Backgrounds Deoxynivalenol(DON)is an abundant environmental pollutant in feed,posing serious health hazards to animals.However,whether DON triggers an imbalance in mitochondrial fission/fusion and the underlying mecha...Backgrounds Deoxynivalenol(DON)is an abundant environmental pollutant in feed,posing serious health hazards to animals.However,whether DON triggers an imbalance in mitochondrial fission/fusion and the underlying mechanisms involved remain poorly understood.Our aim was to clarify whether mitochondrial fission or fusion proteins participated in DON-caused intestinal damage in pigs.Methods Firstly,two groups of weaning pigs were fed a basal diet,or basal diet supplemented with 4 mg DON/kg for 3 weeks.Additionally,another two groups of weaning pigs were given an oral gavage with 2 mg/kg body weight DON or an equivalent amount of normal saline.In addition,the involvement of mitochondrial fission or fusion proteins in DON-induced intestinal damage was further verified in intestinal porcine epithelial cell line(IPEC-1)by overexpressed plasmids of dynamin related protein 1(Drp1)and mitofusin 2(Mfn2)which were determined by animal studies.Finally,a mitochondrial fusion promotor M1 was used in IPEC-1 cells to explore the role of Mfn2 in DON-induced intestinal damage.Results Dietary DON caused jejunal damage and inflammation,reduced intestinal Drp1,mitofusin 1(Mfn1)and Mfn2,and induced cell apoptosis.DON gavage also impaired jejunal structure and led to decreased Drp1 and Mfn2,and increased cell apoptosis.Moreover,DON challenge also resulted in cell damage and mitochondrial dysfunction,accompanied by abnormal protein expression of mitochondrial fission/fusion proteins and increased cell apoptosis in IPEC-1 cells.Subsequently,Mfn2,but not Drp1 overexpression plasmid restored mitochondrial fission/fusion protein expression,suppressed cell apoptosis,mitigated cell damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in IPEC-1 cells after DON challenge.Finally,M1 alleviated DON-induced reduction of Mfn2 protein and cell apoptosis,rescued mitochondrial dysfunction,barrier function impairment and cell damage.Conclusions Overall,our study demonstrates that DON exposure triggers Mfn2 protein dysregulation,which in turn mediates DON-induced intestinal epithelial damage in piglets.展开更多
The interplay between gut microbiota and host health has attracted significant interest in the animal science community.Maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis by supplementing probiotics to treat clinical conditions l...The interplay between gut microbiota and host health has attracted significant interest in the animal science community.Maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis by supplementing probiotics to treat clinical conditions like calf diarrhea is an emerging area of research nowadays because of increased concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance(AMR)and drug residues in animal products.Probiotics reduce the incidence of calf diarrhea by increasing the gut microbiota diversity and richness with more commensal bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that produce antimicrobial compounds,as well as modulating the immune response by increasing cytokines,Interleukin-2(IL-2),IL-4,IL-6,IL-10,and reducing tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),by increasing production of antibodies,especially immunoglobulin E(Ig E),also Ig G,differentiating naive Th lymphocytes(Tho)into Th1,hence stimulate innate immunity and prime the adaptive immune response.Specific probiotic strains of bacteria and yeast(Saccharomyces cerevisiae)derived probiotics maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier.In this review,data are being organized to address the role of probiotics in treating calf diarrhea by modulating gut microbiota and stimulating an immune response against notorious pathogens,to present animal and veterinary scientists and nutritionists with a new concept to treat infectious diseases from the perspective of the gut microbiota,increasing animal health,performance,and welfare.In conclusion,health status and gut microbiome are strongly interlinked.Research data indicated a significant reduction in the incidence of diarrhea after probiotic administration.If interrelations between probiotics and existing gut microbiota are explored more quantitatively,novel antibiotic substitutes can emerge in the future.展开更多
Background:Targeted delivery of biological macromolecules to the small intestine remains challenging due to their susceptibility to degradation in the hostile gastric environment.Methods:This study introduces a minima...Background:Targeted delivery of biological macromolecules to the small intestine remains challenging due to their susceptibility to degradation in the hostile gastric environment.Methods:This study introduces a minimally invasive,in situ injection technique for the murine small intestine that facilitates localized luminal delivery while circumventing gastric barriers.The procedure involves a small abdominal incision for direct injection into the duodenum near the pylorus.Postsurgical monitoring of physiological parameters,systemic inflammatory markers,liver function,and intestinal integrity was conducted over 72 h.Histopathological analysis was performed.The delivery of the functional protein TAT-EGFP(Tat protein fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein)to intestinal epithelial cells was evaluated and compared with oral gavage.As a proof of concept,single-cell RNA sequencing of the intestinal epithelium was performed after high-mobility group box 1 administration.Results:Postsurgical monitoring indicated only transient,anesthesia-related hypo-thermia and minor behavioral alterations.No significant changes were observed over 72 h in body weight,core temperature,clinical severity scores,systemic inflammatory markers(C-reactive protein and leukocytes),liver function(alanine aminotransferase),or intestinal integrity.Histopathological analysis confirmed preserved tissue architec-ture and normal digestive,absorptive,and barrier functions.The model successfully delivered TAT-EGFP to intestinal epithelial cells,an outcome not achievable via oral gavage due to gastric degradation.Single-cell RNA sequencing of the intestinal epi-thelium after high-mobility group box 1 administration revealed inflammatory gene expression patterns in specific epithelial subpopulations.Conclusions:Compared to traditional methods such as oral gavage or organoid cul-ture,this technique offers precise,degradation-resistant delivery of macromolecules in a physiological context.The model's versatility makes it a powerful platform for intestinal research,with applications in drug delivery assessment,gene therapy evalu-ation,and host-microbiota interaction studies.展开更多
