Impact of feed-borne mycotoxins on avian cell-mediated and humoral immune responses

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Girish ◽  
T. Smith

Mycotoxins of economic importance in poultry production are mainly produced by Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium fungi. The important mycotoxins in poultry production are aflatoxins, ochratoxins, trichothecenes, zearalenone and fumonisins. Mycotoxins exert their immunotoxic effects through various mechanisms which are manifested as reduced response of the immune system. Mycotoxin-induced immunosuppression in poultry may be manifested as decreased antibody production to antigens (e.g. sheep red blood cells) and impaired delayed hypersensitivity response (e.g. dinitrochlorobenzene), reduction in systemic bacterial clearance (e.g. Salmonella, Brucella, Listeria and Escherichia), lymphocyte proliferation (response to mitogens), macrophage phagocytotic ability, and alterations in CD4+/CD8+ ratio, immune organ weights (spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius), and histological changes (lymphocyte depletion, degeneration and necrosis). Mycotoxins, especially fumonisin B1 have been shown to down regulate proinflammatory cytokine levels including those of interferon (IFN)-γ, IFN-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-2 in broiler chickens. Fusarium mycotoxins exert part of their toxic effects by altering cytokine production in poultry. Mycotoxins adversely affect intestinal barrier functions by reducing the intestinal epithelial integrity and removing tight junction proteins. Apoptosis, increased colonisation of pathogenic microorganisms, cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, inhibition of protein synthesis and lipid peroxidation are characteristic of the toxic effects of mycotoxins on intestinal epithelium. These directly or indirectly affect host immune responses. Such immunotoxic effects of mycotoxins render poultry susceptible to many infectious diseases. The avian immune system is sensitive to most mycotoxins. Both cell-mediated and humoral immunity may be adversely affected after feeding mycotoxins to poultry. The avian immune system may be more sensitive to naturally contaminated feedstuffs because of the presence of multiple mycotoxins and the complex interactions between them which can cause severe adverse effects. Adverse effects of mycotoxins on the immune system reduce production and performance resulting in economic losses to poultry industries. Caution must be exercised while feeding grains contaminated with mycotoxins.

AMB Express ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danish Sharafat Rajput ◽  
Dong Zeng ◽  
Abdul Khalique ◽  
Samia Sharafat Rajput ◽  
Hesong Wang ◽  
...  

