Effects of Rosa roxburghii&edible fungus fermentation broth on immune response and gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice

With the rise of probiotics fermentation in food industry,fermented foods have attracted worldwide attention.In this study,protective effects of Rosa roxburghii&edible fungus fermentation broth(REFB)on immune function and gut health in Cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppressed mice were investigated.Results showed that REFB could improve the immune organ index,and promote the proliferation and differentiation of splenic T lymphocytes.In addition,it attenuated intestinal mucosal damage and improved intestinal cellular immunity.REFB administration also up-regulated the expression of IL-4,INF-γ,TNF-α,T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA in small intestine.Furthermore,administration of REFB modulated gut microbiota composition and increased the relative abundance of beneficial genus,such as Bacteroides.It also increased the production of fecal short-chain fatty acids.These indicate that REFB has the potential to improve immunity,alleviate intestinal injury and regulate gut microbiota in immunosuppressed mice.

Effect of dietary supplement of inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum Ep-M 17 on growth performance,immune response,disease resistance,and intestinal microbiota in Penaeus vannamei

Our previous study found that feeding with Lactobacillus plantarum Ep-M17 could effectively affect the growth performance,immune response,and gut microbiota of Penaeus vannamei.However,high temperature and pressure during feed pelletizing is the main problem that can lead to a decrease in the activity of probiotics or cause their inactivation.Further investigation needs to investigate whether inactivated Ep-M17 can exert similar effects as live Ep-M17.Therefore,we evaluated the effects of inactivated L.plantarum Ep-M17 on growth performance,immune response,disease resistance,and gut microbiota in P.vannamei.Results show that adding inactivated Ep-M17 to the feed also promoted body weight gain and increased relative immune protection in shrimp.Also,histological examination revealed that the administration of inactivated Ep-M17 led to improvements in the density and distribution of microvilli in the intestines and enhancements in the abundance of B and R cells in the hepatopancreas.Additionally,the inactivated Ep-M17 supplementation resulted in increased activity levels of nutrient immune-related enzymes in both the shrimp hepatopancreas and intestines.Moreover,it stimulated the expression of Lvlec,PEN-3a,Crustin,LGBP,Lysozyme,and proPo genes in both the hepatopancreas and intestines.Furthermore,the inactivated Ep-M17 also increased bacterial diversity in the gut of shrimp and promoted the abundance of specific flora,facilitating the host organism’s metabolism and immunity to improve the disease resistance of shrimp.Therefore,supplementation of inactivated L.plantarum Ep-M17 in shrimp diets can exert similar effects as live L.plantarum Ep-M17 effectively improving growth performance,gut microbiota,immune response,and disease resistance in P.vannamei.

NIR-triggered on-site NO/ROS/RNS nanoreactor:Cascade-amplified photodynamic/photothermal therapy with local and systemic immune responses activation

Photothermal and photodynamic therapies(PTT/PDT)hold promise for localized tumor treatment,yet their full potential is hampered by limitations such as the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and inadequate systemic immune activation.Addressing these challenges,we present a novel near-infrared(NIR)-triggered RNS nanoreactor(PBNO-Ce6)to amplify the photodynamic and photothermal therapy efficacy against triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC).The designed PBNOCe6 combines sodium nitroprusside-doped Prussian Blue nanoparticles with Chlorin e6 to enable on-site RNS production through NIR-induced concurrent NO release and ROS generation.This not only enhances tumor cell eradication but also potentiates local and systemic antitumor immune responses,protecting mice from tumor rechallenge.Our in vivo evaluations revealed that treatment with PBNO-Ce6 leads to a remarkable 2.7-fold increase in cytotoxic T lymphocytes and a 62%decrease in regulatory T cells in comparison to the control PB-Ce6(Prussian Blue nanoparticles loaded with Chlorin e6),marking a substantial improvement over traditional PTT/PDT.As such,the PBNO-Ce6 nanoreactor represents a transformative approach for improving outcomes in TNBC and potentially other malignancies affected by similar barriers.