Background Inflammatory bowel disease causes intestinal structural damage,impairs gut function,hinders animal growth and development,and reduces farming efficiency.Previous studies demonstrated that lactate alleviates...Background Inflammatory bowel disease causes intestinal structural damage,impairs gut function,hinders animal growth and development,and reduces farming efficiency.Previous studies demonstrated that lactate alleviates dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced inflammation and mitigates weight loss by enhancing intestinal barrier functions.However,the mechanisms underlying lactate-mediated protection of the intestinal epithelial barrier remain unclear.This study aimed to explore the protective effect of lactate on intestinal barrier damage in colitis piglets and the possible underlying mechanisms through in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods A total of 6021-day-old weaned female piglets were randomly assigned into three groups based on weight:the control group(basal diet with physiological saline gavage),the DSS group(basal diet with 5%DSS gavage),and the DSS+LA group(2%lactate diet with 5%DSS gavage).There were 10 replicates per treatment,with 2 piglets per replicate.Jejunal morphology was assessed via hematoxylin and eosin staining,while Western blotting quantified the protein levels of proliferation markers,including cluster of differentiation 24(CD24),cyclin D1,and wingless/integrated(Wnt)/β-catenin signaling components.In vitro,0.08%DSS and 2–32 mmol/L sodium lactate-treated intestinal porcine epithelial cell line-J2(IPEC-J2)cells(n=4)were assessed for viability(Cell Counting Kit-8 assay),apoptosis(flow cytometry),and proliferation parameters,including cell cycle analysis and Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5(Lgr5+)stem cell quantification.Results In vivo,DSS administration induced jejunal villus shortening(P<0.05),downregulated protein levels of CD24,cyclin D1,casein kinase 1(CK1),and dishevelled-2(DVL2)(P<0.05).In vitro,DSS promoted apoptosis,inhibited proliferation,diminished the Lgr5+cell populations(P<0.05),and reduced S-phase cell proportions(P<0.05).Conversely,lactate supplementation ameliorated DSS-induced villus atrophy(P<0.05),restored CD24,cyclin D1,CK1,and DVL2 protein levels(P<0.05).Furthermore,in vitro,sodium lactate attenuated DSS-induced apoptosis(P<0.05),enhanced IPEC-J2 proliferation(P<0.05),expanded Lgr5+cells(P<0.05),and increased S-phase progression(P<0.05).Conclusions In summary,lactate ameliorated intestinal barrier damage in DSS-induced colitis by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and restoring the balance between epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis.This study provides novel mechanistic evidence supporting lactate's therapeutic potential for IBD management.展开更多
A recent preclinical study reported that Wumei Pills(WMP)and Lactobacillus reuteri(L.reuteri)mitigate 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis by promoting intestinal stem cell(ISC)-mediated repair via Wnt/β-caten...A recent preclinical study reported that Wumei Pills(WMP)and Lactobacillus reuteri(L.reuteri)mitigate 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis by promoting intestinal stem cell(ISC)-mediated repair via Wnt/β-catenin signaling.The mechanistic interpretation rests largely on systemic inflammation readouts,correlative microbiota changes,and immunohistochemistry of pathway markers.From a clinical standpoint,chemotherapy-induced mucositis remains a common and burdensome toxicity that leads to dose reductions,treatment delays,and infection risk;current care is largely supportive and does not directly restore ISCmediated repair.This unmet need motivates rigorous appraisal of the proposed“WMP→L.reuteri→ISC/Wnt”axis.To highlight key methodological considerations that may affect causal inference and analytical rigor in the proposed“WMP→L.reuteri→ISC/Wnt”pathway.This letter critically appraises the study’s design,endpoints,and analyses against current best practices in mucositis biology,microbiome causality testing,Wnt/β-catenin pathway validation,and preclinical statistics,and synthesizes concrete,literature-grounded remedies.Six issues with potential impact on interpretation were identified:(1)Reliance on serum cytokines/lipopolysaccharide to infer local mucosal inflammation,with limited tissue-level indices(e.g.,myeloperoxidase,interleukin-1β,immune-cell infiltration);(2)Absence of necessity/sufficiency tests to verify microbiota mediation(e.g.,L.reuteri depletion,WMP-donor fecal microbiota transplantation,probiotic add-back);(3)Pathway evidence tiering-Wnt/β-catenin activation not confirmed byβ-catenin nuclear translocation or downstream targets(Axin2,c-Myc,cyclin D1),and Lgr5 quantification/specificity insufficient;(4)Statistical design under-specified(power justification,blinded assessment,control of multiple comparisons)and potential cage effects unmodeled;(5)Limited dose-response and safety profiling for WMP/L.reuteri;and(6)Constrained generalizability(single sex/strain/age,lack of ABX-only controls,single time-point).The reported benefits of WMP and L.reuteri in chemotherapy-induced mucositis are promising,but stronger causal and analytical foundations are needed.Incorporating tissue-level inflammation readouts,microbiota loss-/gain-offunction designs,definitive Wnt/β-catenin activation assays,rigorous statistical practices(including mixed-effects models for cage clustering and multiplicity control),dose-response/safety evaluation,and broader experimental scope(sex/age/strain,ABX-only controls,time-course)will yield more robust and translationally relevant conclusions.展开更多
Small intestinal villi are essential for nutrient absorption,and their impairment can lead to malabsorption.Small intestinal villous atrophy(VA)encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders,including immune-mediated ...Small intestinal villi are essential for nutrient absorption,and their impairment can lead to malabsorption.Small intestinal villous atrophy(VA)encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders,including immune-mediated conditions(e.g.,celiac disease,autoimmune enteropathy,inborn errors of immunity),lymphoproliferative disorders(e.g.,enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma),infectious causes(e.g.,tropical sprue,Whipple’s disease),iatrogenic factors(e.g.,Olmesartanassociated enteropathy,graft-vs-host disease),as well as inflammatory and idiopathic types.These disorders are often rare and challenging to distinguish due to overlapping clinical,serological,endoscopic,and histopathological features.Through a systematic literature search using keywords such as small intestinal VA,malabsorption,and specific enteropathies,this review provides a comprehensive overview of diagnostic clues for VA and malabsorption.We systematically summarize the pathological characteristics of each condition to assist pathologists and clinicians in accurately identifying the underlying etiologies.Current studies still have many limitations and lack broader and deeper investigations into these diseases.Therefore,future research should focus on the development of novel diagnostic tools,predictive models,therapeutic targets,and mechanistic molecular studies to refine both diagnosis and management strategies.展开更多
