Effect of Inorganic Zinc on Selected Immune Parameters in Chicken Blood and Jejunum after A. galli Infection

Abstract

Ascaridiosis in poultry results in a reduction in body weight gain, egg production, as well as microelement levels. Infected poultry have higher demands on feed with the addition of essential elements including zinc. The effects of the infection by Ascaridia galli and the supplementation of inorganic zinc on the immune status of broilers were monitored through evaluation of the relative expression of selected genes (interleukins, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) by real-time PCR, haematology parameters by microscopy, and quantitative changes of lamina propria lymphocytes by flow cytometry in day 7 and day 14 of the study. We observed that the enrichment of the diet with inorganic zinc has a positive effect on the relative percentage of CD4+ lamina propria lymphocytes in the jejunum and on heterophil counts in blood. In addition, it was concluded that inorganic zinc has an anti-inflammatory effect (downregulation of TNF-α and IL-17) and activates IgA-producing cells in the jejunum of chicks infected with A. galli.

Production of Intestinal Mucins, sIgA, and Metallothionein after Administration of Zinc and Infection of Ascaridia galli in Chickens: Preliminary Data

“…Production of sIgA in the jejunum of Ascaridia galli -infected chickens demonstrates increased antibody reaction to infected parasite. These data were consistent with the upregulation of IgA gene in infected chicken by A. galli given Zn on day 7 [ 33 ]. Administration of Zn for a 14-day period revealed increase of IgA production in the jejunum of intact chickens.…”

Influence of Zinc and Ascaridia galli Infection on Morphometry of Intestine in Chickens

“…This number shows an inflammatory process in crypt part of jejunum. This is consistent with increase of eosinophils, heterophils, CD4+, CD8+ and IgM+ lymphocytes in crypts and villi previously reported from this experiment [16]. Similarly, increased cutting surface of villi in infected groups corresponds with inflammatory signs in first sampling of our experiment [17,18].…”

Evaluation of Potential Probiotic Properties and In Vivo Safety of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeast Strains Isolated from Traditional Home-Made Kefir

“…Kefir has a long list of reported health benefits, including antimicrobial, hypo-cholesterolemic and hypo-tensive effects, along with its role in controlling glycemic control, and its antioxidant, anticancer, antiallergic, immuno-modulatory and antiinflammatory properties. In addition, its regular consumption is associated with improved lactose digestion and tolerance [17] so that it can become a kind of functional food [3,16]. The broad range of beneficial effects of kefir can be associated with the probiotic properties of microorganisms present in it, which can influence health directly or indirectly through their metabolites, improving, among other factors, behavioral disorders, stress and anxiety [18] and having a possible positive impact on atopic dermatitis [19].…”