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Simple Summary: With the demand for high-quality poultry products, it is imperative to exploit effective and green feed additives that can stimulate the latent productive capacity of broiler chickens. Numerous studies have shown that essential oils (EOs) are able to maintain intestinal microflora stabilization, improve the digestion and absorption efficiency of intestine, and have effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, essential oils themselves have many limitations, for example, poor stability and palatability. In this study, we evaluated thymol and carvacrol eutectic (TCE), which was produced using pharmaceutical cocrystal technology in broilers' feed. The results showed that supplementation with TCE in broiler diets can improve growth performance, jejunal morphology, and nutrient absorption and transport capacities, as well as ileal morphology, barrier function, and inflammatory status, which indicates that the bioactive compounds of essential oils treated using pharmaceutical cocrystal technology can play an active role in poultry production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diets supplementing with various levels of thymol and carvacrol eutectic (TCE) on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, and the expression of intestinal nutrient absorption, barrier function- and inflammation-related genes in broiler chickens. A total of 640 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers with similar body weights were randomly divided into four groups (8 replicates/group, 20 broilers/replicate). Birds in the four experimental groups were fed a basal diet with TCE at 0, 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg. The results showed that the growth performance of birds during 22–42 d or 1–42 d, serum IgE and IgG content at 21 d of age, jejunal and ileal morphology, ileal MUC2, OCLN, and IL-10 mRNA expression were significantly increased compared with the control group (p < 0.05), and the ileal IL-6 mRNA expression quadratically decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary TCE supplemented dosage, and its expression showed a linear downward trend (0.05 < p < 0.1). Meanwhile, compared with the other three groups, birds fed diets with 30 mg/kg TCE presented better (p < 0.05) growth performance, intestinal morphology, and function. These results indicated that the optimal supplementation amount of TCE in the broiler diets was 30 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diets supplementing with various levels of thymol and carvacrol eutectic (TCE) on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, and the expression of intestinal nutrient absorption, barrier function- and inflammation-related genes in broiler chickens. A total of 640 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers with similar body weights were randomly divided into four groups (8 replicates/group, 20 broilers/replicate). Birds in the four experimental groups were fed a basal diet with TCE at 0, 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg. The results showed that the growth performance of birds during 22–42 d or 1–42 d, serum IgE and IgG content at 21 d of age, jejunal and ileal morphology, ileal MUC2, OCLN, and IL-10 mRNA expression were significantly increased compared with the control group (p < 0.05), and the ileal IL-6 mRNA expression quadratically decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary TCE supplemented dosage, and its expression showed a linear downward trend (0.05 < p < 0.1). Meanwhile, compared with the other three groups, birds fed diets with 30 mg/kg TCE presented better (p < 0.05) growth performance, intestinal morphology, and function. These results indicated that the optimal supplementation amount of TCE in the broiler diets was 30 mg/kg.

Though hippocampal volume reduction is a pathological hallmark of schizophrenia, the molecular pathway(s) responsible for this degeneration remains unknown. Recent reports have suggested the potential role of impaired blood-brain barrier (BBB) function in schizophrenia pathogenesis. However, direct evidence demonstrating an impaired BBB function is missing. In this preliminary study, we used immunohistochemistry and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to investigate the state of BBB function in formalin-fixed postmortem samples from the hippocampus and surrounding temporal cortex of patients with schizophrenia (n = 25) and controls without schizophrenia (n = 27) matched for age, sex, and race. Since a functional BBB prevents the extravasation of IgGs, detection of IgGs in the parenchyma is used as direct evidence of BBB breakdown. We also developed a semi-quantitative approach to quantify the extent of IgG leak and therein BBB breach. Analysis of our immunohistochemistry data demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of IgG leak in patients with schizophrenia compared to controls. Further, BBB permeability was significantly higher in advanced-age patients with schizophrenia than both advanced-age controls and middle-aged patients with schizophrenia. Male patients with schizophrenia also demonstrated a significant increase in IgG permeability compared to control males. Interestingly, the extravasated IgGs also demonstrated selective immunoreactivity for neurons. Based on these observations, we suggest that BBB dysfunction and IgG autoantibodies could be two key missing pathoetiological links underwriting schizophrenia hippocampal damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though hippocampal volume reduction is a pathological hallmark of schizophrenia, the molecular pathway(s) responsible for this degeneration remains unknown. Recent reports have suggested the potential role of impaired blood-brain barrier (BBB) function in schizophrenia pathogenesis. However, direct evidence demonstrating an impaired BBB function is missing. In this preliminary study, we used immunohistochemistry and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to investigate the state of BBB function in formalin-fixed postmortem samples from the hippocampus and surrounding temporal cortex of patients with schizophrenia (n = 25) and controls without schizophrenia (n = 27) matched for age, sex, and race. Since a functional BBB prevents the extravasation of IgGs, detection of IgGs in the parenchyma is used as direct evidence of BBB breakdown. We also developed a semi-quantitative approach to quantify the extent of IgG leak and therein BBB breach. Analysis of our immunohistochemistry data demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of IgG leak in patients with schizophrenia compared to controls. Further, BBB permeability was significantly higher in advanced-age patients with schizophrenia than both advanced-age controls and middle-aged patients with schizophrenia. Male patients with schizophrenia also demonstrated a significant increase in IgG permeability compared to control males. Interestingly, the extravasated IgGs also demonstrated selective immunoreactivity for neurons. Based on these observations, we suggest that BBB dysfunction and IgG autoantibodies could be two key missing pathoetiological links underwriting schizophrenia hippocampal damage.