AbstractNecrotic enteritis (NE) is being considered as one of the most important intestinal diseases in the recent poultry production systems, which causes huge economic losses globally. NE is caused by Clostridium perfringens, a pathogenic bacterium, and normal resident of the intestinal microflora of healthy broiler chickens. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of broiler chicken is considered as the most integral part of pathogen’s entrance, their production and disease prevention. Interaction between C. perfringens and other pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella present in the small intestine may contribute to the development of NE in broiler chickens. The antibiotic therapy was used to treat the NE; however European Union has imposed a strict ban due to the negative implications of drug resistance. Moreover, antibiotic growth promoters cause adverse effects on human health as results of withdrawal of antibiotic residues in the chicken meat. After restriction on use of antibiotics, numerous studies have been carried out to investigate the alternatives to antibiotics for controlling NE. Thus, possible alternatives to prevent NE are bio-therapeutic agents (Probiotics), prebiotics, organic acids and essential oils which help in nutrients digestion, immunity enhancement and overall broiler performance. Recently, probiotics are extensively used alternatives to antibiotics for improving host health status and making them efficient in production. The aim of review is to describe a replacement to antibiotics by using different microbial strains as probiotics such as bacteria and yeasts etc. having bacteriostatic properties which inhibit growth of pathogens and neutralize the toxins by different modes of action.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aijuan Zheng ◽  
Anrong Zhang ◽  
Zhimin Chen ◽  
Shoaib Ahmed Pirzado ◽  
Wenhuan Chang ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Immunological stress decreases feed intake, suppresses growth and induces economic losses. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Label-free liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) proteomics techniques were employed to investigate effects of immune stress on the hepatic proteome changes of Arbor Acres broilers (Gallus Gallus domesticus) challenged with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Results Proteomic analysis indicated that 111 proteins were differentially expressed in the liver of broiler chickens from the immune stress group. Of these, 28 proteins were down-regulated, and 83 proteins were up-regulated in the immune stress group. Enrichment analysis showed that immune stress upregulated the expression of hepatic proteins involved in defense function, amino acid catabolism, ion transport, wound healing, and hormone secretion. Furthermore, immune stress increased valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation pathways. Conclusion The data suggests that growth depression of broiler chickens induced by immune stress is triggered by hepatic proteome alterations, and provides a new insight into the mechanism by which immune challenge impairs poultry production.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yann Malaisé ◽  
Corinne Lencina ◽  
Christel Cartier ◽  
Maïwenn Olier ◽  
Sandrine Ménard ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the highest-volume chemicals produced worldwide, has been identified as an endocrine disruptor. Many peer-reviewing studies have reported adverse effects of low dose BPA exposure, particularly during perinatal period (gestation and/or lactation). We previously demonstrated that perinatal oral exposure to BPA (via gavage of mothers during gestation and lactation) has long-term consequences on immune response and intestinal barrier functions. Due to its adverse effects on several developmental and physiological processes, BPA was removed from consumer products and replaced by chemical substitutes such as BPS or BPF, that are structurally similar and not well studied compare to BPA. Here, we aimed to compare perinatal oral exposure to these bisphenols (BPs) at two doses (5 and 50 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day (d)) on gut barrier and immune system in female offspring mice at adulthood (Post Natal Day PND70). Methods Pregnant female mice were orally exposed to BPA, BPS or BPF at 5 or 50 μg/kg BW/d from 15th day of gravidity to weaning of pups at PostNatal Day (PND) 21. Gut barrier function and the humoral and cellular immune responses of adult offspring (PND70) were analysed at intestinal and systemic levels. Results In female offspring, perinatal oral BP exposure led to adverse effects on intestinal barrier and immune response that were dependant of the BP nature (A, S or F) and dose of exposure. Stronger impacts were observed with BPS at the dose of 5µg/kg BW/d on inflammatory markers in feces associated with an increase of anti-E. coli IgG, revealing a defect of gut barrier. BPA and BPF exposure induced prominent changes at low dose in offspring mice, in term of gut barrier functions and cellular immune responses, provoking an intestinal and systemic Th1/Th17 inflammation. Conclusion These findings provide, for the first time, a comparative study of long-time consequences of BPA, S and F perinatal exposure by oral route in offspring mice. This work warms that it is mandatory to consider immune markers and dose in risk assessment associated to new BPA’s alternatives. Keywords: Bisphenol A, Bisphenol S, Bisphenol F, Immune responses, Perinatal exposure, Intestine, Th1/Th17, immunoglobulin, cytokines


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Jia-Xin Tian ◽  
Yuan-Huan Kang ◽  
Guo-Sheng Chu ◽  
Hong-Jian Liu ◽  
Yi-Di Kong ◽  
...  

Aeromonas veronii is a pathogen capable of infecting humans, livestock and aquatic animals, resulting in serious economic losses. In this study, two recombinant Lactobacillus casei expressing flagellin A (FlaA) of A. veronii, Lc-pPG-1-FlaA (surface-displayed) and Lc-pPG-2-FlaA (secretory) were constructed. The immune responses in fish administered with recombinant L. casei were evaluated. The two recombinant L. casei were orally administered to common carp, which stimulated high serum IgM and induced higher ACP, AKP, SOD and LYZ activity. Using qRT-PCR, the expression of IL-10, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the tissue of fish immunized with recombinant L. casei was significantly (p < 0.05) upregulated, which indicated that recombinant L. casei could activate the innate immune system to trigger the cell immune response and inflammatory response. Furthermore, recombinant L. casei was able to survive the intestinal environment and colonize in intestine mucosal. The study showed that after being challenged by A. veronii, fish administered with Lc-pPG-1-FlaA (70%) and Lc-pPG-2-FlaA (50%) had higher survival rates compared to Lc-pPG and PBS, indicating that recombinant L. casei might prevent A. veronii infection by activating the immune system to trigger immune responses. We demonstrated that flagellin as an antigen of vaccine, is acceptable for preventing A. veronii infection in fish. The recombinant L. casei expressing FlaA may be a novel mucosal vaccine for treating and controlling A. veronii.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-341
Author(s):  
Harry A. Aguzey ◽  
Zhenhua Gao ◽  
Wu Haohao ◽  
Cheng Guilan ◽  
Wu Zhengmin ◽  
...  

