Effects of aloe-emodin on innate immunity, antioxidant and immune cytokines mechanisms in the head kidney leucocytes of Labeo rohita against Aphanomyces invadans

Eucommia ulmoides leaf extracts combined with Astragalus polysaccharides: Effects on growth, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal inflammation in juvenile large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) and Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) have been widely used as immunopotentiators in aquaculture. Our prior research on large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) demonstrated that dietary 1 g/kg APS bolstered fish immunity and antioxidant defense. However, the combined effect of ELE and APS in juvenile large yellow croaker remains unknown. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of ELE and APS on the growth, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal inflammation in large yellow croaker. A total of 1200 fish were divided into five groups and fed diets with 1 g/kg APS and varying ELE levels: 0 g/kg (ELE0), 0.25 g/kg (ELE0.25), 0.5 g/kg (ELE0.5), 1 g/kg (ELE1), and 2 g/kg (ELE2). After an 8-week feeding period, the ELE0.5 and ELE1 groups showed superior weight gain rate, specific growth rate, and feed efficiency compared to other groups. The ELE1 group also had elevated trypsin and lipase activities in the intestine, whereas α-amylase activity was not influenced by ELE addition. Antioxidant enzyme activities, such as hepatopancreas superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in the ELE1 group were significantly enhanced, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels decreased with increasing ELE. Intestinal morphology revealed the highest villi height in proximal and distal intestines of ELE1 group, with no significant change in mucosal thickness. In terms of cytokines, the ELE1 group showed significant down-regulation of pro-inflammatory (tnf-α, il-1β and il-6) and up-regulation of anti-inflammatory (il-4/13a, il-10 and tgf-β) markers, modulated by MAPK and mTOR signaling. In conclusion, this study indicates that supplementing diets with 1 g/kg ELE alongside 1 g/kg APS in juvenile large yellow croaker offers the best synergistic effect on fish immunity, including enhanced growth, antioxidant capacity, and relieved intestinal inflammation through MAPK and mTOR signaling.

Emodin Improves Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Liver Health Through Nrf2/NF-κB Pathway and Fat Metabolism: Growth Performance, Immune Response and Resistance Against Aeromonas veronii Infection

The experiment was aimed at examining the influence of adding emodin to feeds on the growth performance, liver immunity, and resistance against Aeromonas veronii infection among juvenile largemouth basses and other potential mechanisms. A total of 540 fish (45 ± 0.3 g) were randomly divided into 6 diets, including EM-0, EM-250, EM-500, EM-1000, EM-2000, and EM-4000 diets, in which 0, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg kg-1 emodin was added. Following a 60-day feeding test, it demonstrated that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of juveniles within the EM-500 and EM-1000 groups remarkably exceeded that of the EM-0 group. Subsequently, unlike those in EM-0 group, the fish in the EM-1000 group showed heightened hepatocyte count, induced hepatic lipolysis-associated expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα) and acyl-coenzyme an oxidase (ACO), and reduced the hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels. Additionally, EM-1000 could up-regulate the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in livers compared with controls and boost antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT), along with a lower content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Meanwhile, the EM-1000 group increased anti-inflammatory cytokines of interleukin-10 (IL-10) while suppressing the interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in livers by contrast to controls. In the end, juvenile largemouth bass in the EM-1000 group showed a comparatively highest survival rate, whereas fish in the EM-2000 and EM-4000 groups exhibited a little higher mortality than that of the EM-0 group. To sum up, our study exposed that supplementing emodin with 1000 mg kg-1 in diet could enhance the hepatic antioxidant status and unspecific immunity to reinforce the protective effect on disease resistance, resulting in improving the growth performance in juvenile largemouth bass.

Effect of Dietary Seaweed (Gracilaria pulvinata and Sargassum ilicifolium) on Serum and Mucosal Immunity, Some Growth and Immune-Related Genes Expression, Antioxidant Status, and Fatty Acid Profile in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer)

This study was done to appraise the effects of the combination of dietary Gracilaria pulvinata and Sargassum ilicifolium on growth, immunity, and fatty acid profile in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer). A total of 540 juveniles (36.06 ± 0.05 g) were stocked into eighteen 200 L tanks and divided into six experimental treatments, each in triplicate. Fish were fed diets containing 0 (control), 3% (SW3), 6% (SW6), 9% (SW9), 12% (SW12), and 15% (SW15) mixtures of both seaweeds powder in equal proportions (1 : 1) for 56 days. There was no improvement in weight gain parameters. Serum lysozyme and peroxidase activities in SW9 and SW12 treatments were significantly higher in compare to other treatments. The highest activities of skin mucus lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, and total protease were observed in the SW12. Liver igf-1, il-1β, il-8, and lysozyme expression showed a rising trend up to SW9 and then decreased. Liver antioxidant enzymes activity and glutathione content showed a similar pattern of changes. Liver total antioxidant capacity was highest in the SW9 treatment, while the lowest value of liver malondialdehyde was observed in the 12% seaweed treatment. The amount of total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid, was higher in the SW12 and SW15 treatments in compare to others. Our findings suggest that adding 9%-12% of Gracilaria and Sargassum seaweed powder to the diet improves serum and mucosal immunity, antioxidant status, and fatty acid profile in L. calcarifer juveniles.

Anti-Gene IGF-I Vaccines in Cancer Gene Therapy: A Review of a Case of Glioblastoma

OBJECTIVE

Vaccines for the deadliest brain tumor - glioblastoma (GBM) - are generally based on targeting growth factors or their receptors, often using antibodies. The vaccines described in the review were prepared to suppress the principal cancer growth factor - IGF-I, using anti-gene approaches either of antisense (AS) or of triple helix (TH) type. Our objective was to increase the median survival of patients treated with AS and TH cell vaccines.

METHODOLOGY

The cells were transfected in vitro by both constructed IGF-I AS and IGF-I TH expression episomal vectors; part of these cells was co-cultured with plant phytochemicals, modulating IGF-I expression. Both AS and TH approaches completely suppressed IGF-I expression and induced MHC-1 / B7 immunogenicity related to the IGF-I receptor signal.

RESULTS

This immunogenicity proved to be stronger in IGF-I TH than in IGF-I AS-prepared cell vaccines, especially in TH / phytochemical cells. The AS and TH vaccines generated an important TCD8+ and TCD8+CD11b- immune response in treated GBM patients and increased the median survival of patients up to 17-18 months, particularly using TH vaccines; in some cases, 2- and 3-year survival was reported. These clinical results were compared with those obtained in therapies targeting other growth factors.

CONCLUSION

The anti-gene IGF-I vaccines continue to be applied in current GBM personalized medicine. Technical improvements in the preparation of AS and TH vaccines to increase MHC-1 and B7 immunogenicity have, in parallel, allowed to increase in the median survival of patients.