ABSTRACT: This present experiment was performed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of chitosan (CS) on immune function in growing Huoyan geese. A total of 320 28-day-old healthy growing Huoyan geese (sex balance) with similar body weight were randomly allotted into control, CS100, CS200, and CS400 groups. Each group includes 4 replicates with 20 geese per replicate, and the feeding trial lasted for 4 wk. The 4 diets contained 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg CS per kg feed, respectively. The results showed that compared with the control group, the relative weight of thymus, serum concentrations of IGF-I, INS, GH, T3, T4, IgM, IgG, IgA, complement C3, and IL-2 in CS200 group were significantly higher at both 42 and 56 D of age, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, relative weight of bursa of fabricius (BF), spleen, serum complement C4, and TNF-a concentrations in CS200 group were higher at 56 D of age (P < 0.05), no differences were observed at 42 D of age (P > 0.05). These results indicated that addition of 200 mg/kg CS enhanced immune organs weight, serum concentrations of immunoglobulins, complements, hormone, as well as cytokines, and improved immune function of growing Huoyan geese.

Aim: In this study, the serological values of our patients followed up with a diagnosis of migraine were compared with the results of healthy controls in terms of possible association with intracellular pathogens, Toxoplasma gondii and Borrelia burgdorferi. Methods: Fifty patients with migraine, randomly selected among migraine patients without any additional disease, who applied to Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal Training and Research Hospital between January 1, 2015 and August 31, 2019 were included in the study. Fifty subjects without headache were included as control group. The history of infectious diseases of the patient and control groups (Toxoplasma gondii, Borrelia burgdorfericausing Lyme disease) was determined by serological diagnostic methods. Results: The study group consisted of 64 women with a mean age of 45.5±13.1 (15-76) years. Migraine and control groups were found to be similar in terms of age (p=0.059) and gender (p=0.211) distributions. The frequency of Toxoplasma gondii positivity in the migraine group was 28% (n=14) and 10% (n=5) in the control group. The frequency of Lyme was 19.6% (n=11) in the migraine group and 14.3% (n=8) in the control group. The frequency of Toxoplasma gondii positivity was statistically significantly higher in the migraine group (p=0.022), while the frequency of Lyme was found to be similar in the migraine and control groups (p=0.450). Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that there are statistically significant differences between migraine and control groups only in terms of Toxoplasma gondii positivity rates, not Lyme. However, we believe that larger sample studies are needed to determine the detailed relationship between migraine and Toxoplasma gondii infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAn up-to-date overview of determinants of serum immunoglobulins in adults is pivotal for clinical practice and research, but currently lacking. We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify determinants of serum immunoglobulin levels.MethodsEmbase, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to July 11th, 2019 for articles reporting on determinants of serum immunoglobulin A, G or M (IgA, IgG or IgM) in adult humans. Random and fixed effect models were applied to obtain pooled mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of age and sex with serum immunoglobulins.ResultsWe retrieved 117 articles reporting on determinants of serum immunoglobulins, of which 28 could be meta-analyzed. Older compared to younger individuals had higher IgA (MD: 0.38; CI: 0.18 – 0.58), but lower IgM levels (MD: -0.40; 95%: -0.66 – -0.14). Men had higher IgA (MD: 0.22; CI: 0.03 – 0.42), but lower IgM levels (MD: -0.21; CI: -0.32 – -0.10) than women. Age and sex did not influence IgG. Caucasian ethnicity was associated with lower IgA, IgG, and IgM. Smoking and corticosteroid use were associated with lower IgG. Positive associations were reported of probiotics with IgG, alcohol with IgA, hypertension with IgA and IgG, and acute psychological stress with IgA, IgG, and IgM.ConclusionsOlder age and male sex are associated with higher IgA, but lower IgM, and urge investigation of age- and sex-specific reference ranges of immunoglobulins. Other identified determinants were ethnicity, diet, lifestyle and cardio-metabolic factors.

Background and Aim: Serum immunoglobulins were reported to be associated with clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease. However, whether a difference exists in the serum immunoglobulins levels in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) with different disease location and behavior phenotypes remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the associations of serum immunoglobulins levels with specific CD phenotypes.Methods: Patients with CD having recorded serum immunoglobulins levels were recruited through multicenter collaborative efforts. The associations between serum immunoglobulins levels and distinct phenotypes of CD were evaluated using multiple logistic regression models.Results: A total of 608 patients with CD were included in the study. Elevated (above the upper limit of normal) serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, IgM, and IgG4 were identified in 24.5, 17.4, 2.1, and 8.2% of patients, respectively. Elevated serum IgG4 levels negatively correlated with complicated disease behavior [odds ratio (OR) 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26–0.92]. Elevated serum IgG was linked to isolated ileal disease with an OR of 0.37 (95% CI 0.23–0.61). The ORs of isolated ileal disease progressively reduced across increasing quartiles of IgG (P for trend < 0.001). The adjusted ORs of isolated ileal disease for increasing quartiles of IgM were 1.82 (1.07–3.1), 1.92 (1.14–3.24), 1.17 (0.69–1.98), and 1 (P for trend = 0.008). Besides, serum IgA and IgG levels significantly correlated with several disease activity indices.Conclusions: These results suggested that certain serum immunoglobulins were associated with specific disease phenotypes of CD. Further investigations to account for the associations are warranted.