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic lipid deposition and hepatocellular steatosis,resu...Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic lipid deposition and hepatocellular steatosis,resulting from nonalcoholic causes and closely linked to metabolic dysfunction[1].It is strongly associated with metabolic abnormalities,including type 2 diabetes,overweight,and obesity.The global prevalence of MASLD is estimated to be approximately 25%−33%,and its incidence is rising rapidly,particularly among younger populations,due to increasingly prevalent unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as sleep deprivation,sedentary habits,and diets rich in calories.展开更多
Studies have shown that chitosan protects against neurodegenerative diseases. However, the precise mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we administered chitosan intragastrically to an MPTP-induced mouse...Studies have shown that chitosan protects against neurodegenerative diseases. However, the precise mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we administered chitosan intragastrically to an MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease and found that it effectively reduced dopamine neuron injury, neurotransmitter dopamine release, and motor symptoms. These neuroprotective effects of chitosan were related to bacterial metabolites, specifically shortchain fatty acids, and chitosan administration altered intestinal microbial diversity and decreased short-chain fatty acid production in the gut. Furthermore, chitosan effectively reduced damage to the intestinal barrier and the blood–brain barrier. Finally, we demonstrated that chitosan improved intestinal barrier function and alleviated inflammation in both the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system by reducing acetate levels. Based on these findings, we suggest a molecular mechanism by which chitosan decreases inflammation through reducing acetate levels and repairing the intestinal and blood–brain barriers, thereby alleviating symptoms of Parkinson's disease.展开更多
2'-Fucosyllactose(2'-FL)shows the potential to support intestinal health as a natural prebiotic that bridges the gap between infant formula feeding and breastfeeding.However,the effect and mechanism of 2'-...2'-Fucosyllactose(2'-FL)shows the potential to support intestinal health as a natural prebiotic that bridges the gap between infant formula feeding and breastfeeding.However,the effect and mechanism of 2'-FL in improving intestinal permeability are not clear.In this study,we constructed human microbiota-associated(HMA)mouse models by colonizing healthy infant feces in mice with antibiotic-depleted intestinal microbiota.The protective effect of 2'-FL on the intestinal permeability was explored using the HMA mouse models,and the combination of metagenomics was used to analyze the possible mechanisms by which the microorganisms reduced the intestinal permeability.The results showed that 2'-FL decreased the concentration of markers of intestinal permeability(enterotoxin and diamine oxidase(DAO))and increased the expression levels of tight junctions(occludin and claudin).Metagenomics revealed the enrichment of Bifidobacterium and increased the expression of glycoside hydrolases(GHs),including GH31,GH28,and GH5.In conclusion,2'-FL strengthened intestinal permeability function by improving microbiota composition to control the translocation of harmful substance.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To explore the treatment efficacy of integrated Chinese medicine(Chaihu Shugan San,柴胡疏肝散,CSS)and western therapy in the treatment of adhesive intestinal obstruction(AIO),to provide new ideas for the man...OBJECTIVE:To explore the treatment efficacy of integrated Chinese medicine(Chaihu Shugan San,柴胡疏肝散,CSS)and western therapy in the treatment of adhesive intestinal obstruction(AIO),to provide new ideas for the management of the disease.METHODS:In our single-blind randomized controlled study,120 patients with AIO who were hospitalized in The Affiliated Hospital of China West Normal University Nan Chong Gaoping District People's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 and met the inclusion criteria were categorized into the treatment group and the control group.Patients from the control group were administered basic Western Medicine therapy,whereas patients from the treatment group were administered basic Western Medicine therapy plus CSS by gastric tube injection.Subsequently,the time to first anal exhaustion and defecation,time to relief of abdominal distension and pain,days of hospitalization,Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)symptom scores,interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP)and procalcitonin(PCT)levels in the 2 groups were recorded and compared.RESULTS:The comparison of clinical efficacy of the treatment group were better than the control group.The TCM symptom score was considerably lower in the treatment group;the inflammation indicators CRP,IL-6,and PCT also decreased statistically when comparing the control group.Furthermore,there were significantly reduced in the time to first exhaustion,time to first defecation,time to relief of abdominal pain and distension,and days of hospitalization in the treatment group versus the control group.CONCLUSION:CSS could suppress the inflammatory reaction,reduce days of hospitalization,relieve clinical symptoms in AIO patients with reliable efficacy and high safety and is worthy of clinical application.展开更多