Immune response to inactivated bacterial vector carrying the recombinant K39 antigen of Leishmania infantum in mice

Objective:To evaluate the immunological response elicited by an inactivated bacterial vector carrying the K39 antigen of Leishmania infantum,and a purified antigen.Methods:Mice were subjected to the following treatments:(1)Purified recombinant K39(rK39)protein at a 20μg dose with complete Freund’s adjuvant;(2)Inactivated Escherichia coli(BL21 DE3)carrying the K39 protein at an equivalent total protein content of 200μg;(3)Inactivated bacteria lacking the K39 protein;(4)Non-immunized control animals.Serological monitoring was performed.All groups were challenged by intraperitoneal injection of 10^(7) Leishmania infantum promastigotes.After euthanasia,the liver and spleen were collected to analyze the levels of TNF,IFN-γ,IL-12,IL-4,and IL-10.Results:Mice immunized with purified rK39 or the inactivated bacterial vector carrying the K39 antigen of Leishmania infantum showed a long-lasting immune response with high levels of polyclonal antibodies specifically recognizing the recombinant proteins.The IgG1 subclass was the predominant immunoglobulin;however,the induction of IgG2a and the profile of cytokines produced were indicative of the induction of a mixed-type response.Conclusions:The inactivated bacterial vector carrying the K39 antigen,as well as the purified antigen can induce a long-lasting immune response in immunized mice,predominantly favouring a Th2 profile response.

Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy ameliorates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice by regulating Th2 type immune response and reducing infiltration of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells

Background:This study aimed to assess how acupoint catgut-embedding therapy influences Th2-type immune response and the infiltration of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice.It also conducted an initial examination of the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods:Seventy-two mice were randomly divided into four groups:normal control,DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model(AD),AD with acupoint catgut-embedding treatment(ADA),and AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment.After DNCB challenge to induce AD,the ADA group received acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment at Zusanli(ST 36)and Quchi(LI 11)acupoints every other week from day 8.Mice in the AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment group underwent the same procedure as the ADA group but without catgut implantation.Severity was assessed using SCORAD on treatment days 1,10,and 20.On day 18,nine mice per group were euthanized,and the remaining on day 28.Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry staining.TNF-α,IL-4,IL-6,and IL-13 levels were analyzed by ELISA,and GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels by western blot.Results:After 20 days of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment,mice showed reduced dermatitis scores compared to DNCB-induced AD-like mice.Significant decreases occurred in serum IL-4,IL-6,IL-13,and TNF-αlevels.Skin analysis revealed marked reductions in CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cell infiltration,as well as GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels.Conclusion:Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy may effectively alleviate atopic dermatitis by suppressing Th2 immune responses via the STAT6-GATA3 pathway and reducing CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)T cell infiltration in skin lesions.

Immune Response of the Ridgetail White Prawn Exopalaemon carinicauda After Exposure to the Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum

The dinoflagellate Prorocentrum minimum is known to affect the normal physiological function of Exopalaemon carinicauda by inducing oxidative stress,apoptosis,and cellular injury.To study the effects of P.minimum on the immune defense system of shrimp,E.carinicauda were exposed to 5×10^(3)cells mL^(-1)and 5×10^(4)cells mL^(-1)of P.minimum for 336 h in treatment groups,while E.carinicauda cultured in filtered seawater was employed as control.The total hemocyte counts(THC),hemocyanin concentration(HEM),and the activity of alkaline phosphatase(AKP)in hemolymph serum,as well as expressions of six immunity-related genes in hemocytes,hepatopancreases and gills were determined.The exposure of P.minimum significantly reduced the THC,HEM concentration and AKP activity in hemolymph serum.Immunity-related genes expressed differently in hemocytes,hepatopancreases and gills.Compared with the control group,the expressions of Crustin and pro PO in hemocytes were significantly up-regulated in the treatment groups,while the up-regulated expressions of LGBP,Lysozyme and Serpin were only found in the group exposed to 5×10^(4)cells mL^(-1)of P.minimum.In the gills of E.carinicauda exposed to P.minimum,the down-regulation of ALF,proPO and Serpin,up-regulation of LGBP and Lysozyme,as well as unaffected Crustin were observed.In hepatopancreases,the up-regulated expressions of LGBP,Crustin,Lysozyme,Serpin and proPO(only in 5×10^(3)cells mL^(-1)of P.minimum group)were found in the treatment groups.After exposure to P.minimum for 336 h,shrimps were injected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus and WSSV.The results showed that the mortality rates of shrimp in the treatment groups were significantly increased with a dose-dependent effect,which suggests that exposure to P.minimum may reduce the immunity of E.carinicauda.The research indicates that hemocytes and hepatopancreases play important roles in protecting the shrimp immune response to harmful algae,while the protection effect of hemolymph serum and gills may be suppressed.Since the exposure to P.minimum depressed the immunity of E.carinicauda,further studies are needed to confirm whether the presence of the algae will affect the susceptibility of shrimp to pathogens.

Immune regulation of the gut-brain axis and lung-brain axis involved in ischemic stroke

Local ischemia often causes a series of inflammatory reactions when both brain immune cells and the peripheral immune response are activated.In the human body,the gut and lung are regarded as the key reactional targets that are initiated by brain ischemic attacks.Mucosal microorganisms play an important role in immune regulation and metabolism and affect blood-brain barrier permeability.In addition to the relationship between peripheral organs and central areas and the intestine and lung also interact among each other.Here,we review the molecular and cellular immune mechanisms involved in the pathways of inflammation across the gut-brain axis and lung-brain axis.We found that abnormal intestinal flora,the intestinal microenvironment,lung infection,chronic diseases,and mechanical ventilation can worsen the outcome of ischemic stroke.This review also introduces the influence of the brain on the gut and lungs after stroke,highlighting the bidirectional feedback effect among the gut,lungs,and brain.

Probiotics: Shaping the gut immunological responses

Probiotics are live microorganisms exerting beneficial effects on the host’s health when administered in adequate amounts.Among the most popular and adequately studied probiotics are bacteria from the families Lactobacillaceae,Bifidobacteriaceae and yeasts.Most of them have been shown,both in vitro and in vivo studies of intestinal inflammation models,to provide favorable results by means of improving the gut microbiota composition,promoting the wound healing process and shaping the immunological responses.Chronic intestinal conditions,such as inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD),are characterized by an imbalance in microbiota composition,with decreased diversity,and by relapsing and persisting inflammation,which may lead to mucosal damage.Although the results of the clinical studies investigating the effect of probiotics on patients with IBD are still controversial,it is without doubt that these microorganisms and their metabolites,now named postbiotics,have a positive influence on both the host’s microbiota and the immune system,and ultimately alter the topical tissue microenvironment.This influence is achieved through three axes:(1)By dis-placement of potential pathogens via competitive exclusion;(2)by offering protection to the host through the secretion of various defensive mediators;and(3)by supplying the host with essential nutrients.We will analyze and discuss almost all the in vitro and in vivo studies of the past 2 years dealing with the possible favorable effects of certain probiotic genus on gut immunological responses,highlighting which species are the most beneficial against intestinal inflammation.

CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of SLC15A4 gene involved in the immune response in bovine rumen epithelial cells

The objective of this study was to determine the role of SLC15A4 in the muramyl dipeptide(MDP)-mediated inflammatory response of bovine rumen epithelial cells(BRECs).First,changes in the m RNA expression of proinflammatory factor genes in BRECs following 10μg m L^(–1)MDP treatments were examined.RT-q PCR results showed that the expression of pro-inflammatory factor(IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α)m RNAs were significantly increased under MDP stimulation(P<0.001).Moreover,SLC15A4-Knockout(SLC15A4-KO)cells were obtained through lentivirus packaging,transfection,screening,and cell monoclonal culture.In order to gain further insight into the potential function of SLC15A4,we utilized transcriptome data,which revealed a change in the genes between WT-BRECs and SLC15A4-KO.Five down-regulated pro-inflammatory genes and 13 down-regulated chemokine genes related to the inflammatory response were identified.Meanwhile,the down-regulated genes were mostly enriched in the nuclear factorκB(NF-κB)and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathways.The results of RT-q PCR also verified these detected changes.To further determine the mechanism of how WT and SLC15A4-KO BRECs are involved in inflammatory responses,we investigated the inflammatory responses of cells exposed to MDP.WT-BRECs and SLC15A4-KO were treated with a culture medium containing 10μg m L^(–1)MDP,in comparison to a control without MDP.Our results show that SLC15A4-KO BRECs had reduced the expression of genes(IL-6,TNF-α,CXCL2,CXCL3,CXCL9,and CCL2)and proteins(p-p65 and p-p44/42)from the MDP-mediated inflammatory response compared to WT-BRECs(P<0.05).In this experiment,CRISPR-Cas9 was used to KO the di/tripeptide transporter SLC15A4,and its role was confirmed via the MDP-induced inflammatory response in BRECs.This work will provide a theoretical basis for studying the pro-inflammatory mechanism of MDP and its application in the prevention and treatment of subacute rumen acidosis in dairy cows.

Inflammation: Complexity and significance of cellular and molecular responses

Inflammation is a multifaceted cellular and molecular response triggered by injury,infection,or various pathological conditions.Serving as a protective defense mechanism,the inflammatory response involves clinical signs like redness,swelling,pain,and increased body temperature.Immune cells,notably neutrophils and macrophages,play key roles in orchestrating this response.The delicate balance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators,including cytokines and chemokines,regulates the inflammatory cascade.While acute inflammation is crucial for tissue repair,chronic inflammation may indicate an imbalance,contributing to conditions like autoimmune diseases.Understanding these mechanisms is vital for developing therapeutic strategies and managing chronic diseases.

Comparison of Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 COVID-19 (Comirnaty) Vaccination Effects in Aged Adults with Special Consideration for the Effectiveness of the Three-Color iSpot in Assessing Immune Response

Background: The roll-out of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was certainly among the fastest in medical history. Vaccination campaigns around the world began a year after the outbreak in 2019. When Austria started vaccinating the population in 2020, we took the opportunity to collect data from the first sets of patients receiving the vaccine in our study region of East Tyrol. Purpose: Many studies have been conducted examining the immunogenicity of the new vaccines using classic serological test methods in combination with an IFN-γ ELISpot. Undeniable disadvantages of using IFN-γ to characterize the status of the cellular immunity are that 1) being an acute phase cytokine, IFN-γ loses signal strength in the long run and 2) IFN-γ does not provide information about the involvement of T helper 2 (Th2) cells in the immune process. This implies that it can affect false negative data about the cell-mediated immune status. Method: Therefore, in addition to a chemiluminescent immunoassay and the enzymatic IFN-γ ELISpot, this study included a fluorescent ELISpot assay using precoated human SARS-CoV-2-specific IFN-γ/IL-2/IL-5 ELISpot kits to show a more holistic overview on the involvement of T helper 1 (Th1) cells as signal senders of IL-2 and Th2 cells as senders of IL-5. Results and Conclusion: Our study confirms good immunogenicity of Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 COVID-19 (Comirnaty) with strong Th1 and vanishingly small Th2 participation. The fluorescent three color iSpot can improve the diagnostic results’ significance for the individual, especially when the infection has been longer in the past and the IFN-γ signal diminishes.