Background: An up-to-date overview of determinants of serum immunoglobulins in adults is pivotal for clinical practice and research, but currently lacking. We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify determinants of serum immunoglobulin levels. Methods: Embase, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to July 11th, 2019 for articles reporting on determinants of serum immunoglobulin A, G or M (IgA, IgG or IgM) in adult humans. Random and fixed effect models were applied to obtain pooled mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of age and sex with serum immunoglobulins. Results: We retrieved 117 articles reporting on determinants of serum immunoglobulins, of which 28 could be meta-analyzed. Older compared to younger individuals had higher IgA (MD: 0.38; CI: 0.18 – 0.58), but lower IgM levels (MD: -0.40; 95%: -0.66 – -0.14). Men had higher IgA (MD: 0.22; CI: 0.03 – 0.42), but lower IgM levels (MD: -0.21; CI: -0.32 – -0.10) than women. Age and sex did not influence IgG. Caucasian ethnicity was associated with lower IgA, IgG, and IgM. Smoking and corticosteroid use were associated with lower IgG. Positive associations were reported of probiotics with IgG, alcohol with IgA, hypertension with IgA and IgG, and acute psychological stress with IgA, IgG, and IgM. Conclusions: Older age and male sex are associated with higher IgA, but lower IgM, and urge investigation of age- and sex-specific reference ranges of immunoglobulins. Other identified determinants were ethnicity, diet, lifestyle and cardio-metabolic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To screen pregnant women at risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during delivery using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test and serum immunoglobulin (Ig) testing. Between March 31 st and August 31 st of 2020, consecutive pregnant women admitted for labor and delivery in a single hospital were screened for SARS-CoV-2 with nasopharyngeal RT-PCR swab tests and detection of serum IgG and IgM. We studied 266 pregnant women admitted for labor and delivery. The prevalence of acute or past SARS-CoV-2 infection was 9.0 %, including (i) two cases with respiratory symptoms of SARS-Co-V-2 infection and positive RT-PCR; (ii) four asymptomatic women with positive RT-PCR without clinical symptoms and negative serological tests between two and 15 weeks later; and (iii) two women with false positive RT-PCR due to technical problems. All newborns of the 6 pregnant women with RT-PCR positive had negative RT-PCR and did not require Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission. There were eighteen asymptomatic women with positive serological IgG tests and negative RT-PCR. In our cohort of gravids, we found 2.2 % of women with positive RT-PRC tests and 6.7 % with positive serological tests during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To screen pregnant women at risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during delivery using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test and serum immunoglobulin (Ig) testing.Method: Between March 31 st and August 31 st of 2020, consecutive pregnant women admitted for labor and delivery in a single hospital were screened for SARS-CoV-2 with nasopharyngeal RT-PCR swab tests and detection of serum IgG and IgM.Results: We studied 266 pregnant women admitted for labor and delivery. The prevalence of acute or past SARS-CoV-2 infection was 9.0 %, including (i) two cases with respiratory symptoms of SARS-Co-V-2 infection and positive RT-PCR; (ii) four asymptomatic women with positive RT-PCR without clinical symptoms and negative serological tests between two and 15 weeks later; and (iii) two women with false positive RT-PCR due to technical problems. All newborns of the 6 pregnant women with RT-PCR positive had negative RT-PCR and did not require Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission. There were eighteen asymptomatic women with positive serological IgG tests and negative RT-PCR.Conclusion: In our cohort of gravids, we found 2.2 % of women with positive RT-PRC tests and 6.7 % with positive serological tests during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of water supplemented with Bacillus subtilis and photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) on egg production, egg quality, serum immunoglobulins and digestive enzyme activities of Jinyun ducks. A total of 400 healthy Jinyun ducks (all aged 58 weeks) were randomly allotted to 5 treatments, with 4 replicates per treatment and 20 ducks in each replicate. The ducks were fed a standard diet for 15 days and the experimental diet for 54 days. Experimental design is as follows: negative-control group C1 was given no supplementation, control group C2 was given pool water (PW) with added PSB but not B. subtilis. Test groups T1, T2 and T3 were given the same amount of PSB in the PW and varying levels of B. subtilis in drinking water. Results suggest that PSB combined with B. subtilis had beneficial effects on the laying rate, feed-to-egg ratio, serum IgG, egg quality, especially in albumen height and Haugh unit. Additionally, PSB alone can increase the yolk-to-egg ratio, albumen height and Haugh unit.