BACKGROUND Rotavirus(RV),a primary cause of diarrhea-related mortality in 2021,has been shown to damage intestinal epithelial cells while upregulating intestinal stem cells(ISCs)activities.ISCs within the crypt niche ...BACKGROUND Rotavirus(RV),a primary cause of diarrhea-related mortality in 2021,has been shown to damage intestinal epithelial cells while upregulating intestinal stem cells(ISCs)activities.ISCs within the crypt niche drive the continuous self-renewal of intestinal epithelium,preserving its barrier functions.Paneth cells secrete antimicrobial peptide and signaling molecules within the intestine crypt,thereby playing a crucial role in intestinal immune defense and providing ISCs functional support.However,the regulatory function of Paneth cells under pathological conditions,such as RV infection,remains unclear.AIM To determine the impact of RV infection on Paneth cells and how Paneth cells regulate ISCs during intestinal injury repair.METHODS We constructed a reference genome for the RV enteric cytopathogenic human orphan virus strain and reanalyzed published single-cell RNA sequencing data to investigate Paneth cell responses to RV-induced intestinal injury.We derived Paneth-ISC communication networks using CellChat,tracked ISC differentiation with pseudotime analysis,and validated our findings in leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5-enhanced green fluorescent protein-internal ribosomal entry site-Cre recombinase estrogen receptor variant 2 mice and organoids via immunofluorescence,flow cytometry,and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS We found that RV directly infects Paneth cells,leading to a reduction in mature Paneth cells and an increase in kallikrein 1-high immature Paneth cells.Paneth-ISC communication was significantly enhanced.In particular,the bone morphogenic protein 7(BMP7)-activin A receptor type 2B/BMP receptor type 1A-Smad pathway was upregulated post-infection,suggesting that Paneth cells suppress excessive ISC proliferation.Functional validation confirmed activation of this pathway.CONCLUSION Paneth cells regulate ISC proliferation during RV infection by activating BMP7 signaling,limiting excessive stem cell expansion and preserving crypt homeostasis for effective epithelial repair.展开更多
Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)comprises a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestine.Current therapeutic strategies primarily focus on maintaining remission and mitigating the secondary e...Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)comprises a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestine.Current therapeutic strategies primarily focus on maintaining remission and mitigating the secondary effects rather than reversing its pathogenic mechanisms(Jeong et al.,2019).The pathogenesis of IBD involves intestinal barrier dysfunction,tissue damage,and dysregulated innate and adaptive immune responses(de Souza et al.,2017).Elevated neutrophil activity has been reported in IBD(Danne et al.,2024),yet the precise roles and mechanisms of neutrophils in disease progression remain to be elucidated.展开更多
Background The synchronized absorption of amino acids(AAs)and glucose in the gut is crucial for effective AA utilization and protein synthesis in the body.The study investigated how the starch digestion rate and AA le...Background The synchronized absorption of amino acids(AAs)and glucose in the gut is crucial for effective AA utilization and protein synthesis in the body.The study investigated how the starch digestion rate and AA levels impact intestinal AA digestion,transport and metabolism,breast muscle protein metabolism,and growth in grower broilers.A total of 72021-day-old healthy male Arbor Acres Plus broilers were randomly assigned to 12 treatments,each with 6 replicates of 10 birds.The treatments comprised 3 different starch[corn:control,cassava:rapidly digestible starch(RDS),and pea:slowly digestible starch(SDS)]with 4 different AA levels[based on standardized ileal digestible lysine(SID Lys),0.92%,1.02%(as the standard),1.12%and 1.22%].Results An interaction between dietary starch sources and SID Lys levels significantly affected breast muscle yield(P=0.033).RDS and SDS diets,or SID Lys levels of 0.92%,1.02%,or 1.22%,significantly decreased the breast muscle yield of broilers in contrast to the corn starch diet with 1.12%SID Lys(P=0.033).The SID Lys levels of 1.12%and 1.22%markedly improved body weight(BW),body weight gain(BWG)from 22 to 42 days of age,and mRNA expression of y^(+)LAT1 and mTOR while reducing feed intake(FI)and feed/gain ratio(F/G)compared to the 0.92%SID Lys level(P<0.05).The SDS diet significantly decreased BW and BWG of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age,distal ileal starch digestibility,jejunal amylase and chymotrypsin activities,and mRNA expression of GLUT2 and y^(+)LAT1 compared to the corn starch diet(P<0.05).The RDS diet suppressed the breast muscle mass by down-regulating expression of mTOR,S6K1,and eIF4E and up-regulating expression of MuRF,CathepsinB,Atrogin-1,and M-calpain compared to the corn starch diet(P<0.05).Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the SDS diet significantly increased acetyl-CoA andα-ketoglutaric acid levels in the tricarboxylic acid(TCA)cycle(P<0.05)but decreased the ileal digestibility of Lys,Tyr,Leu,Asp,Ser,Gly,Pro,Arg,Ile,and Val compared to the corn starch group(P<0.05).Conclusion The SDS diet impaired broiler growth by reducing intestinal starch digestibility,which inhibited intestinal AA and glucose absorption and utilization,increased AA oxidation for energy supply,and lowered the efficiency of protein synthesis.Although the RDS diet resulted in growth performance similar to the corn starch diet,it reduced breast muscle mass by inhibiting protein synthesis and promoting degradation.展开更多
Background Salmonella enteritidis is a prevalent foodborne pathogen causing diseases in humans and poultry globally.While clove extract is known for its anti-inflammatory properties,its specific effects on gut injury ...Background Salmonella enteritidis is a prevalent foodborne pathogen causing diseases in humans and poultry globally.While clove extract is known for its anti-inflammatory properties,its specific effects on gut injury and underlying mechanisms are not well understood.Methods A total of 432 one-day-old male fast-growing yellow-feathered broilers with similar body weight were randomly assigned to 6 groups,the CON and S.E were fed a basal diet;the CE and S.E+CE received 300 mg/kg of clove extract in their diets;and the EUG and S.E+EUG had 180 mg/kg of eugenol added to their basal diets.Moreover,a newly established ex vivo culture model for chick intestinal organoids(IOs)was used to evaluate intestinal stem cell(ISC)activity.Results Salmonella enteritis infection significantly reduced the growth performance and induced severe intestinal mucosa injury(P<0.05).Dietary supplemented with clove extract or eugenol significantly improved average daily weight gain and feed intake,enhanced the structure and barrier function of the jejunum,reduced the bacterial load and diarrhea scores,promoted the proliferation and differentiation of ISCs,and diminished the efficiency,surface area,budding efficiency,and number of buds of intestinal organoids(P<0.05).Both clove extract and eugenol downregulated the protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α.They also inhibited the excessive activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway induced by Salmonella enteritidis infection in the jejunum tissues and crypts of chicks(P<0.05).Conclusions Eugenol,the active component in clove extract,alleviates intestinal inflammation by inhibiting the excessive activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.It promotes the proliferation and differentiation of ISCs,suppresses apoptosis,and accelerates ISCs-driven intestinal epithelial renewal in chicks,thereby maintaining the structural integrity and functional normalcy of the intestine.展开更多
