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 aim of the this study was to determine the effect of different levels of Transcarpathian zeolite (clinoptilolite) on selected indicators of the immune response in chickens by assessing the concentrations of the acute phase proteins haptoglobin, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A, transferrin, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-2, and IL-10 in the serum and hepatic tissues of chickens. The study was conducted on 450 one-day-old male Ross 308 chickens. The total rearing period was 42 D. The samples of blood and liver were collected before the start of the study (day 0) and on day 42, after rearing was completed. ELISA kits specific for chicken CRP, haptoglobin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, serum amyloid A, transferrin, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-10 were used to determine the levels of acute phase proteins and cytokines in the serum and liver homogenates. The results of immunological tests suggest that for long-term maintenance of homeostasis in chickens, the addition of 2% zeolite as a feed additive is most beneficial. The results indicate that 3% clinoptilolite induce production of Th1 pro-inflammatory cytokines, increasing the synthesis of IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. The high concentration of IL-10 after the use of zeolite in conjunction with the high concentration of IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ indicates a reduction in the intensity of inflammatory processes, the enhancement of the humoral immune response, and the simultaneous inhibition of the production of Th1-type cytokines. The increase of CRP concentration in conjunction with high concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the birds from the group receiving 3% clinoptilolite demonstrates indicates that it can influence the development of local inflammatory processes and enhance immune regulation in birds. Our research has shown that clinoptilolite influences on an increase in birds' resistance to infection, as confirmed by clinical observations and anatomopathological examination and by the increase in the synthesis of acute phase proteins with immunoregulatory properties.