Introduction: Research in early cancer detection has led to discovery of many immunological tumor markers that contribute considerably to supplement the method of diagnosis. High serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) values in patients with cancer have been used as tumor markers. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate and compare the serum IgA levels in nontreated, treated oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients, and control group. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients were included in the study. 20 biopsy confirmed oral SCC patients, who have received no medical treatment, 20 oral SCC patients treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy and 20 normal healthy individuals. Venous blood samples were collected from anterior cubital vein and were delivered to the biochemistry laboratory for the estimation of serum IgA level by nephelometry method. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical method employed were the Pearson's Chi-square test and One-way analysis of variance (Welch) followed by Games-Howell post-hoc test. Results: We observed significant difference for serum IgA between study subjects in control, nontreated and treated oral SCC patients (P < 0.001). Serum IgA level in nontreated group was significantly higher than treated group and there was an approximately two-fold increase in serum IgA level in nontreated oral SCC patients when compared to that of the normal healthy individuals. Conclusion: Serum level of IgA might be employed as diagnostic and prognostic indicators in oral cancer.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of recombinant plectasin (Ple) on the growth performance, intestinal health, and serum immune parameters in broilers. A total of 288 1-day-old male broilers (Arbor Acres) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments including the basal diet (NC) and basal diet supplemented with 10 mg enramycin/kg (PC), 100 mg Ple/kg (LPle), and 200 mg Ple/kg (HPle) diets. The results indicated Ple increased (P < 0.01) average daily gain and decreased (P ≤ 0.02) feed to gain ratio of broilers. In addition, the supplementation of Ple in the diets increased (P ≤ 0.01) duodenal lipase (day 21) and trypsin (day 42) activities compared with the NC group. Similar as the supplementation of enramycin, Ple also increased villus height and decreased crypt depth in jejunum (day 21), and thus the villus height to crypt depth ratio (P < 0.01) was increased compared to the NC group on day 42. The serum immunoglobulin M (days 21 and 42), immunoglobulin G (day 42), complement 3 (day 21), and complement 4 (days 21 and 42) were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.02) due to the supplementation of Ple and enramycin, while the concentration of malondialdehyde in jejunum was decreased (P < 0.01) in PC, LPle, and HPle groups on day 21 compared with those in the NC group. Furthermore, Ple reduced (P < 0.01) Escherichia coli and total aerobic bacteria population in ileum and cecum of birds on days 21 and 42. These results indicate that the recombinant plectasin has beneficial effects on growth performance, intestinal health, and innate immunity in broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The majority of multiple myeloma (MM) patients have high levels of monoclonal immunoglobulin in the serum and/or urine and suppressed levels of the uninvolved immunoglobulins. The prognostic significance of this phenomenon has not been assessed sufficiently. In this study, our aim is to evaluate the prognostic significance of uninvolved immunoglobulin suppression measured by nephelometry in patients with new symptomatic MM and the association with other features of the disease. Materials and Methods: Between August 2003 and February 2015, 137 patients who were referred for the treatment of newly diagnosed symptomatic myeloma to the Hematology Department polyclinics of the İstanbul University İstanbul Faculty of Medicine were prospectively included and had available pretreatment immunoglobulin levels measured by nephelometry. Results: Suppression of at least one uninvolved immunoglobulin was observed in 87% of patients and this situation was slightly more common in patients with immunoglobulin A myeloma but had no statistical significance (p>0.05). Uninvolved immunoglobulin suppression was also more common among patients who had bone marrow plasma cell infiltration of ≥40% and presented with anemia and hypercalcemia (p65 years, lactate dehydrogenase of >300 IU/L, bone marrow plasma cells of ≥40%, and β2-microglobulin of >3.5 mg/dL (p

Background: In children, innate and adaptive immunity varies with age, disease status, and ethnicity, reflected by lymphocyte subsets and serum immunoglobulin (Ig) levels. The paucity of such data from the Indian subcontinent necessitated this study. Aims: This study aims to determine reference ranges of Ig and lymphocyte subsets in Indian children from birth to 5 years. Settings and Design: Neonates, infants, and children from a tertiary care hospital were selected and categorized into 5 groups from cord blood/newborn to 5 years. Materials and Methods: Samples were taken from cord blood and healthy children up to 5 years of age. Complete blood counts, serum Ig levels (by turbidimetry), and lymphocyte subsets (by flow cytometry) were studied, and reference ranges calculated. Results: Four hundred and three samples were analyzed; 53 from cord blood and 350 from children 1 month to 5 years. High IgG levels were noted at birth, which decreased in the first 6 months followed by a rise thereafter. IgM remained low in infancy and peaked at 13–36 months. IgA levels were very low at birth but increased with age. CD4 counts were high in cord blood till 3 years of age and then declined. CD8 and CD19 counts remained steady till 5 years of age. CD56 increased after the age of 2 years. Conclusions: While our data correlated well with published literature, notable differences were higher IgM levels seen in 1–3 years' age group and higher natural killer cells through all age groups in our study. Our results provide the largest database of its kind from our country.

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) with an egg immunoglobulin (IgY) combined with phytomolecules (PM) on the growth rate, serum immunity, and intestinal health of weaned pigs challenged with Escherichia coli K88 (E. coli K88). A total of 192 piglets were weaned at 28 days old with an average weight of 7.29 (± 0.04) kg. They were randomly divided into four treatments containing eight replicates with six piglets per replicate. The treatment groups were NC and PC fed a basal diet, AGP fed a basal diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline, 50 mg/kg oxytetracycline calcium, and 40 mg/kg zinc bacitracin, IPM fed a basal diet supplemented with IgY at dose of 2.5 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg and PM at dose of 300 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg during days 1 to 17 and 18 to 42, respectively. On days 7 to 9 of the experiment, piglets in the PC, AGP, and IPM groups were orally challenged with 20 mL E. coli K88 (109 CFU/mL), while piglets in the NC group were challenged with 20 mL medium without E. coli K88. The E. coli K88 challenge model was successful as the incidence of post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) of piglets challenged with E. coli K88 was significantly higher than that of those unchallenged piglets during the challenge time (days 7 to 9) and days 1 to 7 of post-challenge (p < 0.05). A diet with combinations of IgY and PM and AGPs significantly decreased the incidence of PWD during the challenge time and days 1 to 7 of post-challenge (p < 0.05) compared to the PC group and significantly improved the ratio of feed to weight gain (F:G) during days 1 to 17 of the experiment compared to the NC and PC groups (p < 0.05). In comparison with the PC group, piglets in the IPM group had significantly higher serum levels of IgA, IgG, and IgM (p < 0.05), but lower serum IL-1β on day 17 of experiement (p < 0.05). Besides, diet supplementation with AGP significantly decreased serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α on days 17 and 42 (p < 0.05) with comparison to the PC group. Piglets in the IPM group showed a significantly lower level of fecal coliforms (p < 0.05), but a higher villus height of jejunum and ileum and higher ratio of villus height to crypt depth of duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05) than those piglets in the PC group. In summary, diet supplementation with a mixture of IgY and PM decreased the incidence of PWD and coliforms, increased feed conversion ratio, and improved intestinal histology and immune function.

