findings will provide the theoretical foundation for probiotic application in sea cucumber farming.

Effects of rearing system and antibiotic treatment on immune function,gut microbiota and metabolites of broiler chickens

Background:In China,cage systems with a high space utilization have gradually replaced ground litter systems,but the disease incidence of chickens in cages is higher.Broilers in the ground litter pens may be stimulated by more environmental microbes during the growth process and show strong immune function and status,but knowledge of which microbes and their metabolites play an immunomodulatory role is still limited.This study aimed to explore the differences and correlations in the immune function,gut microbiota and metabolites and the importance of gut microbiota of broilers raised in cages and ground litter pens.Methods:The experiment involved a 2×2 factorial arrangement,with rearing systems(cages or ground litter pens)and antibiotic treatment(with or without broad-spectrum antibiotics in drinking water)as factors.Results:The results showed that,compared with the cage group,the ground litter broilers had stronger nonspecific immune function(Macrophages%and NO in blood),humoral immune function(IgG in blood,LPS stimulation index in ileum)and cellular immune function(T%,Tc%,ConA stimulation index and cytokines in blood).Antibiotic(ABX)treat-ment significantly reduced nonspecific immune function(Macrophages%and NO in blood,iNOS and Mucin2 mRNA expression in ileum),humoral immune function(IgG in blood and sIgA in ileum)and cellular immune function(T%and cytokines in blood,Th and Tc ratio,TLRs and cytokines mRNA expression in ileum).Furthermore,the ground litter broil-ers had higherαdiversity of microbiota in ileum.The relative abundance of Staphylococcus,Jeotgalicoccus,Jeotgalibaca and Pediococcus in the ileum of ground litter broilers were higher.ABX treatment significantly reduced theαdiversity of ileal microbiota,with less Chloroplast and Mitochondria.In addition,the levels of acetic acid,isobutyric acid,kynurenic acid and allolithocholic acid in the ileum of ground litter broilers were higher.Spearman correlation analysis showed that Jeotgalibaca,Pediococcus,acetic acid,kynurenic acid and allolithocholic acid were related to the immune function.Conclusions:There were more potential pathogens,litter breeding bacteria,short-chain fatty acids,kynurenine,allolithocholic acid and tryptophan metabolites in the ileum of broilers in ground litter pens,which may be the reason for its stronger immune function and status.

Effects of Astragalus injection on chemokines, renal function and humoral immunity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Objective:To investigate the effects of Astragalus Injection on inflammatory factors, chemokines, renal function and humoral immunity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods:80 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis who were treated in the department of respiratory medicine in our hospital from October 2015 to October 2017 were randomly divided into control group and observation group, 40 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were given levofloxacin treatment;and patients in the observation group were given astragalus injection combined with levofloxacin treatment. Before and after treatment, procalcitonin (PCT), interferon-γ (INF-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1 ), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr), uric acid (UA) and immunoglobulin (IgA, IgM, IgG) levels were measured and compared between the patients in the two groups.Result: After treatment, the levels of PCT, INF-γ, MCP-1 and MIP-1 in serum of the patients in the two groups were significantly decreased, and the levels of IgA, IgM and IgG were significantly increased. The changes of the PCT, INF-γ, MCP-1, MIP-1 , IgA, IgM and IgG of patients in the observation group were significantly stronger than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of BUN, SCr and UA in serum of patients in the two groups increased significantly. The serum levels of above indexes of patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05).Conclusion: Astragalus injection can significantly relieve the inflammatory state of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, reduce the level of chemokines, enhance the renal function and immune function of patients. It has good clinical efficacy.

Dietary supplementation of zinc oxide modulates intestinal functionality during the post-weaning period in clinically healthy piglets

Background To improve our understanding of host and intestinal microbiome interaction,this research investigated the effects of a high-level zinc oxide in the diet as model intervention on the intestinal microbiome and small intestinal functionality in clinically healthy post-weaning piglets.In study 1,piglets received either a high concentration of zinc(Zn)as zinc oxide(Zn O,Zn,2,690 mg/kg)or a low Zn concentration(100 mg/kg)in the diet during the post weaning period(d 14–23).The effects on the piglet's small intestinal microbiome and functionality of intestinal tissue were investigated.In study 2,the impact of timing of the dietary zinc intervention was investigated,i.e.,between d 0–14 and/or d 14–23 post weaning,and the consecutive effects on the piglet's intestinal functionality,here referring to microbiota composition and diversity and gene expression profiles.Results Differences in the small intestinal functionality were observed during the post weaning period between piglets receiving a diet with a low or high concentration Zn O content.A shift in the microbiota composition in the small intestine was observed that could be characterized as a non-pathological change,where mainly the commensals inter-changed.In the immediate post weaning period,i.e.,d 0–14,the highest number of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in intestinal tissue were observed between animals receiving a diet with a low or high concentration Zn O content,i.e.,23 DEGs in jejunal tissue and 11 DEGs in ileal tissue.These genes are involved in biological processes related to immunity and inflammatory responses.For example,genes CD59 and REG3G were downregulated in the animals receiving a diet with a high concentration Zn O content compared to low Zn O content in both jejunum and ileum tissue.In the second study,a similar result was obtained regarding the expression of genes in intestinal tissue related to immune pathways when comparing piglets receiving a diet with a high concentration Zn O content compared to low Zn O content.Conclusions Supplementing a diet with a pharmaceutical level of Zn as Zn O for clinically healthy post weaning piglets influences various aspects intestinal functionality,in particular in the first two weeks post-weaning.The model intervention increased both the alpha diversity of the intestinal microbiome and the expression of a limited number of genes linked to the local immune system in intestinal tissue.The effects do not seem related to a direct antimicrobial effect of Zn O.

Damage on intestinal barrier function and microbial detoxification of deoxynivalenol:A review

Deoxynivalenol(DON)is a mycotoxin that is produced by various species of Fusarium and is ubiquitous in food and feed.At low concentrations,it can cause metabolic disorders in animals and humans and,at high concentrations,it can lead to pathological changes in the body.The impact of DON on human/animal health and animal productivity has thus attracted a great deal of attention around the world.DON causes severe damage to the intestine,including compromised intestinal barrier,mucosal damage,weakened immune function,and alterations in gut microbiota composition.These effects exacerbate intestinal infections and inflammation in livestock and poultry,posing adverse effects on overall health.Furthermore,research into biological methods for DON detoxification is a crucial avenue for future studies.This includes the utilization of adsorption,enzymatic degradation,and other biological approaches to mitigate DON's impact,offering new strategies for prevention and treatment of DON-induced diseases.Future research will focus on identifying highly efficient detoxifying microorganisms or enzymes to reduce DON levels in food and feed,thereby mitigating its risks to both animals and human health.