AbstractThe effect of dietary arginine on disease prevention, immune system modulation, the gut micro-biota composition and growth of broiler chicken was reviewed. The main aim of poultry production is the maximization of profit at the least possible cost. This objective can mainly be achieved by ensuring that there is no interference in growth or disease outbreak and by feeding chicken with the best possible level of nutrients. With the ban on antibiotic growth promoters, attention is shifted towards other nutrition methods to prevent diseases and promote growth. More attention is therefore given to protein diets in animal nutrition due to their importance as essential part of active biological compounds in the body, assisting in the breakdown of body tissue and helping in the physiological processes of the animal. Arginine plays important function in serving as building blocks of proteins and polypeptides. It performs other roles during the regulation of important biochemical functions such as maintenance, growth, reproduction and immunity. Arginine cannot be synthesized by the body so it has to be supplemented in the diet. When arginine is supplemented above the recommended level, the gut mucosa is protected, immunosuppression is alleviated, diseases like necrotic enteritis, infectious bursal disease and coccidiosis in broiler chickens are prevented. There is an improvement in growth resulting from the increase in intestinal absorption, barrier function and microbiota composition.


2020 ◽  
Vol 114 (7) ◽  
pp. 541-544
Author(s):  
Sajad Rashidi ◽  
Kurosh Kalantar ◽  
Paul Nguewa ◽  
Gholamreza Hatam

Abstract Optimum levels of selenoproteins are essential for starting and managing the host immune responses against pathogens. According to the expression of selenoproteins in Leishmania parasites, and since high levels of selenoproteins lead to adverse effects on immune cells and their functions, Leishmania parasites might then express selenoproteins such as selenomethionine in their structure and/or secretions able to challenge the host immune system. Finally, this adaptation may lead to evasion of the parasite from the host immune system. The expression of selenoproteins in Leishmania parasites might then induce the development of infection. We therefore suggest these molecules as new therapeutic candidates for the treatment of leishmaniasis.


Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Solis-Cruz ◽  
Daniel Hernandez-Patlan ◽  
Victor Petrone ◽  
Karine Pontin ◽  
Juan Latorre ◽  
...  

To evaluate the effect of cellulosic polymers (CEL) and curcumin (CUR) on aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) toxic effects on performance, and the biochemical and immunological parameters in broiler chickens, 150 one-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated into five groups with three replicates of 10 chickens per pen: Negative Control (feed); AFB1 (feed + 2 ppm AFB1); CUR (feed + 2 ppm AFB1 + Curcumin 0.2%); CEL (feed + 2 ppm AFB1 + 0.3% Cellulosic polymers); and, CEL + CUR (feed + 2 ppm AFB1 + 0.3% Cellulose polymers + 0.2% Curcumin). Every week, body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were calculated. On day 21, liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and intestine from five broilers per replicate per group were removed to obtain relative organ weight. Histopathological changes in liver, several biochemical biomarkers, antibody titers, and muscle and skin pigmentation were also recorded. Dietary addition of 0.3% CEL and 0.2% CUR separately significantly diminished some of the toxic effects resulting from AFB1 on performance parameters, relative organs weight, histopathology, immune response, and serum biochemical variables (P < 0.05); however, the combination of CUR and CEL showed a better-integrated approach for the management of poultry health problems that are related with the consumption of AFB1, since they have different mechanisms of action with different positive effects on the responses of broiler chickens.


2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luisa Pozzo ◽  
Martina Tarantola ◽  
Elena Biasibetti ◽  
Maria Teresa Capucchio ◽  
Maddalena Pagella ◽  
...  

Pozzo, L., Tarantola, M., Biasibetti, E., Capucchio, M. T., Pagella, M., Mellia, E., Bergagna, S., Gennero, M. S., Strazzullo, G. and Schiavone, A. 2013. Adverse effects in broiler chickens fed a high lycopene concentration supplemented diet. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 93: 231–241. The present investigation was designed to assess the effects of the administration of a high dietary lycopene dose to broiler chickens on growth and slaughter performances, haemato–biochemical parameters, antioxidant enzymes, histological lesions and lycopene accumulation in the tissues. Thirty-six 1-d-old male Hubbard broiler chicks were examined and divided randomly into two groups (three replicates for each dietary treatment): the Control group, which received a basal diet, and the Lycopene group, which received the basal diet supplemented with 500 mg lycopene kg−1diet. The experimental period lasted 35 d and growth performance was recorded on a weekly basis. At the end of the experiment (day 35), blood samples (n=12) were collected from the femoral vein. Erythrocyte and leukocyte numbers were assessed and the heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was determined. The alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, lysozyme, total protein and the electrophoretic patterns were evaluated in serum samples. Nine chickens per group were slaughtered to measure the carcass yields and the weight of the liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius and thymus. Spleen, liver, and bursa of Fabricius samples were collected for histological examination and fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. The lycopene concentration, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and chemical composition were assayed in breast meat and thigh samples. The TBARS, glutathione content, catalase and superoxide dismutase activity were measured in liver and kidney samples. The high lycopene concentration supplemented diet did not affect the birds’ growth, slaughter performance or antioxidant enzymes in the breast meat, thigh meat, liver and kidney samples. The concentrations of lycopene in the breast and thigh of the lycopene-supplemented group were 0.10±0.05 mg kg−1and 0.42±0.35 mg kg−1, respectively, while no lycopene was found in the Control group. Spleen and bursa of Fabricius of birds fed a diet supplemented with a high level of lycopene showed weight decrease (P<0.05) and degenerative lesions (P<0.05). Moreover, lycopene supplementation reduced the serum protein concentration, albumin, alpha and the gamma globulin serum concentration (P<0.05).