Background/aim: The serum immunoglobulin levels are used routinely in clinical practice because they provide key information on the humoral immune status. This study aimed to determine the age-related reference values of serum immunoglobulin levels in healthy children. Materials and methods: A total of 330 healthy children, aged between 0 and 18 years, were included in this study. The serum immunoglobulin levels were measured using a nephelometric method in a total of 11 groups, each group consisting of 30 individuals, and IgG subclasses in 6 groups of children aged more than 2 years. Results: The serum IgG levels were high during the newborn period, decreased until the sixth month, and again increased to a maximum level at the age of 18 years. The level of IgA was found to be extremely low in the newborn period and then increased with age. While the lowest value was in the newborn period for serum IgM level, the highest value was in the 16- to 18-year-old period. The IgG subclasses varied depending on the age groups. Conclusion: The updated reference intervals of immunoglobulin levels in children may be used for the accurate diagnosis of immune deficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of water supplemented with Bacillus subtilis and photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) on egg production, egg quality, serum immunoglobulins and digestive enzyme activities of Jinyun ducks. A total of 400 healthy Jinyun ducks (all aged 58 weeks) were randomly allotted to 5 treatments, with 4 replicates per treatment and 20 ducks in each replicate. The ducks were fed a standard diet for 15 days and the experimental diet for 54 days. Experimental design is as follows: negative-control group C1 was given no supplementation, control group C2 was given pool water (PW) with added PSB but not B. subtilis. Test groups T1, T2 and T3 were given the same amount of PSB in the PW and varying levels of B. subtilis in drinking water. Results suggest that PSB combined with B. subtilis had beneficial effects on the laying rate, feed-to-egg ratio, serum IgG, egg quality, especially in albumen height and Haugh unit. Additionally, PSB alone can increase the yolk-to-egg ratio, albumen height and Haugh unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. The subpopulation structure of immunocompetent cells of peripheral blood, concentration of IgA, IgM, IgG, IgE and serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10 for the patients was studied. Reduced contents of CD8+, CD56+ lymphocytes and increased contents of CD4+, CD22+ lymphocytes, serum levels of IgA, IgM, IgG, IgE are revealed in Hkakass with asthma compared to healthy Hkakass. It was also revealed in Hkakass with asthma that contents of CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, serum concentration of IgA, IgE increased compared to Caucasoids with asthma. The serum level of cytokines IL-4 were found to be considerably increased in Hkakass with asthma compared to healthy Hkakass and to Caucasoids with asthma. On the other hand, the comparison of concentration of IL-10 showed that serum level was higher in Caucasoids with asthma than Hkakass with asthma.

Objective: The majority of multiple myeloma (MM) patients have high levels of monoclonal immunoglobulin in the serum and/or urine and suppressed levels of the uninvolved immunoglobulins. The prognostic significance of this phenomenon has not been assessed sufficiently. In this study, our aim is to evaluate the prognostic significance of uninvolved immunoglobulin suppression measured by nephelometry in patients with new symptomatic MM and the association with other features of the disease. Materials and Methods: Between August 2003 and February 2015, 137 patients who were referred for the treatment of newly diagnosed symptomatic myeloma to the Hematology Department polyclinics of the İstanbul University İstanbul Faculty of Medicine were prospectively included and had available pretreatment immunoglobulin levels measured by nephelometry. Results: Suppression of at least one uninvolved immunoglobulin was observed in 87% of patients and this situation was slightly more common in patients with immunoglobulin A myeloma but had no statistical significance (p>0.05). Uninvolved immunoglobulin suppression was also more common among patients who had bone marrow plasma cell infiltration of ≥40% and presented with anemia and hypercalcemia (p<0.05). The overall survival time was shorter in patients with positive calcium-renal-anemia-bone criteria and International Staging System stage 3 compared with others (p<0.05). Factors that were independently associated with inferior survival in the multivariate analysis included patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min, age of >65 years, lactate dehydrogenase of >300 IU/L, bone marrow plasma cells of ≥40%, and p 2-microglobulin of >3.5 mg/dL (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this study, 13.1% of MM patients had preserved levels of uninvolved immunoglobulins. We observed that patients who had preserved uninvolved immunoglobulin levels had better treatment responses and better pathologic signs, but statistical significance could not be shown. Conversely, patients with suppression of even one of the uninvolved immunoglobulins had a shorter survival, but similarly, statistical significance could not be shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the humeral immune markers in patients with ß-thalassemia major (TM). Methods In this historical – cohort study (August to December 2007), the case group consisted of 34 TM patients and the control group included the same number of their gender and age matched healthy siblings. Serum levels of CH50, C3, C4, IgE, IgG,IgA,IgM and also ASO & Isohemaglutinin titers were determined and compared between the case and control groups (P3000ng/ml had lower C4 and CH50 levels. C4-level in male patients was significantly lower. Conclusion This study indicated that there were no significant changes in humeral immune markers in the patients with ß-thalassemia major compared to the controls, except in the case of IgA which was higher in the TM patients. It seems that there is no need for routine survey of immunoglobulins and complement levels in thalassemic patients in order to detect immunodeficiency.