Immune consequences of exercise in hypoxia:A narrative review

Immune outcomes are key mediators of many health benefits of exercise and are determined by exercise type,dose(frequency/duration,intensity),and individual characteristics.Similarly,reduced availability of ambient oxygen(hypoxia)modulates immune functions depending on the hypoxic dose and the individual capacity to respond to hypoxia.How combined exercise and hypoxia(e.g.,high-altitude training)sculpts immune responses is not well understood,although such combinations are becoming increasingly popular.Therefore,in this paper,we summarize the impact on immune responses of exercise and of hypoxia,both independently and together,with a focus on specialized cells in the innate and adaptive immune system.We review the regulation of the immune system by tissue oxygen levels and the overlapping and distinct immune responses related to exercise and hypoxia,then we discuss how they may be modulated by nutritional strategies.Mitochondrial,antioxidant,and anti-inflammatory mechanisms underlie many of the adaptations that can lead to improved cellular metabolism,resilience,and overall immune functions by regulating the survival,differentiation,activation,and migration of immune cells.This review shows that exercise and hypoxia can impair or complement/synergize with each other while regulating immune system functions.Appropriate acclimatization,training,and nutritional strategies can be used to avoid risks and tap into the synergistic potentials of the poorly studied immune consequences of exercising in a hypoxic state.

Against all odds:The road to success in the development of human immune reconstitution mice

The mouse genome has a high degree of homology with the human genome,and its physiological,biochemical,and developmental regulation mechanisms are similar to those of humans;therefore,mice are widely used as experimental animals.However,it is undeniable that interspecies differences between humans and mice can lead to experimental errors.The differences in the immune system have become an impor-tant factor limiting current immunological research.The application of immunodefi-cient mice provides a possible solution to these problems.By transplanting human immune cells or tissues,such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells or hematopoietic stem cells,into immunodeficient mice,a human immune system can be reconstituted in the mouse body,and the engrafted immune cells can elicit human-specific immune responses.Researchers have been actively exploring the development and differen-tiation conditions of host recipient animals and grafts in order to achieve better im-mune reconstitution.Through genetic engineering methods,immunodeficient mice can be further modified to provide a favorable developmental and differentiation microenvironment for the grafts.From initially only being able to reconstruct single T lymphocyte lineages,it is now possible to reconstruct lymphoid and myeloid cells,providing important research tools for immunology-related studies.In this review,we compare the differences in immune systems of humans and mice,describe the devel-opment history of human immune reconstitution from the perspectives of immuno-deficient mice and grafts,and discuss the latest advances in enhancing the efficiency of human immune cell reconstitution,aiming to provide important references for im-munological related researches.

Immune pathway through endometriosis to ovarian cancer

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease,defined by the presence of functional endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity.This disease is one of the main gynecological diseases,affecting around 10%-15%women and girls of reproductive age,being a common gynecologic disorder.Although endometriosis is a benign disease,it shares several characteristics with invasive cancer.Studies support that it has been linked with an increased chance of developing endometrial ovarian cancer,representing an earlier stage of neoplastic processes.This is particularly true for women with clear cell carcinoma,low-grade serous carcinoma and endometrioid.However,the carcinogenic pathways between both pathologies remain poorly understood.Current studies suggest a connection between endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers(EAOCs)via pathways associated with oxidative stress,inflammation,and hyperestrogenism.This article aims to review current data on the molecular events linked to the development of EAOCs from endometriosis,specifically focusing on the complex relationship between the immune response to endometriosis and cancer,including the molecular mechanisms and their ramifications.Examining recent developments in immunotherapy and their potential to boost the effectiveness of future treatments.

Effects of Mycotoxin from Maize on Immune Response of Vaccine for Piglets

[Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mycotoxin from moldy maize on immune response of piglets.[Method] ELISA method was used to determine the content of Aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in maize; after the piglets were fed with the moldy maize,the corresponding antibody titers in the serums of piglets were measured.[Result] Antibody levels of tested group were obvious lower than that of the control,while the histological section of immune organs also suggested that mycotoxin could significantly inhibit the immune response of piglets.[Conclusion] Mycotoxin in maize had important effects on the internal organs and immune response of piglets.