Background Necrotic enteritis(NE)in broiler chickens leads to significant economic losses in poultry production.This study examined the inhibitory effects of usnic acid and tannic acid on coccidia,sporozoite,and Clost...Background Necrotic enteritis(NE)in broiler chickens leads to significant economic losses in poultry production.This study examined the inhibitory effects of usnic acid and tannic acid on coccidia,sporozoite,and Clostridium perfringens and assessed their influence on growth performance and intestinal health in NE-challenged broilers through in vitro and in vivo experiments.Methods The in vitro experiment included 5 treatment groups:the negative control(NC),2μmol/L diclazuril(DZ),30μmol/L usnic acid(UA),90μmol/L tannic acid(TA),and 15μmol/L usnic acid^(+)45μmol/L tannic acid(UTA)groups.The in vivo experiment involved 320 broilers divided into four groups:PC(NE-challenged),SA(500 mg/kg salinomycin premix^(+)NE-challenged),UA(300 mg/kg usnic acid^(+)NE-challenged),and UTA(300 mg/kg usnic acid^(+)500 mg/kg tannic acid^(+)NE-challenged)groups.Results In the in vitro study,the UA,TA,and UTA treatments significantly increased apoptosis in coccidian oocysts and sporozoites,lowered the mitochondrial membrane potential(P<0.05),and disrupted the oocyst structure compared with those in the NC group.UA and TA had inhibitory effects on C.perfringens,with the strongest inhibition observed in the UTA group.The in vivo results demonstrated that the SA group presented significantly improved growth performance on d 13,21,and 28(P<0.05),whereas the UA and UTA groups presented improvements on d 13 and 21(P<0.05).The SA,UA,and UTA treatments reduced the intestinal lesion scores by d 28 and the fecal coccidian oocyst counts from d 19 to 21(P<0.05).Compared with the PC group,the UA and UTA groups presented lower intestinal sIgA levels and CD8^(+)cell percentages(P<0.05),with a trend toward a reduced CD3^(+)cell percentage(P=0.069).The SA,UA,and UTA treatments significantly reduced the serum diamine oxidase activity,crypt depth,and plateletderived growth factor levels in the intestinal mucosa while increasing the villus height to crypt depth ratio and number of goblet cells(P<0.05).The UTA treatment also significantly increased the acetate and butyrate concentrations in the cecum(P<0.05).With respect to the gut microbiota,significant changes inβdiversity in the ileum and cecum were observed in the SA,UA,and UTA groups,indicating that the microbial community compositions differed among the groups.Romboutsia dominated the SA group,Bacillales dominated the UA group,and Lactobacillales and Lachnospirales dominated the UTA group in the ileal microbiota.In the cecal microbiota,Lactobacillus,Butyricicoccus,and Blautia abundances were significantly elevated in the UTA group(P<0.05).Conclusion Usnic acid and tannic acid induce apoptosis in coccidia and sporozoites by lowering the mitochondrial membrane potential.Both usnic acid alone and in combination with tannic acid alleviate NE-induced adverse effects in broilers by modulating intestinal immunity,altering the microbial composition,and improving intestinal barrier function.Compared with usnic acid alone,the combination of usnic acid and tannic acid had superior effects,providing a promising basis for the development of effective feed additive combinations.展开更多
The intestinal tract,a complex organ responsible for nutrient absorption and digestion,relies heavily on a balanced gut microbiome to maintain its integrity.Disruptions to this delicate microbial ecosystem can lead to...The intestinal tract,a complex organ responsible for nutrient absorption and digestion,relies heavily on a balanced gut microbiome to maintain its integrity.Disruptions to this delicate microbial ecosystem can lead to intestinal inflammation,a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).While the role of the gut microbiome in IBD is increasingly recognized,the underlying mechanisms,particularly those involving endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress,autophagy,and cell death,remain incompletely understood.ER stress,a cellular response to various stressors,can trigger inflammation and cell death.Autophagy,a cellular degradation process,can either alleviate or exacerbate ER stress-induced inflammation,depending on the specific context.The gut microbiome can influence both ER stress and autophagy pathways,further complicating the interplay between these processes.This review delves into the intricate relationship between ER stress,autophagy,and the gut microbiome in the context of intestinal inflammation.By exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions,we aim to provide a comprehensive theoretical framework for developing novel therapeutic strategies for IBD.A deeper understanding of the ER stress-autophagy axis,the gut microbial-ER stress axis,and the gut microbial-autophagy axis may pave the way for targeted interventions to restore intestinal health and mitigate the impact of IBD.展开更多