Background: High serum immunoglobulins and circulating immune complexes (IgG, IgM, IgA and CIC) values in patients with cancer have been used as tumor markers. Hence, the aim of the study was to estimate these immunological markers in pre- and post-treatment phases with a follow-up of 3-24 months and to understand the prognostic significance of the same in patients with oral cancer. Materials and Methods: The malignancy group consisted of 56 patients with different stages (AJCC TNM) of oral cancer and 20 healthy control group. Samples were selected at random and subjected for sequential analysis of serum biochemical markers (IgG, IgA, IgM and CIC-circulating immune complexes levels) in the pre- and post-treatment period. Statistical method employed was the paired t test. Results: We observed significant elevated levels of all the immunological markers ( P < 0.01) when compared with the control group. Sequential analysis of these markers revealed significant reduction in immunological markers in stage I and II patients. On the contrary, stage III and IV patients showed remarkably elevated levels of IgA and CIC one year after initial treatment. Conclusions : All these immunological markers are indicative of tumor burden and Serum levels of CIC and IgA might be employed as prognostic indicators in oral cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Primary immunodeficiencies (PID) are underdi- agnosed all around the world, even at tertiary care centers. Antibody defects make the most prevalent defect group, and usually manifest themselves clinically after 6 months of age with recurrent respiratory infections caused by encapsulated bacteria. A number of ear-nose and throat surgeries are indicated in patients with recurrent or complicated respiratory infections, who have not adequately responded to medical therapy. These children who underwent a surgical procedure after a history of recurrent respiratory infections might constitute a high-risk group for PID. OBJECTIVE: To enquire how frequent antibody defects are among children with a history of respiratory infections who underwent any of three otolaryngology surgeries. METHODS: We reviewed the electronic medical records of children who underwent adenoid-tonsillectomy (ATT), endoscopic paranasal sinus drainage (ESD), and tympanic ventilation tube placement (TVT) at our center during 2011-2012, for serum immunoglobulins (IgE, IgG, IgA, IgM) levels. RESULTS: We found 112 surgical procedures in 87 patients. Of these, the indication for surgery was infectious in 37 (21 male, 1 dead, mean age 7.3 years), more often chronic rhinosinusitis (19/37) and tonsillitis (9/37). The procedures included: 24 ATT, 13 ESD, and 6 TVT, for a total of 43. Eight patients (21.6%) underwent more than one surgery. Serum IgE was found in 27 (72.9%), and "at-least-IgG" in 18 (48.6%). Only 70% of these tests were ordered before surgery. Abnormal results included: High IgE 10/27, high IgG 8/18, low IgG 1/18, high IgM 3/17, and high IgA 5/17. Two children with known Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) were identified through this electronic search. DISCUSSION: We describe 37 patients who underwent ENT surgery for a history of complicated, recurrent or refractory respiratory infec- tions, of whom at least nine were allergic and at least two had PID (CGD). Only 18 of those 37 had IgG measured as part of their workup; an alarmingly low index of suspicion for antibody defects. Previous studies in adults with refractory CRS have found antibody defects. We intend to complete the immunological evaluation of the 37, includ- ing for specific antibody deficiency (SAD). "Red flags" such as IgE >2,000 IU/mL, complicated pneumonia, or Aspergillus sp. culture growth may prove to be useful to detect patients with previously undiagnosed PID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Some studies have found patients with diabetes had an impaired humoral immune response. Immunoglobulins provide key information on the humoral immune status. But few population-based studies comprehensively estimated the serum immunoglobulins concentration in type 2 diabetes (T2D). So we design a cross-sectional study to investigate the relationships between immunoglobulin levels and prevalence of T2D in a large-scale adult population.Methods: A cross-sectional assessment was performed in 10,691 participants living in Tianjin, China. Type 2 diabetes was defined in accordance with the criteria of the world health organization, and serum levels of immunoglobulins were determined by the immunonephelometric technique. Adjusted logistic models were used to assess relationships between the quintiles of immunoglobulins concentration and the prevalence of T2D.Results: In this study, the prevalence of T2D was 11.7%, and the means (standard deviation) of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgE, IgM, IgA) were 1192.3 (241.1)mg/dL, 92.3 (234.6)IU/mL, 104.8 (55.8)mg/dL, 234.1 (96.2)mg/dL, respectively. The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of T2D for the highest immunoglobulins (IgG, IgE, IgM, IgA) quintile, when compared to the lowest quintile were 0.64 (0.52, 0.78), 1.00 (0.81, 1.22), 0.77 (0.62, 0.95) and 1.57 (1.29, 1.92), respectively.Conclusions: Decreased IgG and IgM, and increased IgA levels were independently related to the prevalence of T2D among the adult population. Our findings indicate that the immunoglobulins might useful predictive factors for T2D in the general adult population. Further studies are needed to explore the causality and exact mechanisms of immunoglobulins in T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of Cortisol upon the serum immunoglobulin concentration areexamined. The experiment involved male guinea pigs of the body weight from 300 to400 g that were nonnally fed and lived under the common laboratory conditions. Theguinea pigs were divided into an experimental and a control group. The experimentalgroup's guinea pigs were given every day (in a 6 days' period) a subcutaneous dose of80 g of corti sol/kg/per day, while the control group ones were given only one ml ofthe physiological solution. Two weeks after the last received dose of Cortisol orphysiological solution the cordial puncture was applied to take a blood sample inwhich the level of the serum IgA, IgG and IgM was determined. In the experimentalgroup animals the serum IgG value was 11,2 mg/ml at the beginning and 8,7 mg/ml at the end of the experiment (reduction for 22,1%), while the TgA concentration at theend of the experiment was reduced for 5,8%, while the IgM concentration for 12,9%.The serum immunoglobulin concentration in the control group guinea pigs does notreveal any significant differences at the beginning and the end of the experiment.