An update about beneficial effects of medicinal plants in aquaculture: A review

Aquaculture is an essential and growing component of agricultural and global ecosystems worldwide. Aquaculture provides more than 25% of the total aquatic food consumption by humans. The development of the aquaculture industry should be followed in successive industrial years, and therefore it is necessary to pay attention to the management and type of farming system that is compatible with the environment. The use of antibiotics for disease control has been criticised for their negative effects, including the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the suppression of the immune system and the environment, and the accumulation of residue in aquatic tissues. The use of these products reduces the need for treatments, enhances the effect of vaccines, and, in turn, improves production indicators. Medicinal plants have increasingly been used in recent years as a disease control strategy in aquaculture, boosting the immune system of aquatic animals and helping to develop strong resistance to a wide range of pathogens. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the recent evidence on the beneficial use of medicinal plants to promote growth and strengthen the immune system in farmed aquatic animals.

Diabetic wound healing of aloe vera major phytoconstituents through TGF-β1 suppression via in-silico docking, molecular dynamic simulation and pharmacokinetic studies

To restore the integrity of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the wound healing process involves a complex series of well-orchestrated biochemical and cellular events. Due to the existence of various active components, accessibility and few side effects, some plant extracts and their phytoconstituents are recognised as viable options for wound healing agents. To find possible inhibitors of diabetic wound healing, four main constituents of aloe vera were identified from the literature. TGF-β1 and the compounds were studied using molecular docking to see how they interacted with the active site of target protein (PDB ID: 6B8Y). The pharmacokinetics investigation of the aloe emodin with the highest dock score complied with all the Lipinski's rule of five and pharmacokinetics criteria. Conformational change in the docked complex of Aloe emodin was investigated with the Amber simulation software, via a molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. The MD simulations of aloe emodin bound to TGF-β1 showed the significant structural rotations and twists occurring from 0 to 200 ns. The estimate of the aloe emodin-TGF-β1 complex's binding free energy has also been done using MM-PBSA/GBSA techniques. Additionally, aloe emodin has a wide range of enzymatic activities since their probability active (Pa) values is >0.700. 'Aloe emodin', an active extract of aloe vera, has been identified as the key chemical in the current investigation that can inhibit diabetic wound healing. Both in-vitro and in-vivo experiments will be used in a wet lab to confirm the current computational findings.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Aloe-emodin ameliorated MI-induced cardiac remodeling in mice via inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD signaling via up-regulating SMAD7

BACKGROUND

Aloe-emodin (AE), a natural anthraquinone extract from traditional Chinese medicinal plants, has been certified to protect against acute myocardial ischemia. However, its effect on cardiac remodeling after chronic myocardial infarction (MI) and the possible mechanism remain unclear.

PURPOSE

This study investigated the effect of AE on cardiac remodeling and oxidative damage induced by myocardial infarction (MI) in vitro and explored the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Echocardiography and Masson staining were used to demonstrate myocardial dysfunction and fibrosis. Cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. The expressions of fibrosis-related factors such as type I collagen, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrated that AE treatment significantly improved cardiac function, reduced structural remodeling, and reduced cardiac apoptosis and oxidative stress in mice with myocardial infarction. In vitro, AE could protect neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCM) from angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis, and significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) Ang II-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase. Furthermore, AE treatment significantly reversed the Ang ii-induced upregulation.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our work reveals for the first time that AE activates the TGF-β signaling pathway by up-regulating Smad7 expression, which in turn regulates the expression of fibrosis-related genes, ultimately improving cardiac function, inhibiting the development of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy in rats with chronic MI.

Dietary Syzygium cumini leaf extract influences growth performance, immunological responses and gene expression in pathogen-challenged Cyprinus carpio

This study evaluated the effects of jamun leaf extract (JLE) as a feed supplement on growth performance, haemato-immunological, oxidative stress-related parameters, and cytokine gene expression in Cyprinus carpio challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila.. Diets containing four different JLE concentrations, that is, 0 (basal diet), 5 (JLE5), 10 (JLE10), and 15 g kg^-1 (JLE15), were fed to carp (6.27 ± 0.43 g) for eight weeks. Growth performance was significantly higher in JLE10. Haemato-immunological and antioxidant parameters were determined in fish at 48 h post-challenge with A. hydrohila. The cumulative survival was highest in JLE10 (69.69%) 14 days post-challenge. Serum protein (2.18 ± 0.06 g dL^-1), lysozyme (32.38 ± 1.2 U mL^-1), alternative complement pathway (70.43 ± 1.61 U mL^-1), phagocytic activity (21.18 ± 0.48%), respiratory burst activity (0.289 ± 0.09 OD_630nm), and immunoglobulin levels (6.67 ± 0.36 U mg mL^-1) were significantly higher in JLE10 than in the control. Serum alanine aminotransferase (44.06 ± 1.62 Unit mL^-1), aspartate aminotransferase (31.58 ± 1.82 Unit mL^-1), and malondialdehyde (2.57 ± 0.26 nmol mL^-1) levels were lower in JLE10 than in the control (p < 0.05), whereas myeloperoxidase activity was significantly higher in JLE5 and JLE10 than in the control. Superoxide dismutase levels in the serum were higher (p < 0.05) in JLE5 and JLE10 than in the other groups. Gene expression analysis revealed that the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β was upregulated (p < 0.05) in the liver, head-kidney, and intestine of challenged carp in JLE10. The signalling molecule NF-κB p65 was upregulated in lymphoid organs in JLE10 but not in the liver. The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was significantly downregulated in challenged carp in JLE10 compared with that in the control. Quadratic regression analysis showed that optimal dietary JLE was estimated to be 9.03-10.15 g kg^-1 to maximize the growth performance. Results of the present study revealed that dietary JLE at 10 g kg^-1 can significantly improve the immunity and disease resistance of C. carpio. Thus, JLE is a promising food additive for carp aquaculture.

Immunoprotective role of aloin and disease resistance in Labeo rohita, infected with bacterial fish pathogen, Aeromonas hydrophila

The effect of aloin on mucosal immune response and disease resistance was elucidated in Labeo rohita infected with the bacterial fish pathogen, Aeromonas hydrophila. Fishes were divided into four groups: (i) control, (ii) vehicle control, (iii) bacteria infected and (iv) bacteria infected and aloin treated. Fish were intraperitoneally injected with A. hydrophila suspension at the dose of 2 × 10⁶ CFU/fish at 0 day (d). Following bacterial injection at 0 d, fish were treated with aloin at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally at an interval of 24 h for 4 consecutive days. Mucus collected from fish of each group was analyzed at 2 d, 4 d, 6 d, 8 d and 10 d. In bacteria-infected fish, a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the activity of certain enzymatic and non-enzymatic immune parameters was observed. The activity of these immune parameters showed a gradual recovery on administration of aloin in bacteria-infected fish. Cumulative mortality was also found to be low in the aloin-treated group as compared to that in the infected group. Thus, aloin could act as an immunostimulant and play a protective role against disease caused by bacteria.