BACKGROUND The development of slow transit constipation(STC)is associated with intestinal barrier damage.Huangqi decoction(HQD)is effective in treating STC,but me-chanisms are unclear.AIM To investigate whether HQD al...BACKGROUND The development of slow transit constipation(STC)is associated with intestinal barrier damage.Huangqi decoction(HQD)is effective in treating STC,but me-chanisms are unclear.AIM To investigate whether HQD alleviates STC by downregulating the nuclear factorκB(NF-κB)signaling pathway and restoring intestinal barrier function.METHODS KM mice were divided into control,model,and HQD treatment groups.Fresh colonic tissues were collected for single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial tra-nscriptome sequencing.The expressions of claudin-1,mucin 2,and NF-κB P65 proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry.In vitro experiments evaluated the effects of HQD on the LS174T cell line.RESULTS HQD improved intestinal motility,restored mucosal epithelium function and morphology.Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptome sequencing data showed a reduction in goblet cells,decreased mucin 2 secretion,and activated apoptotic pathways in STC mice.The population of intestinal stem cells was reduced,and proliferation along with Wnt/β-catenin pathways were inhibited.STC also altered the distribution of intestinal cell states,increasing immune-associated Enterocyte_C3.Aberrant NF-κB pathway activation was noted across various cell types.After HQD treatment,NF-κB pathway activity was down-regulated,while cell proliferation pathways were up-regulated,alongside an increase in Enterocyte_C1 related to material transport.Immunocytochemical,Western blot,and immunohistochemistry analyses confirmed NF-κB pathway activation in goblet cells of STC mice,with HQD inhibiting this aberrant activation.CONCLUSION STC involves intestinal mucosal barrier damage.HQD may treat STC by suppressing NF-κB signaling in epithelial cells,restoring intestinal epithelial cell function,and promoting mucosal barrier repair.展开更多
BACKGROUND Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO)is suspected and excluded frequently in functional gastrointestinal(GI)disorders.Children presenting with various esophago-gastro-duodenal(upper GI)symptoms are ra...BACKGROUND Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO)is suspected and excluded frequently in functional gastrointestinal(GI)disorders.Children presenting with various esophago-gastro-duodenal(upper GI)symptoms are rarely subjected to investig-ations for SIBO.AIM To estimate the frequency of SIBO in children having functional upper GI sym-ptoms(as cases)and to compare the result of the SIBO status to that of the con-trols.METHODS Children aged 6 to 18 who presented with upper GI symptoms were selected for the study.All children were subjected to upper GI endoscopy before being advised of any proton pump inhibitors(PPIs).Children with normal endoscopy were assigned as cases,and children having any endoscopic lesion were design-ated as controls.Both groups were subjected to a glucose-hydrogen breath test by Bedfont Gastrolyser.RESULTS A total of 129 consecutive children who were naive to PPIs and had normal ba-seline investigations were included in the study.Among them,67 patients had endoscopic lesions and served as the control group,with six cases being excluded due to the presence of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies.Sixty-two children with normal endoscopy results formed the case group.In the case group,35 children(59%)tested positive for hydrogen breath tests,compared to 13 children(21%)in the control group.The calculated odds ratio was 5.38(95%confidence interval:2.41-12.0),which was statistically significant.Further analysis of symptoms revealed that nausea,halitosis,foul-smelling eructation,and epigastric fullness were positive predictors of SIBO.CONCLUSION It is worthwhile to investigate and treat SIBO in all children presenting with upper GI symptoms that are not explained by endoscopy findings.展开更多
BACKGROUND Intestinal ultrasound(IUS)is a safe and effective way for the diagnosis and surveillance of patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).It allows a noninvasive and reproducible follow-up for patients with...BACKGROUND Intestinal ultrasound(IUS)is a safe and effective way for the diagnosis and surveillance of patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).It allows a noninvasive and reproducible follow-up for patients with IBD.AIM To compare the outcomes of colonoscopy and IUS in diagnosing and monitoring patients with IBD.METHODS A prospective study was conducted over a three-year period(January 2021 to April 2024)comparing endoscopic and IUS findings.A total of 101 patients were included in the study(68 with Crohn’s disease and 33 with ulcerative colitis).All patients underwent both IUS and colonoscopy within a 10-day period.RESULTS The study found a strong correlation between bowel thickening on IUS and inflammatory activity(P=0.004),IUS remission and endoscopic remission(P=0.03),IUS and endoscopic location(P=0.04),as well as IUS and computed tomography scan findings for collection diagnosis(P<0.01).CONCLUSION The study’s findings demonstrated excellent results for using IUS in the diagnosis and follow-up of IBD patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND Congenital intestinal atresia(CIA)is a common intestinal malformation in the neonatal period,and surgery is currently the main treatment method.The choice of postoperative feeding is crucial for the recover...BACKGROUND Congenital intestinal atresia(CIA)is a common intestinal malformation in the neonatal period,and surgery is currently the main treatment method.The choice of postoperative feeding is crucial for the recovery of gastrointestinal function in children.AIM To compare and analyze the effects of different postoperative feeding methods on gastrointestinal function reconstruction in newborns with CIA.METHODS Twenty-six children diagnosed with neonatal CIA,treated with minimally invasive surgery at Shijiazhuang Maternal and Child Health Hospital between January 2021 and May 2024,were selected for this single-center prospective randomized controlled study.They were divided into two groups using envelope randomization:Enteral nutrition(EN)group(n=13)and parenteral nutrition(PN)group(n=13).Baseline and clinical characteristics were collected,and recovery time of bowel sounds and time to first defecation were used as evaluation indices for gastrointestinal functional reconstruction.Differences between the groups were analyzed using t-test,χ2 test,and Fisher’s exact test.Spearman’s correlation tests and linear regression models were employed to analyze factors influencing time to first defecation.RESULTS The time to bowel sound recovery(51.54 vs 65.85,P=0.013)and first defecation(58.15 vs 76.62,P<0.001)was shorter in the EN group compared to the PN group.Clinical improvements in the EN group,including discharge weight(P=0.044),hospital stay(P=0.027),white blood cell count(P=0.023),albumin content(P=0.013),and direct bilirubin content(P=0.018),were also better than those in the PN group.No substantial differences in postoperative complications were found between the groups.Correlation analysis indicated that abdominal infection and operation time may relate to time to first defecation.Linear regression analysis demonstrated a considerable association between EN feeding and shorter time to first defecation.Abdominal infection and an operation time>2 hours may be risk factors for prolonged time to first defecation.CONCLUSION EN substantially promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function after CIA in neonates and can improve clinical outcomes in children.Future research should explore optimal EN practices to enhance clinical application and child health.展开更多