Formaldehyde (FA), which is an important chemical with a wide commercial use, has been classified as carcinogenic to humans by International Research on Cancer (IARC). The genotoxic and carcinogenic potential of FA has been documented in mammalian cells and in rodents. A recent evaluation by the E.U. Scientific Committee for Occupational Exposure Limits (SCOEL) anticipated that an 8-h time-weighted average exposure to 0.2 ppm FA would not be irritating and not genotoxic in humans. In order to verify this prediction, a field study was performed that aimed at evaluating immune alterations and genetic damage in peripheral lymphocytes of workers in medium density fiberboard plants exposed to a level of FA equivalent to the OEL recommended by SCOEL (0.2 ppm). Subsets of peripheral lymphocytes, immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, IgM), complement proteins, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were evaluated. DNA damage of the workers was assessed by the Comet assay. The absolute numbers and the percentages of T lymphocytes and of natural killer cells, and the levels of TNF-α were higher than the controls, whereas IgG and IgM levels were found to be lower in workers. Other examined immunological parameters were not different from those of the controls. There was no increased DNA damage in the workers compared to controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the humeral immune markers in patients with βthalassemia major (TM). Methods In this historical -- cohort study (August to December 2007), the case group consisted of 34 TM patients and the control group included the same number of their gender and age matched healthy siblings. Serum levels of CH50, C3, C4, IgE, IgG,IgA,IgM and also ASO & Isohemaglutinin titers were determined and compared between the case and control groups (P<0.05). Results Serum level of IgA in TM patients was more frequently higher than normal level compared to the controls, but there were no significant differences on the level of C3, C4, CH50, IgG, IgE, IgM, ASO and Isohemaglutinin between two groups. Splenectomized patients had lower IgM and higher IgA and IgG levels and also diabetic patients had significantly lower C3, ASO, IgM and higher IgA and IgG levels than other patients. Levels of IgA, IgE, IgG, and ASO increased in elder patients. Patients with serum ferritin level >3000ng/ml had lower C4 and CH50 levels. C4-level in male patients was significantly lower.Conclusion This study indicated that there were no significant changes in humeral immune markers in the patients with β-thalassemia major compared to the controls, except in the case of IgA which was higher in the TM patients. It seems that there is no need for routine survey of immunoglobulins and complement levels in thalassemic patients in order to detect immunodeficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bulk of our knowledge on immunosuppression in malnutrition comes from the experiments done on cell-mediated immunity. However, malnutrition-induced modifications of humoral immunity have been less understood. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of acute protein-energy malnutrition on serum levels of immunoglobulins and their subclasses in murine models. Male and female C57BL/6J mice were allocated to one of the four groups: (1) zero-time control (ZC) (19 days of age); (2) ad libitum intake of a complete purified diet (control group [CG]); (3) restricted intake of the complete diet (restricted group [RG]); and ad libitum intake of an isocaloric low-protein diet (low-protein group [LP]). The three groups other than the zero-time control were maintained on their respective regimens for 14 days, i.e. from 19 through 33 days of age. The restricted intake protocol produced weight loss through energy deficiency (marasmic-type malnutrition), whereas the low-protein diet caused wasting through inadequate protein nitrogen and induced a condition mimicking incipient kwashiorkor. Though serum levels of IgG1 and IgE (Th2-type immunoglobulins) in RG and LP mice were significantly higher than those in CG mice, serum levels of IgG2a and IgG3 (Th1-type immunoglobulins) did not show any significant difference between those three groups. Interestingly, serum levels of IgG2b (another Th2-type immunoglobulin) in LP mice were significantly higher than those in CG and RG mice. In ZC mice serum levels of total IgG, IgG1, IgG2b and IgG3 were significantly higher than those in the other three groups. We concluded that during acute malnutrition, Th1/Th2 balance is apparently shifted towards Th2 arm. This deviation seems to be more prominent during acute protein deficiency. The increased serum levels of immunoglobulins in ZC mice were probably due to the intestinal uptake of those proteins from maternal milk.

We assessed the relationship between chronic arsenic exposure through drinking water with respiratory complications and humoral immune response by measuring serum immunoglobulin profiles in the affected subjects (arsenicosis patients) living in the arsenic endemic rural villages of Bangladesh. The duration of exposure was determined through detailed history of the patients (n = 125) and the levels of arsenic in the drinking water and urine samples were determined. The mean duration of exposure in the patients was 7.4 ± 5.3 y, and the levels of arsenic in the drinking water and urine samples were 216 ± 211 and 223 ± 302 μ g/L, respectively, compared to 11 ± 20 and 29 ± 19 μ g/L, respectively, in the unexposed subjects. There was high prevalence of respiratory complications like breathing problems including chest sound, asthma, bronchitis and cough associated with drinking water arsenic toxicity. Arsenicosis patients had significantly elevated levels of IgG (P < 0.001) and IgE (P < 0.001) while the levels of IgA were also significantly higher (P < 0.005) but IgM were similar to that of the control subjects. Analysis of the clinical symptoms based on skin manifestations showed the levels of both IgG and IgE were significantly elevated during the initial stages while IgE were further elevated with the duration of arsenic exposure. Arsenicosis patients with respiratory complications had mean serum IgE levels of 706 ± 211 IU/mL compared to 542 ± 241 IU/mL in patients without apparent involvement with the respiratory system (P < 0.01). The eosinophil counts in the patients did not differ significantly from the unexposed subjects indicating that elevated levels of serum IgE might not be due to allergic diseases, rather it could be due to direct effects of arsenic. We found significant linear relationships between the levels of serum IgE and inorganic phosphorus (P < 0.05), and serum IgA levels with urinary excretion of arsenic (P < 0.001). These observations suggested that arsenic toxicity caused respiratory complications, induced changes in the humoral as well as mucosal immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progression of HCV-related disease is particularly aggressive in the post-transplantation