Immunomulation effect of alginic acid and chitooligosaccharides in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)

Individual and combined efficacy of chitooligosaccharides (COS) and alginic acid (AA) at 1 g, 2 g, and 3 g per kg diet was assessed on growth and disease resistance in silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) against Edwardsiella ictaluri. Growth parameters including specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG), and feed conversion rate (FCR) were significant in fish fed 2 g and 3 g kg^-1 of COS or AA, and fish fed combined COS + AA at 1, 2 and 3 kg^-1 diet. In all groups, the survival rate (SR) was recorded 100%, except in group fed 2 g kg^-1 AA diet. All the hematological and biochemical profiles significantly increased in groups fed 2 g and 3 g kg^-1 of COS, AA, and COS + AA diets. Lipase and amylase enzyme activities and superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly increased in fish fed 2 g and 3 g kg^-1 of COS, AA, and COS + AA diet. Respiratory burst (RB), lysozyme (Lyz), reactive oxygen species (ROS) activities, and immunoglobuline (Ig) level were enhanced significantly in fish fed 2 g kg^-1 of COS or COS + AA and all 3 g kg^-1 diets, whereas nitric acid (NO) production and serum AP activity were improved in 2 g kg^-1 COS + AA and 3 g kg^-1 COS or COS + AA diets. Pro-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-8 mRNA transcriptions was significant in 2 g kg^-1 COS + AA diet and all 3 g kg^-1 diet. The IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine mRNA transcriptions were significant in 3 g kg^-1 COS or COS + AA diets. This study was confirmed that H. molitrix fed with 3 g kg^-1 COS or COS + AA diets were better activity when compared to other diet.

The effective components of herbal medicines used for prevention and control of fish diseases

The increasing demand for fish consumption has promoted the rapid development of fish aquaculture. With the continuous expansion of culture scale and the deterioration of culture environment, various diseases have broken out frequently, leading to huge economic losses to fish farming. Antibiotics and chemicals are common options to prevent and control of fish diseases, but their use is now restricted or even banned due to serious problems such as drug residues, pathogen resistance, and environmental pollution. Herbs and their extracts have increasingly become promising supplements and alternatives, because of their effectiveness, safety, environmental friendliness and less drug resistance. The application of herbal medicines in prevention and control of fish diseases is mainly attributed to the powerful immune enhancement, antioxidation or direct anti-pathogenic efficacies of their effective components, including mainly polyphenols, polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils. Recently these herbal active ingredients have been extensively studied for their efficacies in prevention and control of viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal diseases in fish. In the present paper, we comprehensively summarize the research progress of the active ingredients of herbal medicines used for prevention and control of fish diseases, especially of their action mechanisms, and highlight the potential application of the herbal medicines in fish aquaculture.

The effects of dietary immunostimulants on the innate immune response of Indian major carp: A review

Immunostimulants, as feed additives, play an important role in maintaining fish health and enhancing their overall growth by providing resistance against diseases in cultured fish. At the initial stages of life of fish, innate immunity is the essential mechanism in their survival. Later, innate immunity has an instructive role in adapting acquired immune response and homeostasis through different receptor proteins. Several studies have been conducted to analyze the effect of dietary immunostimulants like algae, plant extracts, vitamins, herbs, probiotics, and prebiotics-containing diets in Indian major carps. Many bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens are responsible for high death rates in both wild and cultured fish. It's a major limiting factor for world aquaculture industries. Recognition of invading pathogens by different pathogen recognition receptor plays an important role for the activation of different pathways to initiate protective immune responses. Hence, there is a growing need to control the devastating effects of diseases without recourse to toxic chemicals or antibiotics. Keeping with alternative approaches without using toxic chemicals to control fish diseases in mind, many immunostimulants are used, which enhance immune responses along with their gene expression level through different signaling pathway. The objective of this review is to summarize and evaluate the current knowledge of various immunostimulants and their immune responses in three Indian major carps namely Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala, which are preferred by the people.

Changes in immune genes expression, immune response, digestive enzymes -antioxidant status, and growth of catla (Catla catla) fed with Astragalus polysaccharides against edwardsiellosis disease

The effect of four level of Astragalus polysaccharides (APs) supplementation diets, (CD: control diet and three experiment diet (E), EA: 100 mg kg-1 APs; EB: 200 mg kg-1 APs; EC: 300 mg kg-1 APs) on growth, changes in haemato-biochemical parameters and metabolic-digestive enzymes, enhancement of antioxidant activity, innate-adaptive immune response, and cytokine gene expression were studied in catla (Catla catla) against Edwardsiella tarda. The healthy and challenged groups fed the CD displayed no mortality, while fish fed EA or EC revealed 10% mortality, but the mortality was only 5% in diet EB. Fish fed diet EB and EC revealed significantly better growth rates and high RBC count during the experimental period. Albumin and globulin levels were significant improved when fish were fed the diet EB and EC from weeks 6-8. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significant ameliorated by EB feeding from weeks 4-8. In contrast, serum myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA)/lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), respiratory burst activity (RBA), bactericidal action (BCA), serum lysozyme activity (SLA), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), head kidney leukocytes response proliferation (HKLP), hemolytic action (HLA), hydrogen peroxides (H2O2), and immunoglobulin (Ig) were significantly improved from week 6-8. Groups fed the APs enriched diets had significant ameliorated interleukin (IL)-1β and interferon (IFN)-γ mRNA expression after 6 and 8 weeks of feeding. However, IL-10 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-1 mRNA expressions were significant enhanced in catla fed all APs diets on week 8. APs enriched diets revealed significant improved tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and TNF receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF6) mRNA expression on week 4, but toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) and TLR4 mRNA expression were significant enhanced by diet EB and EC after weeks 6 and 8. Similarly, the lysozyme (Lyz)-C and Lyz-G mRNA levels in the head kidney (HK) increased by APs feeding on weeks 6 and 8, whereas the EB diet, the expression of nucleotide binding oligomerization domain-1 (NOD1) was significantly improved on weeks 6 and 8, but NOD2 mRNA expression was only significant enhanced after 8 weeks of diet EB. By feeding healthy catla and E. tarda challenged fish fed diet EB, resulted in significantly increased growth, haemato-biochemical indices, metabolic-digestive enzymes, antioxidant activities, innate-adaptive immune responses, and cytokine gene expression mainly between 6 and 8 weeks.