基金financially supported by the Project of National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFD1300403)the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province Project(2024AFB926)Hubei Provincial Science and Technology Program(2025CSA037)。
文摘Backgrounds Deoxynivalenol(DON)is an abundant environmental pollutant in feed,posing serious health hazards to animals.However,whether DON triggers an imbalance in mitochondrial fission/fusion and the underlying mechanisms involved remain poorly understood.Our aim was to clarify whether mitochondrial fission or fusion proteins participated in DON-caused intestinal damage in pigs.Methods Firstly,two groups of weaning pigs were fed a basal diet,or basal diet supplemented with 4 mg DON/kg for 3 weeks.Additionally,another two groups of weaning pigs were given an oral gavage with 2 mg/kg body weight DON or an equivalent amount of normal saline.In addition,the involvement of mitochondrial fission or fusion proteins in DON-induced intestinal damage was further verified in intestinal porcine epithelial cell line(IPEC-1)by overexpressed plasmids of dynamin related protein 1(Drp1)and mitofusin 2(Mfn2)which were determined by animal studies.Finally,a mitochondrial fusion promotor M1 was used in IPEC-1 cells to explore the role of Mfn2 in DON-induced intestinal damage.Results Dietary DON caused jejunal damage and inflammation,reduced intestinal Drp1,mitofusin 1(Mfn1)and Mfn2,and induced cell apoptosis.DON gavage also impaired jejunal structure and led to decreased Drp1 and Mfn2,and increased cell apoptosis.Moreover,DON challenge also resulted in cell damage and mitochondrial dysfunction,accompanied by abnormal protein expression of mitochondrial fission/fusion proteins and increased cell apoptosis in IPEC-1 cells.Subsequently,Mfn2,but not Drp1 overexpression plasmid restored mitochondrial fission/fusion protein expression,suppressed cell apoptosis,mitigated cell damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in IPEC-1 cells after DON challenge.Finally,M1 alleviated DON-induced reduction of Mfn2 protein and cell apoptosis,rescued mitochondrial dysfunction,barrier function impairment and cell damage.Conclusions Overall,our study demonstrates that DON exposure triggers Mfn2 protein dysregulation,which in turn mediates DON-induced intestinal epithelial damage in piglets.
基金financial support from the Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(GZC20230718)。
文摘The interplay between gut microbiota and host health has attracted significant interest in the animal science community.Maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis by supplementing probiotics to treat clinical conditions like calf diarrhea is an emerging area of research nowadays because of increased concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance(AMR)and drug residues in animal products.Probiotics reduce the incidence of calf diarrhea by increasing the gut microbiota diversity and richness with more commensal bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that produce antimicrobial compounds,as well as modulating the immune response by increasing cytokines,Interleukin-2(IL-2),IL-4,IL-6,IL-10,and reducing tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),by increasing production of antibodies,especially immunoglobulin E(Ig E),also Ig G,differentiating naive Th lymphocytes(Tho)into Th1,hence stimulate innate immunity and prime the adaptive immune response.Specific probiotic strains of bacteria and yeast(Saccharomyces cerevisiae)derived probiotics maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier.In this review,data are being organized to address the role of probiotics in treating calf diarrhea by modulating gut microbiota and stimulating an immune response against notorious pathogens,to present animal and veterinary scientists and nutritionists with a new concept to treat infectious diseases from the perspective of the gut microbiota,increasing animal health,performance,and welfare.In conclusion,health status and gut microbiome are strongly interlinked.Research data indicated a significant reduction in the incidence of diarrhea after probiotic administration.If interrelations between probiotics and existing gut microbiota are explored more quantitatively,novel antibiotic substitutes can emerge in the future.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,Grant/Award Number:82172140。
文摘Background:Targeted delivery of biological macromolecules to the small intestine remains challenging due to their susceptibility to degradation in the hostile gastric environment.Methods:This study introduces a minimally invasive,in situ injection technique for the murine small intestine that facilitates localized luminal delivery while circumventing gastric barriers.The procedure involves a small abdominal incision for direct injection into the duodenum near the pylorus.Postsurgical monitoring of physiological parameters,systemic inflammatory markers,liver function,and intestinal integrity was conducted over 72 h.Histopathological analysis was performed.The delivery of the functional protein TAT-EGFP(Tat protein fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein)to intestinal epithelial cells was evaluated and compared with oral gavage.As a proof of concept,single-cell RNA sequencing of the intestinal epithelium was performed after high-mobility group box 1 administration.Results:Postsurgical monitoring indicated only transient,anesthesia-related hypo-thermia and minor behavioral alterations.No significant changes were observed over 72 h in body weight,core temperature,clinical severity scores,systemic inflammatory markers(C-reactive protein and leukocytes),liver function(alanine aminotransferase),or intestinal integrity.Histopathological analysis confirmed preserved tissue architec-ture and normal digestive,absorptive,and barrier functions.The model successfully delivered TAT-EGFP to intestinal epithelial cells,an outcome not achievable via oral gavage due to gastric degradation.Single-cell RNA sequencing of the intestinal epi-thelium after high-mobility group box 1 administration revealed inflammatory gene expression patterns in specific epithelial subpopulations.Conclusions:Compared to traditional methods such as oral gavage or organoid cul-ture,this technique offers precise,degradation-resistant delivery of macromolecules in a physiological context.The model's versatility makes it a powerful platform for intestinal research,with applications in drug delivery assessment,gene therapy evalu-ation,and host-microbiota interaction studies.