2021 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Augusto Taunde ◽  
Matheus V. Bianchi ◽  
Velosa M. Mathai ◽  
Cintia De Lorenzo ◽  
Benigna D.C.B. Gaspar ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT: Avian colibacillosis is an acute and globally occurring infectious disease of domestic and wild birds caused by Escherichia coli, and it is associated with considerable economic losses mainly due to the morbidity and mortality associated. The present study aimed to describe the pathological, bacteriological and immunohistochemical aspects of avian colibacillosis in broiler chickens of Mozambique. Forty-nine broiler chicken presented anorexia, decreased weight gain, ataxia, diarrhea, dyspnea, and death in a clinical course of 3-5 days. The birds were raised in five farms (small, medium and large farms) with manual and automatic breeding system, with flocks ranging from 100 to 20,000 birds. At the necropsy, all birds had poor body condition, and the pericardium and the Glisson’s capsule of all avian exhibited different degrees of adherence often associated with severe fibrin deposition. The thoracic and abdominal air sacs were thickened and adhered to the costal wall. Mild, moderate or marked hepatomegaly associated with white pinpoint multifocal areas (100%, 49/49) and mild to moderate splenomegaly in 75.5% (37/49) with a mottled surface were observed. The lungs and kidney were enlarged and reddish. Histologically, a multiorgan fibrinoheterophilic polyserositis was observed in 75.5% of the cases (37/49), which were characterized by inflammatory infiltrates composed mainly of degenerative heterophils, macrophages and plasma cells, associated with fibrin deposits and intermixed by coccobacillary bacterial basophilic aggregates. These affected mainly the pericardium (28.6%, 14/49), the pleura (18.4%, 9/49), the Glisson’s capsule (10.2%, 5/49), the ventriculus (10.2, 5/33), and the proventriculus (8.2%, 4/49) serosa. Multifocal to coalescing areas of coagulative necrosis associated with similar inflammatory cells were observed mainly in the spleen (28.6%, 14/49), liver (24.5%, 12/49), and intestines (22.4%, 11/49). A similar infiltrate was also observed affecting the the lungs (16.3%, 8/49), the kidney (16.3%, 8/49) and the myocardium (14.3%, 7/49). Isolation and identification of E. coli was obtained in 12 cases through bacterial culture. Some organs (2 cases of each farms) were selected and submitted to immunohistochemistry anti-E. coli, and a positive stain was observed in all tested cases in liver (3/3), heart (4/4), spleen (1/1), lungs (4/4), intestines (4/4), bursa of Fabricius (1/1), ventriculus (1/1), and proventriculus (1/1) tissue sections. These results demonstrate that E. coli was the cause of mortality in these birds. Therefore, biosecurity and management measures should be employed to prevent and control the disease occurrence in Mozambique’s poultry farming.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 71 ◽  
Author(s):  
Majid Shakeri ◽  
Ehsan Oskoueian ◽  
Hieu Huu Le ◽  
Mehdi Shakeri

Heat stress compromises efficient poultry production by impairing growth performance and increasing mortality. Mechanisms to dissipate excess heat divert energy from efficient production. This includes increased energy expenditure for respiration, oxidative stress and micronutrient absorption. The fortification of diets with particular feed additives has been known as one of the most important approaches to minimize the negative impacts of heat stress on broiler production. In this context, the promising functional feed additives appeared to be selenium and vitamins E and C. The fortification of broiler diets with these feed additives has been proven to enhance the function of vital organs, immune system response and growth performance of broilers under heat stress. The current review highlights recent successful experiences in the alleviation of heat stress symptoms in broilers using the above-mentioned additives. Selenium and vitamins E and C enhanced production performance in broiler chickens challenged with acute heat stress. The combination of these additives, by employing multiple mechanisms and through synergistic effects, improves heat stress symptoms more efficiently than their individual forms. Emerging literature reveals that selenium and vitamins E and C are involved in close interactions to protect proteins and lipids from oxidative damage and boost immune system function.


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