Effect of Pandanus tectorius extract as food additive on oxidative stress, immune status, and disease resistance in Cyprinus carpio

The present study investigated the effect of Pandanus tectorius (PT) extract on Cyprinus carpio growth, antioxidant capacity, immunological and oxidative stress, immune-related gene expression, and resistance against pathogen challenge. Fish (average weight: 12.18 ± 0.32 g) were fed with diets containing various concentration (g kg^-1) of PT extract: 0 g (basal diet), 5 g [PT5], 10 g [PT10], 20 g [PT20], and 30 g [PT30] for 8 weeks. Our results revealed an increase (p < 0.05) in the final weight gain only in the PT20 (63.12 ± 1.4 g) group. Activity of liver antioxidant parameters such as catalase (CAT) (27.67 ± 1.12 U mg protein^-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (13.17 ± 0.428 U mg protein^-1), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (47.14 ± 1.47 U mg protein^-1) was highest in the PT20 group. Among the serum immunological parameters examined, lysozyme (37.45 ± 0.67 U mL^-1), alternative complement pathway (133.22 ± 1.92 U mL^-1), and phagocytic activities (25.68 ± 0.93%) were high (p < 0.05) in PT20, whereas there was no significant effect on serum immunoglobulin or total protein levels, compared to the control. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were found to be lower (p < 0.05) in the PT20 and PT30 groups than those in the control. However, myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the PT20 and PT30 groups. Gene expression analysis revealed that mRNA expressions of antioxidant genes (SOD, CAT, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) genes were significantly upregulated in the PT10 - PT30 groups, except for the SOD gene in PT10. Conversely, the signalling molecule NF-κBp65 was downregulated in PT20 and PT30. Expression of Toll-like receptor 22 (TLR22) and hepcidin was significantly upregulated in PT20 and PT30, respectively. Fish in the PT20 group exhibited highest relative post-challenge survival (70.37%) against Aeromonas hydrophila challenge. The results of the present study suggest that dietary supplementation of P. tectorius extract at 20 g kg^-1 can significantly improve weight gain, serum antioxidant parameters, strengthen immunity, and increase the disease resistance of C. carpio. Therefore, P. tectorius extract could be exploited for its use as a food additive in aquaculture.

Dietary plant pigment on blood-digestive physiology, antioxidant-immune response, and inflammatory gene transcriptional regulation in spotted snakehead (Channa punctata) infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The current study addressed to investigate the effect of lycopene (LYC) on blood physiology, digestive-antioxidant enzyme activity, specific-nonspecific immune response, and inflammatory gene transcriptional regulation (cytokines, heat shock proteins, vitellogenins) in spotted snakehead (Channa punctata) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In unchallenged and challenged fish treated with 200 mg LYC enriched diet the growth performance and digestive-antioxidant enzymes increased after 30 days, whereas with inclusion of 100 or 400 mg LYC in the diets, the increase manifested on or after 45 days. No mortality in fish treated with any LYC diet against P. aeruginosa was revealed. In the unchallenged and challenged fish the phagocytic (PC) activity in head kidney (HK) and spleen were significantly enhanced when fed the control diet or other LYC diets, whereas the respiratory burst (RB) activity and nitric oxide (NO) production significantly increased when fed the 200 mg diet for 45 and 60 days. Similarly, the lysozyme (Lyz) activity in the HK and spleen, and total Ig content in serum were significantly higher in both groups fed the 200 mg LYC diet for 15, 45, and 60 days. Heat shock protein (Hsp 70) was significantly improved in the uninfected group fed the 200 mg LYC diet for 45 and 60 days, but Hsp27 did not significantly change among the experimental groups at any time points. TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA pro-inflammatory cytokine expression significantly increased in both groups fed the 200 mg LYC diet after 45 and 60 days, while the IL-12 mRNA expression was moderate in both groups fed the same diet for 60 days. The IL-10 did not significant mRNA expression between groups at any sampling. The iNOS and NF-κB mRNA expression was pointedly high in both groups fed the 200 mg LYC diet on day 45 and 60. Vitellogenin A (VgA) mRNA was significantly higher in the uninfected fish fed the 100 and 200 mg LYC diets for 45 and 60 days, but VgB did not reveal significant difference between the treatment groups at any time points. The present results suggest that supplementation of LYC at 200 mg significantly modulate the blood physiology, digestive-antioxidant enzymes, specific-nonspecific immune parameters, and cytokines, Hsp, and vitellogenins in spotted snakehead against P. aeruginosa.

Aloe derived nanovesicle as a functional carrier for indocyanine green encapsulation and phototherapy

Background

Cancer is one of the devastating diseases in the world. The development of nanocarrier provides a promising perspective for improving cancer therapeutic efficacy. However, the issues with potential toxicity, quantity production, and excessive costs limit their further applications in clinical practice.

Results

Herein, we proposed a nanocarrier obtained from aloe with stability and leak-proofness. We isolated nanovesicles from the gel and rind of aloe (gADNVs and rADNVs) with higher quality and yield by controlling the final centrifugation time within 20 min, and modulating the viscosity at 2.98 mPa S and 1.57 mPa S respectively. The gADNVs showed great structure and storage stability, antioxidant and antidetergent capacity. They could be efficiently taken up by melanoma cells, and with no toxicity in vitro or in vivo. Indocyanine green (ICG) loaded in gADNVs (ICG/gADNVs) showed great stability in both heating system and in serum, and its retention rate exceeded 90% after 30 days stored in gADNVs. ICG/gADNVs stored 30 days could still effectively damage melanoma cells and inhibit melanoma growth, outperforming free ICG and ICG liposomes. Interestingly, gADNVs showed prominent penetrability to mice skin which might be beneficial to noninvasive transdermal administration.

Conclusions

Our research was designed to simplify the preparation of drug carrier, and reduce production cost, which provided an alternative for the development of economic and safe drug delivery system.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-01195-7.

Hepatic antioxidant activity, immunomodulation, and pro-anti-inflammatory cytokines manipulation of κ-carrageenan (κ-CGN) in cobia, Rachycentron canadum against Lactococcus garvieae