Effects of Immunological Stress on Immune Response in Different Breeds of Piglets

[ Objective] The research aimed to explore effects of an immunological stress on immune response in different breeds of piglets （ Lulai pig, Laiwu pig and Yorkshire pig）. [Method] All the 12 weaning pigs （Lulai pig, Laiwu pig and Yorkshire pig） weighing （12.6 ±0.5） kg were used in a 2 x3 factorial design. The main factors consisted of immunological challenge （ LPS or saline） and breeds （ Lulai pig, Laiwu pig and Yorkshire pig）. On Day 1, six piglets of each breed were injected with LPS at the usage of 200 μg/kg BW or an equivalent amount of sterile saline, and in jected classical swine fever vaccine at the same time. Blood sample were collected on Day 2, 7 and 14 post injection to analyze the blood lympho cyte proliferation. The levels of antibodies against classical swine fever were tested on Day 1 prior to injection and on Day 7 and 14 post injection. [ Result] On Day 2 after injection, the lymphocyte transformation rate of piglets injected with LPS were significantly （P〈O. 01 ） increased compared with piglets injected with saline. The lymphocyte transformation rate of Laiwu piglets was significant higher than that of Yorkshire piglets （ P 〈 0.05）. Effects of immunological stress on the level of antibodies against classical swine fever were not significantly different among different breeds of pig lets. [ Conclusion] LPS can effectively stimulate cellular immunity response in different breeds of piglets, and the immune response ability is different among various breeds of piglets.

Effects of thymol and carvacrol supplementation on intestinal integrity and immune responses of broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens

Background： Necrotic enteritis caused by Clostfidium perffingens infection leads to serious economic losses in the global poultry production. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of essential oils （EO, which contained 25 % thymol and 25 % carvacrol as active components） supplementation on growth performance, gut lesions, intestinal morphology, and immune responses of the broiler chickens infected with C. perfringens. A total of 448 1-day-old male broiler chicks were allocated into eight treatment groups following a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement with four dietary EO dosages （0, 60, 120, or 240 mg/kg） and two infection status （with or without C. perfringens challenge from d 14 to 20）. Results： The challenge did not impair the growth performance of birds, but induced gut lesions and increased crypt depth in the ileum （P ≤ 0.05）. It also down-regulated the claudin-1 and occludin mRNA expression （P ≤0.05）, up-regulated the mRNA expression of interleukin-113 （P≤ 0.05）, tended to increase the toll-like receptor （TLR） 2 mRNA expression （P 〈 0.10） in the ileum, and enhanced the mucosal secretory IgA production （P 〈 0.05）. In the challenged birds, dietary EO supplementation linearly alleviated the gut lesions and improved the ratio of villus height to crypt depth （P ≤0.05）, and the supplementation of 120 and 240 mg/kg EO increased the serum antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus （P≤ 0.05）. Regardless of challenge, the EO supplementation showed a tendency to linearly elevate the feed conversion efficiency between 14 and 28 d of age as well as the occludin mRNA expression （P〈 0.10）, and linearly inhibited the mRNA expression of TLR2 and tumor necrotic factor-o in the ileum （P≤ 0.05）. Conclusions： The dietary supplementation of EO could alleviate the intestinal injury by improving intestinal integrity and modulating immune responses in the C. perffingens-challenged broiler chickens.

Effects of dietary supplementation of probiotic,Clostridium butyricum,on growth performance,immune response,intestinal barrier function,and digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens challenged with Escherichia coli K88