setting. Recipients with recurrent HCV infection undergo repeated liver biopsies in order to estimate disease progression. A strong association was found between serum immunoglobulins levels and hepatic fibrosis in non-transplanted patients with chronic HCV infection. The aim of this study was to determine if serum globulin and immunoglobulins levels can predict the extent of fibrosis in patients with recurrent HCV infection. The records of 45 patients (mean age 51.6 ± 10.5 yr; 53.3% men) with biochemical, serologic, virologic, and histological evidence of recurrent HCV infection were reviewed. Recurrence developed after a median interval of 11.7 months (range: 3–106); in 14 patients (31.1%), the recurrent infection was severe. The mean duration of follow-up was 51.4 ± 35.4 months. A total of 96 liver biopsies were performed. The mean fibrosis score increased significantly with an increase in the number of biopsies (p < 0.0001, r = 0.44). On multivariate analysis, the only predictors of severe fibrosis were serum levels of globulin (OR: 5.97, 95% CI: 1.82–19.53; p = 0.0004) and IgG (OR: 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001–1.006; p = 0.018). On linear regression analysis, for each 0.5-g/dL increase in serum globulin level, there was a 0.22-point increase in fibrosis stage. In conclusion, serum levels of globulin and IgG can serve as a noninvasive marker of the extent of hepatic fibrosis in patients with post-transplant recurrent HCV infection, thus avoiding the need for repeated liver biopsies. These findings, if confirmed, have important implications for the prevention and treatment of fibrosis in this patient group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with elevated adaptive immunity to commensal microbes, with flagellin being a dominant antigen. In light of heightened awareness of the importance of innate immunity in regulating adaptive immunity and ambiguity as to the role of CD-associated immune responses in CD pathophysiology, we sought to determine whether natural acquisition of immune responses to flagellin were regulated by the innate immune flagellin receptor toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) and determine whether persons carrying a recently defined common dominant-negative TLRS polymorphism (TLR5-stop) might be protected from developing CD. Carriage rates of a recently defined dominant-negative TLR5 polymorphism (TLR5-stop) and levels of serum immunoreactivity to bacterial products were measured in inflammatory bowel disease patients, first-degree relatives, and unrelated controls. We observed that, in healthy subjects, persons carrying TLR5-stop had significantly lower levels of flagellin-specific lgG and IgA but had similar levels of total and LPS-specific Ig. Moreover, we observed that, among Jewish subjects, the carriage rate of TLR5-stop (in heterozygous state) was significantly less in CD patients, but not ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, compared with unaffected relatives and unrelated controls (5.4, 0.9, 6.0, and 6.5% for unaffected relatives, CD, UC, and unrelated Jewish controls, respectively, n = 296, 215, 185, and 416, respectively; P = 0.037 by likelihood calculation for CD vs. controls), indicating that TLR5-stop can protect persons of Jewish ethnicity against CD. We did not observe a significant association of TLR5-stop with CD in a non-Jewish cohort (11.1, 10.4, and 11.7% for unaffected relatives, CD, and UC, respectively; n = 841, 543, and 300 for unaffected relatives, respectively). These results demonstrate that natural acquisition of immune responses to flagellin are regulated by TLR5 and suggest that immune responses to flagellin are not merely associated with CD but rather promote the pathogenic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the changes in serum immunoglobulins and some closely related pro‐inflammatory cytokines in patients with nonimmune chronic idiopathic neutropenia of adults (NI‐CINA). Methods: Serum levels of gamma‐globulins, IgG, IgA, IgM, IgG subclasses, interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1) were evaluated in 83 NI‐CINA patients and 65 normal controls using the respective conventional methods. Results: We found that serum gamma‐globulin, IgG and IgG1 levels were all significantly increased in the entire group of patients studied, compared to controls (p<0.001, p<0.01 and p<0.01, respectively), while the levels of IgG3 were significantly reduced (p<0.001). Serum IgA were increased in patients with severe neutropenia (p<0.001). No significant changes were noted in serum IgM, IgG2 and IgG4 levels. The infrequent occurrence of detectable amounts of IL‐4 and IFN‐γ in the serum was similar in both, patients and control subjects. Serum levels of TGF‐β1 were increased in all groups of patients studied and they correlated inversely with the levels of IgG3 (p<0.001) and positively with the levels of IgA (p<0.001), suggesting the possible involvement of the cytokine in immunoglobulin class switching. Conclusion: Patients with NI‐CINA have significant changes in serum immunoglobulins and some inflammation‐related cytokines. These findings provide additional evidence for the existence of an unrecognized low‐grade chronic inflammatory process in NI‐CINA patients and coroborate our previously reported suggestion for the possible involvement of this inflammation in the pathogenesis of neutropenia in the affected subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: IgG and IgA immunocompetence of children with wild poliovirus poliomyelitis and non-polio acute flaccid paralysis. Methods: 932 cases of acute flaccid paralysis, reported in 2008-2009, were tested for presence of polio and non-polio enteroviruses according to the WHO standards. Serum IgA and IgG levels were determined by sandwich ELISA. Results: Mean (SD) IgA levels [0.87 (0.62)g/L; n=28] of virologically confirmed poliomyelitis cases were lower than those of virus negative [1.21 (0.83)g/L; n=612] and non-polio Enterovirus positive [1.22 (0.79)g/L; n=240] cases of acute flaccid paralysis. No significant difference was observed in the concentration of IgG among these groups. Conclusion: IgA plays an important role in protection against poliomyelitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty pre-school children with recurrent respiratory infections had a higher age adjusted mean serum IgG level than their siblings or a reference group. One index child had persistently low serum IgA, but mean serum IgA and IgM levels for the index children were normal. All of the 23 index children and 17 siblings studied had a four-fold or greater rise in virus neutralizing antibody titre. There was no correlation between serum immunoglobulin levels and frequency of infections. There was, however, a significant inverse correlation between salivary IgA levels when healthy and the number of infections experienced by each child in the study year. Salivary IgA levels rose considerably during acute infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]