The effects of dietary k-Carrageenan (k-CGN) at 10, 20, and 30 g kg-1 on growth rate, hemato-biochemical indices, innate-adaptive parameters and modification of pro- and/or anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines pathway in cobia, Rachycentron canadum against Lactococcus garvieae is reported. The weight gain (WG) increased substantially (P < 0.05) in all k-CGN treated groups; the specific growth rate (SGR) was significant in healthy uninfected normal (HuN) and L. garvieae challenged (LaC) groups fed with 20 g kg-1k-CGN diet on 45 and 60 days. The white blood cell (WBC) counts, total protein (TP) level, total anti-oxidant (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) activities increased significantly when fed with 20 g and 30 g kg-1k-CG diets on 45th and 60th day. The immunological parameters such as phagocytic (PC) index and the activity of phagocytic (PC), respiratory burst (RB), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alternate complement pathway (ACH50), and lysozyme (LZM) were significantly enhanced with all k-CG diets in 45 and 60 days of treatment. No cumulative mortality (CM) in HuN group fed by control or any k-CGN diets. CM was 5% in LaC group fed with 20 g kg-1k-CGN diet whereas in LaC groups fed with 10 g and 30 g kg-1k-CGN diets the CM was 10%. The interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) pro-inflammatory cytokines mRNA transcripts were one-fold high (P < 0.05) in both HuN and LaC group fed all k-CGN enriched diets on 45 and 60 days. Similarly, IL-18 and TLR2 mRNA was one-fold high expression in both groups fed the 20 g and 30 g kg-1k-CGN enriched diets on 45 or 60 days. Interferon gamma (IFNγ) and interferon regulatory factor 3/7 (IRF3/IRF7) mRNA transcripts did not change with any diet. IL-6, IL-10, and IL-11 mRNA were one-fold high expressions in both groups fed the 20 g and 30 g kg-1k-CGN enriched diets on 45 and 60 days. However, the expression of CC1, CC3, and CCR9 pro-inflammatory chemokines mRNA did not vary with any control or k-CGN enriched diets. The results indicate that diet enriched with k-CGN at 20 g kg-1 significantly influences the growth, antioxidant and innate-adaptive immune performance, and pro-anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines regulation in cobia against L. garvieae.

Influence of bamboo vinegar powder (BVP) enriched diet on antioxidant status, immunity level, and pro-anti-inflammatory cytokines modulation in Asian sea bass, Lates calcarifer (Bloch 1790) against Vibrio anguillarum

Effect of bamboo vinegar powder (BVP) on growth, immunity, disease resistance, and immune-related gene expressions in juvenile Asian sea bass (barramundi), Lates calcarifer against Vibrio anguillarum was investigated. V. anguillarum infected fish fed by 2g BVP kg-1 diet exhibited significant growth, albumin (AB), serum total protein (TP), and globulin (GB) levels. Similarly, enhanced lysozyme (LZM), phagocytic (PC), anti-protease (AP), respiratory burst (RB), bactericidal (BC) activities and total immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were observed in fish fed 2g BVP kg-1. In addition, use of 2g BVP kg-1 in diet modulated several immune related gene expressions against Vibrio disease. This study exhibited a positive effect of dietary 2g BVP kg-1 diet on hemato-biochemical and immunological responses, which enhance the immunocompetence and health status of L. calcarifer against V. anguillarum infection.

Dietary supplementation with dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) flower extract provides immunostimulation and resistance against Streptococcus iniae infection in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchusmykiss)

Dandelion flower is a well-known phytomedicine due to its therapeutic effects on dyspepsia, bile duct disorders, spleen and liver complaints, and inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary dandelion flower extract (DFE) on skin mucosal and humoral immunity, immune-related gene expression, and disease resistance in rainbow trout. The fingerlings (N = 300, 20.1 ± 0.9 g) were randomly assigned to 15 tanks and fed with different levels of DEF including 0 (control), 1, 2, 3, and 4 g/kg for 56 days. At the end of the trial, the total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were significantly enhanced in DFE-added groups compared to the control group. Complement components, immunoglobulin M, total protein, and lysozyme showed significantly higher values in the fish treated with dietary DFE at 3 g/kg than others (P < 0.05). The enzymatic activities of the skin mucus samples in the fish fed dietary levels of DFE were significantly higher than the control fish. Skin mucus protein was also improved significantly in 2 and 3 g/kg DFE compared to others. The transcription levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 genes were up-regulated in the fish fed with 3 and 4 g/kg DFE. Interleukin-8 and lysozyme gene expression levels were elevated in 3 g/kg DFE group compared to the control group. Fish mortality after challenging with Streptococcus iniae was significantly reduced from 43.33% in the control group to 73.33% in 3 g/kg DFE group. This study confirmed the beneficial effects of DFE as an immunostimulant in rainbow trout diet and the recommended dose of DFE is 2.49-2.74 g/kg based on the polynomial regression models.

Impact of cinnamaldehyde on innate immunity and immune gene expression in Channa striatus against Aphanomyces invadans

The effect of cinnamaldehyde (CM) enriched diet on immunity and cytokine gene expression in Channa striatus against Aphanomyces invadans is reported. C. striatus was uniformly divided into eight groups (n = 25 fish each) and fed with formulated diets with 0, 5, 10, and 15 mg kg^-1 CM enriched diet. In healthy and infected groups fed with 5 mg kg^-1 diet the leukocytes count increased significantly after 4th week; with 10 mg kg^-1 CM diet the increase manifested after 6th week, but with 15 mg kg^-1 not even after 8th week. In both groups, 5 mg kg^-1 CM diet resulted in a significant increase in the serum total protein, albumin, and globulin levels after 4th week, whereas with other diets this effect was observed only after 6th week. Similarly, with any enriched diet the lysozyme activity increased significantly, but with 15 mg kg^-1 CM diet only after 6th week. In both groups the complement activity and lymphocyte production increased significantly when fed with 5 mg kg^-1 CM diet after 4th week while with other enriched diets only after 6th week. The phagocytic activity increased significantly in both groups fed with 5 mg kg^-1 CM diet after 6th week, whereas the SOD activity increased after 4th week. The IgM production increased significantly in both groups fed with 5 mg kg^-1 CM diet after 2nd week, while with 5 and 10 mg kg^-1 CM diet after 4th week. In both groups, the expression of CXCR3α was significant on 4th week when fed with 10 mg kg^-1 CM diet, while in the healthy group fed with 15 mg kg^-1 CM diet the expression manifested earlier than 4th week. However, when fed with 10 and 15 mg kg^-1 CM diets the increase was observed on 6th week; whereas, the expression of MHC-I reached the maximum on 6th week with any enriched diet. The results indicate that in C. striatus the innate immunity and expression of cytokine and immune related genes were significantly modulated when fed with 5 mg kg^-1 CM diet on 4th week against A. invadans.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Aloe vera Extract on Inflammatory Cytokines of Rats Fed with a High-Fat Diet (HFD)

Background: Cytokines are glycoprotein compounds with an important role in inducing and regulating inflammation. Objectives: The present study aimed to measure the effect of Aloe vera alcoholic extracts on inflammatory cytokines in rats fed with a high-fat diet. Methods: Forty adult male Wistar rats were purchased and randomly categorized into five groups, including two control groups (control and control fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and three experimental groups (high-fat diet + 150 mg/kg Aloe vera, high fat diet + 300 mg/kg Aloe vera, and high-fat diet + 600 mg/kg Aloe vera). The rats in the experimental groups received high-fat emulsion and three doses of Aloe vera for 60 days in the form of gavage. Following blood sampling, serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interferon-γ (INF-γ) were measured. Statistical analysis was administered using SPSS-20 software by ANOVA test. Mean comparisons were conducted via Duncan’s multiple range test at the 0.05 level of significance. Results: The findings showed that a high-fat diet (HFD) could increase the concentrations of inflammatory factors TNF-α and TGF-β (P < 0.05). Moreover, an increase in the concentration of inflammatory factor IL-6 was observed at P < 0.01. No significant effects were observed in the mean concentration of INF-γ in the study groups. The use of Aloe vera gel extract considerably reduced inflammatory factors TNF-α, TGF-β, and IL-6 in the Aloe vera extract-receiving groups. Conclusions: In general, the results of the present study revealed that Aloe vera alcoholic extract reduced inflammatory factors in the rats fed with a high-fat diet.

