Mohammad Abusidu

Introduction: Immunocompetence reflects the immune system’s capacity to mount effective responses against antigens. Cyclophosphamide (CYP), a chemotherapeutic and experimental immunosuppressive agent, disrupts T-helper (Th)1/Th2 balance and compromises immune organ integrity. Bioactive peptides derived from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus , which is rich in type I collagen, have shown emerging immunomodulatory potential. Methods: A collagenase-derived sea cucumber protein hydrolysate (SCPH) was prepared using Clostridium collagenase-I and characterized for amino acid composition and peptide profiles. BALB/c mice were administered CYP (80 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce immunosuppression, followed by oral SCPH treatment. Body weight, spleen and thymus indices, leukocyte counts, Th1/Th2-associated gene expression (IFNG, TBX21, IL4, GATA3), serum cytokines and immunoglobulins, and splenic histology and immunohistochemistry were evaluated. Results: CYP treatment induced body weight loss, reduced immune organ indices, altered leukocyte profiles, and disrupted Th1/Th2-associated markers. SCPH administration partially reversed these changes by restoring spleen and thymus indices, normalizing circulating immune cell levels, upregulating Th1-associated genes (IFNG, TBX21), and downregulating Th2-associated genes (IL4, GATA3). SCPH also increased serum Th1 mediators (IFNG, IgG, IgM) while reducing Th2-associated markers (IL-4, IL-10, IgA, sIgA). Histological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed improved splenic architecture with elevated T-bet and reduced GATA3 expression. Discussion/conclusion: These findings indicate that SCPH promotes Th1-biased immune rebalancing in CYP-induced immunosuppressed mice, suggesting its potential as a marine-derived immunonutritional agent. Further mechanistic studies are warranted to explore its therapeutic and translational applications.

Introduction: Pneumonia continues to be a significant infectious disease, marked by ongoing lung inflammation, breathing difficulties, and high mortality rates, especially among young children in low-income nations.Methods: This study explored the therapeutic potential of peptide hydrolysates from Vespa orientalis pupae in a mouse model of Enterococcus faecalis lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-induced pneumonia. Mice were administered pupae peptide hydrolysate (PPH), and outcomes were evaluated based on clinical symptoms, histopathological analysis, cytokine profiling, expression of tight junction proteins, gut microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing, and NF-κB signaling activity in the lungs.Results: PPH treatment alleviated LTA-induced symptoms, reduced inflammation in the lungs and colon, and improved the balance of gut microbiota. It strengthens the intestinal barrier by increasing the levels of Mucin-2, Mucin-4, and tight junction proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin, ZO-1). Immune modulation was observed, with a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, and suppression of NF-κB signaling. Restoration of the gut microbiota composition further supports the therapeutic role of PPH.Discussion/conclusion: These results indicate that PPH mitigates LTA-induced pneumonia by reinforcing the intestinal barrier, modulating inflammatory pathways, including suppression of NF-κB, and restoring microbial balance. PPH represents a promising new approach for managing pneumonia as a chronic inflammatory disease.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease driven by immune dysregulation, microbiota imbalance, and intestinal barrier dysfunction. Despite its global burden, effective therapies remain limited. This study explores the therapeutic potential of Agrocybe cylindracea polysaccharides (ACP) in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis model. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-characterized ACP was administered orally to BALB/c mice following colitis induction. ACP treatment significantly reduced Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores, preserved colon length, and restored intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins. Mechanistically, ACP modulated immune homeostasis, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-23, CRP) while enhancing anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-4, TGF-β). Furthermore, ACP inhibited hepatic TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling, attenuated systemic inflammation, and reshaped gut microbiota composition by enriching beneficial taxa and reducing pathogenic Bacteroides. These findings demonstrate ACP multi-target efficacy in colitis, positioning it as a promising natural therapeutic for UC.

Background: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has shown promise in mitigating allergic asthma symptoms; nevertheless, its high dose and prolonged duration of treatment raise safety concerns. This study explored the potential of Lactobacillus paracasei (L. paracasei) to enhance the effectiveness of SLIT in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Methods: Allergic asthma was induced in Balb/c mice following sensitization and challenge with a house dust mite (HDM) allergen. Subsequently, the mice were subjected to SLIT (66 and 132 µg) either alone or in combination with L. paracasei supplementation. Asthma-associated parameters, including rubbing frequency, IgE level, cytokine profiles, and histological changes, were evaluated to assess treatment efficacy. Results: mice that received SLIT 132 µg combined with the probiotic (combined 132) demonstrated a significant reduction in allergic symptoms (rubbing). This treatment strategy led to a marked IgE and eosinophil level decrease in serum; an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines like IFN-γ and IL-10; and a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17 and TNF-α. The combination therapy also mitigated lung inflammation and supported the restoration of the structural integrity of the colon, promoting the recovery of goblet cells and mucus secretion. Probiotic treatment alone also effectively reduced IgE levels, increased IFN-γ, and decreased levels of IL-17 and TNF-α. Conclusions: The adjuvant effect of L. paracasei in enhancing SLIT represents a promising approach for improving asthma treatment efficacy.