Immune-enhancing effect of fermented Maesil (Prunus mume Siebold & Zucc.) with probiotics against Bordetella bronchiseptica in mice.

Maesil (Prunus mume) has long been used as a traditional drug and healthy food in East Asian countries. It possesses a number of beneficial biological activities including potential antimicrobial effects against pathogens. Probiotics also have antibacterial effects. Moreover, some probiotics have an important role in regulating the immune system. The present study evaluated the immune enhancing effects of fermented Maesil with probiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus acidophilus) in mice, especially against Bordetella bronchiseptica, as an initial step towards the development of feed supplements for the promotion of immune activity and prevention of disease, especially in pigs. Continuous ingestion of fermented Maesil with probiotics markedly increased the macrophage ratio in peripheral blood and the T lymphocyte ratio in the spleen. In addition, antibody production against formalin-killed B. bronchiseptica significantly increased in the mice fed fermented Maesil compared with the control group. The number of leukocytes was significantly higher in the bronchio-alveolar lavage obtained from the fermented Maesil-fed animals compared to it in the control group at day 3 (maximal peak time) after experimental B. bronchiseptica infection. Moreover, at 7 day post-infection, relative messenger RNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor- α and interferon-γ were significantly increased in splenocytes of mice fed fermented Maesil compared with those in the control group. Taken together, these findings suggest that feed containing fermented Maesil with probiotics enhances immune activity in mice, especially against B. bronchiseptica, via the potent stimulation of non-specific immune responses.

Fermented Maesil (Prunus mume) with probiotics inhibits development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice.

Maesil (Prunus mume Siebold & Zucc.), a potential source of free radical scavengers and inhibitor of pro-inflammatory mediators, is used in traditional Korean medical preparations as a remedy for skin disorders as have probiotics. The action of a probiotic fermented Maesil preparation on the development of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions was determined in a NC/Nga mouse model as an initial step towards the development of a therapeutic feed supplement for use in dogs. Continuous ingestion of the experimental feed markedly inhibited the development of the AD-like skin lesions, as evidenced by a marked decrease in skin signs and reduced inflammation within the skin lesions. Efficacy was confirmed by significant decreases in eosinophil ratio and serum IgE concentration, and a reduction in the number of Staphylococcus aureus recovered from the ear. Relative mRNA expression levels of IL-4, interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in the spleens of the experimental animals were also decreased and there was an increased serum concentration of IL-10 with a concurrent decreased IL-4 concentration in comparison to a control group. Taken together, the results indicate that some component(s) of fermented Maesil have the ability to suppress the development of AD-like skin lesions, possibly by stimulation of IL-10. Beneficial effects of fermented Maesil may thus be expected in dogs with AD, although this and the nature of the active pathway remain to be explored.

Toxicological effects of acrylamide on rat testicular gene expression profile.

Toxicological effects of acrylamide on differential gene expression profile of rat testis were evaluated. Acrylamide induced morphological sperm defects, and decreased sperm concentration in cauda epididymis. Serum testosterone level and Leydig cell viability were also decreased dose-dependently, which resulted in decreased spermatogenesis. Acrylamide-induced histopathological lesions, such as formation of multinucleated giant cells and vacuolation, and numerous apoptotic cells were observed in seminiferous tubules. cDNA microarray analysis revealed that genes related to testicular-functions, apoptosis, cellular redox, cell growth, cell cycle, and nucleic acid-binding were up/down-regulated in testes isolated from acrylamide-treated group (60 mg/kg/day). Acrylamide toxicity appears to increase Leydig cell death and perturb gene expression levels, contributing to sperm defects and various abnormal histopathological lesions including apoptosis in rat testis.

Simultaneous detection and differentiation between porcine circovirus and porcine parvovirus in boar semen by multiplex seminested polymerase chain reaction.

A multiplex seminested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed for the simultaneous detection and differentiation among porcine circovirus 1 (PCV1), PCV2, and porcine parvovirus (PPV) from boar semen. Primers of PCV1, PCV2 and PPV were specific and did not react with other viruses respectively. Twenty (20.4%) and 42 (42.9%) out of 98 whole semen samples were found to be positive for PCV and PPV using multiplex conventional and seminested PCR, respectively. When the separated fractions of PCV or PPV-contaminated semen were analyzed using multiplex seminested PCR, PCV and PPV DNA were found to be present mainly in the seminal fluid and nonsperm cell fractions. This multiplex seminested PCR assay was sensitive, rapid and a good alternative method for the detection and differentiation of these viruses in boar semen.

Lectin histochemistry of Peyer's patches in the porcine ileum.

Lectin staining pattern in Peyer's patches of porcine ileum was studied using twenty one biotinylated-labeled lectins as cell markers which were visualized with avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method (ABC). WGA appears to be a selective marker for tingible body macrophages in the porcine germinal centers. ConA may be a positive marker for the lymphoid tissues, whereas 9 lectins (DBA, SBA, SJA, s-WGA, PNA, ECL, UEA-I, PHA-E, and PHA-L) may be negative markers for the lymphoid tissues in all areas.

Spontaneous complex odontoma in a Sprague-Dawley rat.

Complex odontoma from a female Sprague-Dawley rat is described histopathologically. Necropsy revealed a hard (bony), white mass (3.0 x 3.0 x 2.1 cm) on the left mandible. Microscopically, the mass consisted of islands or nests of epithelial and mesenchymal elements that formed abortive tooth structures. In other areas, tooth formation consisted of a pulp cavity lined by layers of odontoblasts, dentin, enamel, and ameloblasts. Concerning all features of normal tooth formation which was differentiated and mineralized yet completely disorganized, the diagnosis of complex odontoma was recommended.