Analysis of relative expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes in intestinal and thymus tissues of broiler chickens during critical life period

This work investigated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes IL-8 and IL-16 in the intestinal and thymus tissues of broiler chickens during critical life periods after vaccination. The aim of the work was to study the effect of vaccination against infectious bronchitis of chickens (IBK) on the 10th day and vaccination against Gamboro and Newcastle disease on the 18th day on the expression of IL-8 and IL-16 genes in the intestinal and thymus tissues of broiler chickens. To achieve the goal, a quantitative PCR test method was used to determine the expression of IL-8 and IL-16 genes in tissue samples taken from broiler chickens before and after vaccination. The study revealed an increase in the expression of IL-8 and IL-16 genes in the intestinal and thymus tissues of broiler chickens after vaccination on the 10th and 18th days. The results obtained can be used to develop new methods of immunocorrection in broiler chickens, as well as to optimize vaccination schemes in order to reduce the risk of immunodepression development. Based on the study, it can be concluded that the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes IL-8 and IL-16 in the intestinal and thymus tissues of broiler chickens depends on the presence of an inflammation source, in this case, on the vaccines used. The body's response to vaccination is manifested in an increase in the expression of the studied genes in the intestinal and thymus tissues, as one of the significant immune organs in broiler chickens.