Background： Colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coil （E. coil} results in economic losses in the poultry industry. Antibiotics are usually used to control colibacillosis, however, E. coli has varying degrees of resistance to different antibiotics. Therefore the use of probiotics is becoming accepted as an alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Clostfidium butyricum （C. butyficum） on growth performance, immune response, intestinal barrier function, and digestive enzyme activity in broiler chickens challenged with Eschefichia coli （E. coil） K88. Methods： The chickens were randomly divided into four treatment groups for 28 days. Negative control treatment （NC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet without E. coil K88 challenge and positive control treatment （PC） consisted of birds fed a basal diet and challenged with E. coil K88. C. buO/ricum probiotic treatment （CB） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 2 x 107 cfu C. buO/ricum/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Colistin sulfate antibiotic treatment （CS） consisted of birds fed a diet containing 20 mg colistin sulfate/kg of diet and challenged with E. coil K88. Results： The body weight （BW） and average day gain （ADG） in the broilers of CB group were higher （P 〈 0.05） than the broilers in the PC group overall except the ADG in the 14-21 d post-challenge. The birds in CB treatment had higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of tumor necrosis factor-a （TNF-a） at 3 and 7 d post-challenge, and higher （P 〈 0.05） concentration of interleukin-4 （IL-4） at 14 d post-challenge than those in the PC treatment group. The concentration of serum endotoxin in CB birds was lower （P 〈 0.05） at 21 d post-challenge, and the concentrations of serum diamine oxidase in CB birds were lower （P 〈 0.05） at 14 and 21 d post-challenge than in PC birds. Birds in CB treatment group had higher （P 〈 0.05） jejunum villi height than those in PC, NC, or CS treatment at 7, 14, and 21 d post-challenge. In comparison to PC birds, the CB birds had lower （P 〈 0.05） jejunum crypt depth during the whole experiment. The birds in CB or CS treatment group had higher （P 〈 0.05） activities of amylase and protease at 3, 7, and 14 d post-challenge, and higher （P 〈 0.05） activity of lipase at 3, 7 d post-challenge than PC birds.

Immune response,stress resistance and bacterial challenge in juvenile rainbow trouts Oncorhynchus mykiss fed diets containing chitosan-oligosaccharides

Effects of dietary supplementation of chitosan-oligosaccharides （COS） on the growth performance, immune response, stress resistance, and disease resistance of juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were studied. Four experimental diets containing 0, 20, 40, or 60 mg/kg COS （COSO, COS20, COS40, and COS60, respectively） were fed to juvenile rainbow trout （initial weight = 5.2 ± 0.3 g） for 8 weeks. By the end of the feeding trial, representative groups of fish from each dietary treatment were challenged with stressor （30 see air exposure） and pathogen exposure （intraperitoneal injection with Aeromonas hydrophila ）. Results showed that supplementation of COS in diets did not affect production performance and body composition of rainbow trout. However, fish fed the COS40 diet demonstrated improved phagocytic activities, respiratory burst activities and decreased serum cortisol level. Additionally, survival following A. hydrophila challenge was significant higher among fish fed the COS-supplemented feeds, although there was no difference based on the level of supplementation. The present study suggests that COS can be used as an immuno-stimulant in rainbow trout feeds

Helicobacter pylori infection: Host immune response, implications on gene expression and microRNAs

Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) infection is the most common bacterial infection worldwide. Persistent infection of the gastric mucosa leads to inflammatory processes and may remain silent for decades or progress causing more severe diseases, such as gastric adenocarcinoma. The clinical consequences of H. pylori infection are determined by multiple factors, including host genetic predisposition, gene regulation, environmental factors and heterogeneity of H. pylori virulence factors. After decades of studies of this successful relationship between pathogen and human host, various mechanisms have been elucidated. In this review, we have made an introduction on H. pylori infection and its virulence factors, and focused mainly on modulation of host immune response triggered by bacteria, changes in the pattern of gene expression in H. pylori-infected gastric mucosa, with activation of gene transcription involved in defense mechanisms, inflammatory and immunological response, cell proliferation and apoptosis. We also highlighted the role of bacteria eradication on gene expression levels. In addition, we addressed the recent involvement of different microRNAs in precancerous lesions, gastric cancer, and inflammatory processes induced by bacteria. New discoveries in this field may allow a better understanding of the role of major factors involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of H. pylori.