Antibacterial Activity and Membrane-Targeting Mechanism of Aloe-Emodin Against Staphylococcus epidermidis

The emergence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) dwarfs the current antibiotic development and calls for the discovery of new antibacterial agents. Aloe-emodin is a plant-derived compound that holds promise to battle against these strains. This work reports the antimicrobial activity of aloe-emodin against S. epidermidis and other Gram-positive pathogenic species, manifesting minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBCs) around 4-32 and 32-128 μg/mL, respectively. For Gram-negative bacteria tested, the MICs and MBCs of aloe-emodin were 128-256 and above 1024 μg/mL, respectively. Aloe-emodin at the MBC for 4 h eradicated 96.9% of S. epidermidis cells. Aloe-emodin treatment led to deformities in the morphology of S. epidermidis cells and the destroy of the selective permeability of the cell membranes. Analysis of the transcriptional profiles of aloe-emodin-treated cells revealed changes of genes involved in sulfur metabolism, L-lysine and peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and biofilm formation. Aloe-emodin therefore can safely control Gram-positive bacterial infections and proves to target the bacterial outer membrane.

Effect of diet enriched with Agaricus bisporus polysaccharides (ABPs) on antioxidant property, innate-adaptive immune response and pro-anti inflammatory genes expression in Ctenopharyngodon idella against Aeromonas hydrophila

The effect of Agaricus bisporus polysaccharides (ABPs) supplemented diet on growth rate, antioxidant capacity, innate-adaptive immune response, proinflammatory and antiinflammatory genes expression in Ctenopharyngodon idella against Aeromonas hydrophila is reported. In both normal and challenged groups fed with 1.0 and 1.5 mg kg^-1 ABPs diets resulted in a significant weight gain and feed intake. The survival was 100% in normal fish fed without or with any ABPs diet; the challenged fish fed with 1.0 mg kg^-1 ABPs diet had 98.6% survival. The RBC and WBC counts, Hb, and Hct levels were significant in both normal and challenged groups fed with 1.0 and 1.5 mg kg^-1 ABPs diets. A significant increase in total protein and albumin level was observed in both groups fed with 1.0 and 1.5 mg kg^-1 ABPs diets. Significant increase in GPx, ROS, GR, GSH, PC, and MnSOD activity was observed in HK of both groups fed with 1.0 and 1.5 mg kg^-1 ABPs diets; similarly both groups when fed with the same ABPs diets showed significant Lz, C3, and C4 activity. However, both groups fed with 1.0 mg kg^-1 ABPs diet showed significant β-defensin, LEAP-2A, IL-6, and NF-κB P65 mRNA expression. Similarly, IFN-γ2, IL-10, and TNFα mRNA expressions were significant in both groups fed with 1.0 mg kg^-1 ABPs diet. The results indicate that both normal and challenged C. idella fed with a 1.0 mg kg^-1 ABPs diet had better growth, antioxidant status, immune response, and pro-anti-inflammatory gene modulation against A. hydrophila.

Enhanced Immune Response Improves Resistance to Cadmium Stress in Triploid Crucian Carp

Previous research has indicated that triploid crucian carp (3n fish) have preferential resistance to cadmium (Cd) compared to Carassius auratas red var. (2n fish). In this article, comparative research is further conducted between the 2n and 3n fish in terms of the immune response to Cd-induced stress. Exposure to 9 mg/L Cd for 96 h changed the hepatic function indexes remarkably in the 2n fish, but not in the 3n fish. In the serum of Cd-treated 2n fish, the levels of alanine amino transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, adenosine deaminase, and total bilirubin significantly increased, while the levels of total protein, albumin, lysozyme, and anti-superoxide anion radicals decreased demonstrating hepatotoxicity. By analysis of transcriptome profiles, many immune-related pathways were found to be involved in the response of 3n fish to the Cd-induced stress. Expression levels of the immune genes, including the interleukin genes, tumor necrosis factor super family member genes, chemokine gene, toll-like receptor gene, and inflammatory marker cyclooxygenase 2 gene were significantly enhanced in the hepatopancreas of the Cd-treated 3n fish. In contrast, the expression levels of these genes decreased in the 2n fish. This research provides a theoretical basis for polyploid fish breeding and is helpful for the ecological restoration of water due to pollution.

Impact of grape pomace flour (GPF) on immunity and immune-antioxidant-anti-inflammatory genes expression in Labeo rohita against Flavobacterium columnaris

This study evaluates the effects of dietary inclusion of grape pomace flour (GPF) on growth, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, innate-adaptive immunity, and immune genes expression in Labeo rohita against Flavobacterium columnaris. In both normal and challenged fish the growth rate, hematology and biochemical parameters significantly increased when fed with 200 and 300 mg GPF enriched diets; similarly the activities of antioxidants and innate-adaptive immune parameters, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), phagocytic (PC), respiratory burst (RB), alternative pathway complement (ACP), lysozyme (Lyz), and total immunoglobulin M (IgM) significantly increased in both groups. Similarly, the immune, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory-related gene mRNA expression was significantly up-regulated in head kidney (HK) tissues. The challenged fish fed without GPF always exhibited lower values of all the studied parameters. The results indicate that both normal and challenged fish treated with 200 mg GPF inclusion diet had significantly enhanced growth rate, antioxidant status, and immune defense mechanisms than with 300 mg GPF diet in L. rohita against F. columnaris.

Effect of chrysophanic acid on immune response and immune genes transcriptomic profile in Catla catla against Aeromonas hydrophila

The effect of chrysophanic acid (CA) (2, 4, and 8 mg kg-1) on the immunity and immune-related gene profile of Catla catla against Aeromonas hydrophila is reported. In both control and treated groups fed with 2 mg kg-1 (2 CA), the phagocytosis, hemolytic, myeloperoxidase content, and superoxide anion production decreased significantly between 6th and 8th weeks, whereas when fed with 4 mg kg-1 CA (4 CA) the H2O2 production and nitric oxide synthase increased significantly between 4th and 8th week. When fed with 2 CA and 4 CA diets, the total protein, bactericidal, and antibody titer increased significantly from the 4th week onwards. When fed with 2 CA, the IL-1β and IL-10 mRNA expression of head kidney leucocytes were significant between weeks 6 and 8. The expressions of toll-like receptors significantly increased when fed with a 4 CA diet from 4th week onwards. The 4 CA group significantly increased in TNF-α, TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (NOD), which influences protein expression, after the 4th week. The mRNA transcription of MHCI, lysozyme-chicken and goose type expressions significantly increased in 4 CA group within the 4th week. In summary, the dietary administration of 4 mg kg-1 of CA (4 CA) provides better immunity and enhances the up-regulation of immune-related genes in Catla against A. hydrophila.

