The effect of feed supplementation with Zakarpacki zeolite (clinoptilolite) on percentages of T and B lymphocytes and cytokine concentrations in poultry

Abstract

The available literature lacks information on the effect of Zakarpacki zeolite (clinoptilolite) on the immune system of poultry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of this zeolite on selected indicators of the immune response in poultry by evaluating the expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) surface molecules on T and B lymphocytes and the concentration of IL-2 and IL-10 in the blood. Ninety one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in the study. The birds were divided into 3 groups of 30 each. The same basic diet was used in all groups, but groups II and III received a feed additive in the form of 2% and 3% zeolite. Blood samples were collected from all birds on the 40th day of observations. Weight gain in the birds in both experimental groups was significantly higher, and no clinical symptoms of disease were observed. The percentage of CD4+CD25+ T and B lymphocytes was higher in both groups receiving zeolite, but the percentage of CD8+CD25+ T lymphocytes was higher only in the group receiving 3% zeolite. There were no differences between the groups in the percentage of cells with CD3+ and MHC Class II expression. Higher serum concentrations of IL-2 and IL-10 were noted only in group III. The use of zeolites enhances antigen presentation and leads to increased Th1 and Th2 response. Excessive supply of zeolite in the feed leads to a local inflammatory response, which may cause damage to the intestinal barrier.

The effect of feed supplementation with Transcarpathian zeolite (clinoptilolite) on the concentrations of acute phase proteins and cytokines in the serum and hepatic tissue of chickens

“…The results of immunological tests suggest that for long-term maintenance of homeostasis in poultry, the addition of 2% zeolite as a feed additive is most beneficial. The lower concentration of cytokines in the liver tissue and serum of poultry from the experimental groups relative to the control group may be linked to the anti-inflammatory potential of clinoptilolite, which regulates the concentration of cytokines secreted by Th1/Th2 cells or repression of T-cell responses, which is also confirmed by the results of our previous research ( Jarosz et al., 2017 ).…”

“…IL-2 produced in poultry under the influence of zeolite stimulates recognition of zeolite as an antigen, as well as the cytotoxicity of Tc lymphocytes, thereby promoting cellular immune response mechanisms. This phenomenon is confirmed in a study by Jarosz et al. (2017) in poultry, which demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the percentage of CD4 + T and CD8 + T cells, indicating activation of cells involved in the cellular immune response, mainly involving cytotoxic CD8 + T lymphocytes.…”

“…A systemic response is indicated in part by the increase shown in the present study in the concentrations of cytokines TNF-α, IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-10 and acute phase proteins SAA, CRP, Hp, and TRF in the serum and hepatic tissue of chickens receiving 3% zeolite compared with the group of chickens receiving 2% zeolite. Comparison of these data with the results of research by Jarosz et al. (2017) indicates that the local inflammation induced by zeolite promotes the proliferation of Th1CD4+ cells.…”

“…The results of our own previously published research ( Jarosz et al., 2017 ) indicate that zeolites used as a dietary supplement for poultry promote the humoral and cellular immune response, characterized by a high concentration of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in chicken serum ( Jarosz et al., 2017 ). Cytokines released in excess initiate and modulate the acute phase response in the chickens, which is manifested in the synthesis of numerous proteins.…”

“…Stimulation of intestinal epithelial M cells by zeolites facilitates the transfer of aluminosilicate molecules from the intestinal lumen to the deeper cells of the lamina propria, mainly macrophages and dendritic cells, responsible for antigen presentation to T cells, resulting in stimulation of the general immune response. In a study by Jarosz et al. (2017) , the use of zeolite as a feed additive for broiler chickens resulted in increased antigen presentation and stimulation of lymphocyte proliferation, especially CD4 + CD25 + , CD8 + CD25 + , and MHC Class II T cells.…”