Abstract Introduction This study evaluated how subclinical staphylococcal infection in one quarter influences cytokine expression in adjacent healthy quarters, exploring inter-quarter signalling. Material and Methods Fifty udder quarters were sampled from 50 Polish Holstein-Friesian cows. Quarters were categorised as infected with coagulase-positive (CoPS) or coagulase-negative (CoNS) staphylococci, adjacent healthy quarters (AHCoPS or AHCoNS), and entirely healthy controls (H). Expression of 11 cytokines was analysed using RT-qPCR and ELISA. Results Samples of AHCoPS showed lower mRNA levels of IL1A , IL1B , IL2 , IL6 , IL12A , IL12B , TNF and CXCL5 genes compared with AHCoNS and were similar to samples of H. Samples of AHCoNS showed higher mRNA levels of nearly all genes compared with samples of H. Moreover, AHCoNS samples showed higher IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18 protein levels than both CoNS and H samples. Notably, lower IL-6 and IL-18 concentrations were seen in AHCoPS than in CoPS tissue. Conclusion Subclinical staphylococcal mastitis in one quarter modulates immune responses in adjacent quarters, disrupting local homeostasis. The results reveal that the bovine udder functions as an integrated, complex organ rather than four independent glands, which has practical implications for mastitis management and milk quality assessment.
Abstract Introduction Yolkin, a protein isolated from hen egg yolk, is postulated to play a key role in embryo development. The aim of this work was to evaluate its differentiating effect on immature RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages by determining their pinocytic and phagocytic capabilities as well as cytokine production. Material and Methods The pinocytosis of neutral red (NR) and phagocytosis of NR-labelled zymosan particles were measured spectrophotometrically, and the production of TNF α, IL-6, and IL-10 in the culture supernatants was evaluated by the immunoenzymatic method. Results Cells of the RAW 264.7 line perform pinocytosis of NR and phagocytosis of NR-zymosan particles more efficiently when incubated with yolkin for 48 h than when in a control culture. Yolkin at a concentration of 10 μg/mL elicited production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10, with a prevalent amount of TNF-α, thus leading to an M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype. Conclusion Following incubation with yolkin, RAW 264.7 macrophages differentiate to an M1 phenotype. The results suggest the possibility of using yolkin as a nutraceutical or functional food ingredient to strengthen defences against infectious agents.
Abstract Introduction Type 2 diabetes is associated with compromised bone quality. Positive effects of sea buckthorn (SB, Elaeagnus rhamnoides (L.) A. Nelson) berry extract on bone biomarkers have been found in vitro , suggesting its therapeutic potential. This study provides the first evidence on the impact of dried SB berries versus metformin (MET) administration on the skeletal system of the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat, an animal model of type 2 diabetes. Material and Methods A total of 30 male ZDF rats (n = 6 per group) were included in the study and randomly assigned to five experimental groups: L (untreated and lean), D (untreated and obese), DM (obese and treated with 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)/day of MET), DS1 (obese and treated with 250 mg/kg b.w./day of SB), and DS2 (obese and treated with 500 mg/kg b.w./day of SB). Treatment lasted four months. Biochemical and macroscopic analyses, micro-computed tomography and mechanical testing were performed. Results The rats from group D had compromised femoral bone microstructure compared with group L (P-value < 0.05) as well as impaired glucose, lipid and liver profiles. Administration of MET (group DM) resulted not only in significant reductions in a bone resorption marker (C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen) but also in significant increases in cortical and trabecular bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness versus group D (P-value < 0.05). The level of AST, a liver injury marker, was also lower. Supplementation with SB (group DS1) only lowered liver injury markers (AST and ALT) (P-value < 0.05). Conclusion Administration of dried SB berries at the doses used in this study did not improve bone microstructure or bone turnover markers. Therefore, SB supplementation did not achieve the therapeutic effects of MET in the context of diabetic bone disease, likely because of its limited bioavailability, degradation of its bioactive metabolites during the hot-air drying process and/or insufficiency of dosage.
Introduction Given the threat that porcine circovirus (PCV) 2 and PCV3 pose to the pig industry, the epidemiology of emerging PCV4 warrants further investigation. Until 2023, PCV4 had only been confirmed in Asia, with the majority of reports originating from China. More recently, PCV4 DNA has also been detected in samples from Spain and the United States, indicating a potentially broader geographic distribution. Furthermore, PCV4 DNA has been identified in samples from other animal species. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of PCV4 in samples collected from domestic pigs, wild boars and wild ruminants in Poland using its Rep (replicase) gene.Material and Methods A total of 474 serum samples from domestic pigs and 226 blood and internal organ samples (lymph nodes, spleen and lungs) from 20 wild boars, 33 fallow deer, 4 red deer and 6 roe deer were tested using qPCR to detect the presence of PCV4 DNA.Results No PCV4 was detected in any of the samples.Conclusion The presence of PCV4 in other populations or regions of Poland cannot be excluded. Further research is needed to monitor the epidemiological situation in the country, particularly in light of emerging reports confirming the presence of the virus in Europe.
Introduction Weaning is a critical stage in piglet rearing, and dietary strategies are needed to support metabolic balance and oxidative resilience during the peri-weaning period.Material and Methods A total of 384 Yorkshire & times; Danish Landrace piglets at 28 days old were allocated to four groups: positive controls with feed additives including ZnO (PC), negative controls without additives (NC), NC + 8% fermented rapeseed meal (FR) and NC + 0.1% Bacillus subtilis 87Y (BS). Blood was collected from 24 males (one per replicate) for redox and biochemical analyses, and liver and small intestine samples were collected post mortem for oxidative marker assessment and histopathology.Results Compared with NC, FR and BS supplementation increased antioxidant defence (catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione) and reduced lipid peroxidation markers (malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxides) in plasma and tissues; changes were accompanied by favourable shifts in selected lipid metabolism indices and liver enzyme activities. The pure probiotic form of Bacillus subtilis was not inferior to the fermented matrix and, for selected parameters, produced an effect stronger than that observed in the PC diet.Conclusion Bacillus subtilis 87Y improved redox status and supported liver function in peri-weaning piglets, with efficacy largely independent of the delivery form, indicating potential as a feed additive.