Differential Biological Behavior of Fibroblasts and Endothelial Cells under Aloe vera Gel Culturing

Aloe vera is used for its large variety of biological activities such as wound healing, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, gastroprotective, and anti-cancer. Although the beneficial effects of Aloe vera on wound healing have been proven, little is known about its effects at the cellular level. In this study, we evaluated the angiogenic and migrative effects of Aloe vera gel on fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Fibroblasts and endothelial cells were cultured in monolayer conditions with low glucose DMEM with 10% serum and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. Fresh and mature leaves of Aloe vera were used for gel preparation. Cell proliferation and morphology were studied by an inverted microscope. The migration of fibroblasts was assessed by scratch assay. MTT assay was performed for cell viability assessment, and real-time RT-PCR was used for evaluation of PECAM-1, integrin α1 and β1 transcription. After two days, the protein level of PECAM-1 was detected by flow cytometry. Our results showed that Aloe vera has a higher proliferative effect on fibroblasts in comparison with endothelial cells. Aloe vera also induced the migration of fibroblasts. The viability of both types of cells was similar to control ones. Integrin α_1, β₁ and PECAM-1 gene expression increased significantly (P <0.005) in Aloe vera treated fibroblasts and endothelial cells in comparison with the control groups. However, the expression of these genes was significantly higher in fibroblasts in comparison with endothelial cells. Protein levels of PECAM-1 showed no change in both cell types upon Aloe vera treatment. Aloe vera gel induced angiogenic and cell adhesion properties in fibroblasts more than endothelial cells. Further investigations are needed to show the main role of fibroblasts rather than endothelial cells in wound healing by Aloe vera administration.

Anthraquinone extract from Rheum officinale Bail improves growth performance and Toll-Relish signaling-regulated immunity and hyperthermia tolerance in freshwater prawn Macrobrachium nipponense

This study was aimed to investigate the facilitation of anthraquinone extract on growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant capacity of the oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense), and whether it could ameliorate the hyperthermia stress. A 12-week rearing experiment was conducted with 0, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 mg kg^-1 anthraquinone extract from Rheum officinale Bail-supplemented diets (AE0, AE125, AE250, AE500, and AE1000), and followed a 48-h thermal stress with 32℃ incubation. Results indicate AE250 and AE500 significantly improved the growth performance and feed utilization, the optimum level was estimated to be 251.22 mg kg^-1 based on the regression analysis of special growth ratio (SGR). Meanwhile, AE250 and AE500 improved antioxidant enzyme activity and immune-related protein concentration of iNOS-NO signaling. Under thermal stress, AE250 and AE500 improved the heat tolerance, and Toll-Relish signaling was active to the resistance. These results indicate anthraquinone extract could be used as an effective immunostimulant to improve growth performance, physiological balance and protect organism form environmental hyperthermia stress. This may provide insights for immunostimulant development in aquaculture production.

Ameliorative effects of the traditional Chinese medicine formula Qing-Mai-Yin on arteriosclerosis obliterans in a rabbit model

CONTEXT

Qing-Mai-Yin (QMY) is a clinically used herbal formula for treating arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the chemical constituents and effects of QMY on ASO rabbit model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-eight New Zealand rabbits were divided into six groups (n = 8): normal (normal rabbits treated with 0.5% CMC-Na), vehicle (ASO rabbits treated with 0.5% CMC-Na), positive (simvastatin, 1.53 mg/kg), and QMY treatment (300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg). ASO rabbit model was prepared by high fatty feeding, roundly shortening artery, and bovine serum albumin immune injury. QMY (300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg) was orally administered for 8 weeks. The effects and possible mechanisms of QMY on ASO rabbits were evaluated by pathological examination, biochemical assays, and immunohistochemical assays. The compositions of QMY were analysed using HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis.

RESULTS

Compared to the vehicle rabbit, QMY treatment suppressed plaque formation and intima thickness in aorta, and decreased intima thickness, whereas increased lumen area of femoral artery. Additionally, QMY treatment decreased TC, TG and LDL, decreased CRP and ET, and increased NO and 6-K-PGF1α in serum. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms studied revealed that QMY treatment could suppress expression of TNF-α, IL-6, ICAM-1 and NF-κB in endothelial tissues, and increase IκB. In addition, HPLC analysis showed QMY had abundant anthraquinones, stilbenes, and flavonoids.

CONCLUSION

QMY has ameliorative effects on ASO rabbit, and the potential mechanisms are correlated to reducing inflammation and down-regulating NF-κB. Our study provides a scientific basis for the future application and investigation of QMY.

Plant Phenolics as Pathogen-Carrier Immunogenicity Modulator Haptens

Background

Pathogens use multiple mechanisms to disrupt cell functioning in their host and allow pathogenesis. These mechanisms involve communication between the pathogen and the host cell through protein-protein interactions.

Methods

Protein-protein interactions chains referred to as signal transduction pathways are the processes by which a chemical or physical signal transmits through a cell as series of molecular events so the pathogen needs to intercept these molecular pathways at few positions to induce pathogenesis such as pathogen viability, infection or hypersensitivity.

Results

The pathogen nodes of interception are not necessarily the most immunogenic; so that novel immunogenicity-improvement strategies need to be developed thought a chemical conjugation of the pathogen-carrier nodes to develop an efficient immune response in order to block pathogenesis. On the other hand, if pathogen-carriers are immunogens; toleration ought to be induced by this conjugation avoiding hypersensitivity. Thus, this paper addresses the biological plausibility of plant-phenolics as pathogen-carrier immunogenicity modulator haptens.

Conclusion

The plant-phenolic compounds have in their structure functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, ester, or ether, capable of reacting with the amino or carbonyl groups of the amino acids of a pathogen-carrier to form conjugates. Besides, the varied carbon structures these phenolic compounds have; it is possible to alter the pathogen-carrier related factors that determine the immunogenicity: 1) Structural complexity, 2) Molecular size, 3) Structural heterogeneity, 4) Accessibility to antigenic determinants or epitopes, 5) Optical configuration, 6) Physical state, or 7) Molecular rigidity.

Aloe emodin relieves Ang II-induced endothelial junction dysfunction via promoting ubiquitination mediated NLRP3 inflammasome inactivation

Recent studies have revealed that aloe emodin (AE), a natural compound from the root and rhizome of Rheum palmatum L., exhibits significant pharmacologic activities. However, the pharmacologic relevance of the compound, particularly for cardiovascular disease, remains largely unknown. Here, we hypothesized that AE could improve endothelial junction dysfunction through inhibiting the activation of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome regulated by NLRP3 ubiquitination, and ultimately prevent cardiovascular disease. In vivo, we used confocal microscopy to study the expression of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1/2 (ZO-1/2) and the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome in coronary arteries of hypertension. And the experimental serum was used to detect the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome by ELISA assay. We found that AE could restore the expression of the endothelial connective proteins ZO-1/2 and decrease the release of high mobility group box1 (HMGB1), and also inhibited the formation and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Similarly, in vitro, our findings demonstrated that AE could restore the expression of the tight junction proteins ZO-1/2 and decrease monolayer cell permeability that related to endothelial function after stimulation by angiotensin II (Ang II) in microvascular endothelial cells (MECs). We also demonstrated that AE could inhibit Ang II-induced NLRP3 inflammasome formation and activation, which were regulated by NLRP3 ubiquitination in MECs, as shown by fluorescence confocal microscopy and Western blot. Together with these changes, we revealed a new protection mechanism of AE that inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and decreased the release of HMGB1 by promoting NLRP3 ubiquitination. Our findings implicated that AE exhibited immense potential and specific therapeutic value in hypertension-related cardiovascular disease in the early stage and the development of innovative drugs.

Growth performance, haematological changes, immune response, antioxidant activity and disease resistance in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed diet supplemented with ellagic acid

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of various levels of dietary ellagic acid (EA) on growth performance, haematological values, immune response, protection against Yersinia ruckeri infection, and oxidant/antioxidant status in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fish were fed with the control diet and three different experimental diets containing three graded levels of EA (50, 100 and 200 mg kg^-1 diet) for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the growth performance [weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR)], haematological values [the red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Ht) level and erythrocyte indices: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)], immune response [white blood cell (WBC) count, oxidative radical production (nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay), phagocytic activity (PA) and phagocytic index (PI), total protein (TP) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, serum bactericidal activity (BA), lysozyme (LYZ) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities] and oxidant/antioxidant status [tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities] were analysed. In addition, fish were challenged by Y. ruckeri and survival rate was recorded for 14 days. In the groups fed with EA the growth parameters such as WG, SGR, and FCR did not vary significantly. The RBC count, Hb concentration, and Ht level increased in the groups fed with EA when compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences in the MCV, MCH and MCHC values among the groups. The results demonstrated enhancement in all the immunological parameters in the groups fed with EA compared to the control group. The results obtained from challenge with Y. ruckeri revealed reduction in the mortalities in the groups fed with EA. The dietary EA stimulated the SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities in liver, head kidney and spleen as compared to the control group; however, a reverse trend was observed in the MDA levels of tissues. The present study suggest that EA can effectively enhance the haematological values, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and disease resistance in rainbow trout.

Study the immunomodulation of anthracenedione in striped dwarf catfish, Mystus vittatus against pathogenic bacteria, Aeromonas hydrophila

Anthracenedione is a derivative of anthraquinone aromatic organic natural pigments found in senna, aloe latex, rhubarb, cascara, lichens, and fungi having broad range of bioactivity, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-viral activities suggesting potential for clinical purpose of many diseases. The effect of anthracenedione enriched diet on growth, hematology, innate and adaptive immune parameters as well as protection from Aeromonas hydrophila in Mystus vittatus was reported. The weight gain, feed intake, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly increased in uninfected groups fed with 5 mg kg^-1 diet. The red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC) count and the percentage of lymphocytes were significantly augmented in both infected and uninfected groups feeding with any diet. The percentage of monocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils and the biochemical profile such as total protein, albumin, and globulin also were significantly increased in the infected and uninfected groups fed with 5 mg kg^-1 enriched diet. The innate and adaptive immune parameters such as phagocytic activity, immunoglobulin M (IgM), respiratory burst activity, complement activity, and lysozyme activity were significantly increased in uninfected and infected groups fed with 5 or 10 mg kg^-1 diets but not with 1 mg kg^-1 diet. The serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity is significantly increased in the uninfected and infected fish fed with 5 mg kg^-1 diet but the increase was not significantly observed in 1 or 10 mg kg^-1 diets. The nitric oxide (NO) production is significantly elevated in both uninfected and infected groups fed with 5 mg kg^-1 diet. On the other hand, the lymphocyte proliferation and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were significantly increased the infected and uninfected groups fed with 5 and 10 mg kg^-1 diets. The cumulative mortality was found 5% with 1 and 5 mg kg^-1 diet groups while it was observed 10% mortality with 10 mg kg^-1 diet group. Based on the results, it is observed that feeding the uninfected and infected groups with 5 mg kg^-1 anthracenedione diet resulted in better improvement of growth, hematological, biochemical, and innate as well as adaptive immune parameters in M. vittatus against A. hydrophila.

Effects of curcumin on haematological values, immunity, antioxidant status and resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of various levels of dietary curcumin on growth performance, haematological values, immunity and protection against Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes infection in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Fish were fed with diets containing different levels of curcumin; 0% (C), %1 (E1), %2 (E2) and %4 (E3), as treatment groups. After 8 weeks of feeding, the growth performance [weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR)], haematological values [the red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Ht) level and erythrocyte indices: mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC)], various immune parameters [white blood cell (WBC) count, oxidative radical production (nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay), phagocytic activity (PA) and phagocytic index (PI), total protein (TP) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, serum bactericidal (BA), lysozyme (LYZ) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities] and antioxidant capacity [tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities] were analysed. In addition, fish were challenged by Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes and survival rate was recorded for 14 days. The results indicated that the growth performance was significantly influenced by the dietary curcumin levels, the maximal WG and SGR occurred at fish fed the diet containing 2% curcumin. Fish fed the diet containing curcumin had lower FCR than those fed the control diet. The RBC count, Hb concentration, and Ht level increased in the groups fed with curcumin when compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences in the MCV, MCH and MCHC values among experimental groups. All the chosen immune parameters were enhanced in the groups fed diets containing curcumin. Also, the relative percentage survivals were higher in the groups fed with curcumin, especially in the E2 group, compared to the control. The dietary curcumin stimulated the SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities in liver, head kidney and spleen as compared to the control group; however, a reverse trend was observed in the MDA levels of tissues. The highest values for haematological, immunological (except TP level of E3 group) and antioxidant parameters were found in the E2 group. These results collectively suggest that curcumin can be used in aquaculture to improve the growth, haematological values, immune responses, antioxidant capacity and disease resistance of rainbow trout, O. mykiss.