基金funded by the Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2021ZDZX0009)the earmarked fund from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31972577)。
文摘Background Inflammatory bowel disease causes intestinal structural damage,impairs gut function,hinders animal growth and development,and reduces farming efficiency.Previous studies demonstrated that lactate alleviates dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced inflammation and mitigates weight loss by enhancing intestinal barrier functions.However,the mechanisms underlying lactate-mediated protection of the intestinal epithelial barrier remain unclear.This study aimed to explore the protective effect of lactate on intestinal barrier damage in colitis piglets and the possible underlying mechanisms through in vivo and in vitro experiments.Methods A total of 6021-day-old weaned female piglets were randomly assigned into three groups based on weight:the control group(basal diet with physiological saline gavage),the DSS group(basal diet with 5%DSS gavage),and the DSS+LA group(2%lactate diet with 5%DSS gavage).There were 10 replicates per treatment,with 2 piglets per replicate.Jejunal morphology was assessed via hematoxylin and eosin staining,while Western blotting quantified the protein levels of proliferation markers,including cluster of differentiation 24(CD24),cyclin D1,and wingless/integrated(Wnt)/β-catenin signaling components.In vitro,0.08%DSS and 2–32 mmol/L sodium lactate-treated intestinal porcine epithelial cell line-J2(IPEC-J2)cells(n=4)were assessed for viability(Cell Counting Kit-8 assay),apoptosis(flow cytometry),and proliferation parameters,including cell cycle analysis and Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5(Lgr5+)stem cell quantification.Results In vivo,DSS administration induced jejunal villus shortening(P<0.05),downregulated protein levels of CD24,cyclin D1,casein kinase 1(CK1),and dishevelled-2(DVL2)(P<0.05).In vitro,DSS promoted apoptosis,inhibited proliferation,diminished the Lgr5+cell populations(P<0.05),and reduced S-phase cell proportions(P<0.05).Conversely,lactate supplementation ameliorated DSS-induced villus atrophy(P<0.05),restored CD24,cyclin D1,CK1,and DVL2 protein levels(P<0.05).Furthermore,in vitro,sodium lactate attenuated DSS-induced apoptosis(P<0.05),enhanced IPEC-J2 proliferation(P<0.05),expanded Lgr5+cells(P<0.05),and increased S-phase progression(P<0.05).Conclusions In summary,lactate ameliorated intestinal barrier damage in DSS-induced colitis by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and restoring the balance between epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis.This study provides novel mechanistic evidence supporting lactate's therapeutic potential for IBD management.
文摘A recent preclinical study reported that Wumei Pills(WMP)and Lactobacillus reuteri(L.reuteri)mitigate 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis by promoting intestinal stem cell(ISC)-mediated repair via Wnt/β-catenin signaling.The mechanistic interpretation rests largely on systemic inflammation readouts,correlative microbiota changes,and immunohistochemistry of pathway markers.From a clinical standpoint,chemotherapy-induced mucositis remains a common and burdensome toxicity that leads to dose reductions,treatment delays,and infection risk;current care is largely supportive and does not directly restore ISCmediated repair.This unmet need motivates rigorous appraisal of the proposed“WMP→L.reuteri→ISC/Wnt”axis.To highlight key methodological considerations that may affect causal inference and analytical rigor in the proposed“WMP→L.reuteri→ISC/Wnt”pathway.This letter critically appraises the study’s design,endpoints,and analyses against current best practices in mucositis biology,microbiome causality testing,Wnt/β-catenin pathway validation,and preclinical statistics,and synthesizes concrete,literature-grounded remedies.Six issues with potential impact on interpretation were identified:(1)Reliance on serum cytokines/lipopolysaccharide to infer local mucosal inflammation,with limited tissue-level indices(e.g.,myeloperoxidase,interleukin-1β,immune-cell infiltration);(2)Absence of necessity/sufficiency tests to verify microbiota mediation(e.g.,L.reuteri depletion,WMP-donor fecal microbiota transplantation,probiotic add-back);(3)Pathway evidence tiering-Wnt/β-catenin activation not confirmed byβ-catenin nuclear translocation or downstream targets(Axin2,c-Myc,cyclin D1),and Lgr5 quantification/specificity insufficient;(4)Statistical design under-specified(power justification,blinded assessment,control of multiple comparisons)and potential cage effects unmodeled;(5)Limited dose-response and safety profiling for WMP/L.reuteri;and(6)Constrained generalizability(single sex/strain/age,lack of ABX-only controls,single time-point).The reported benefits of WMP and L.reuteri in chemotherapy-induced mucositis are promising,but stronger causal and analytical foundations are needed.Incorporating tissue-level inflammation readouts,microbiota loss-/gain-offunction designs,definitive Wnt/β-catenin activation assays,rigorous statistical practices(including mixed-effects models for cage clustering and multiplicity control),dose-response/safety evaluation,and broader experimental scope(sex/age/strain,ABX-only controls,time-course)will yield more robust and translationally relevant conclusions.
基金Supported by National High-Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding,No.2022-PUMCH-B-022,and No.2022-PUMCH-D-002CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences,No.CIFMS 2021-1-I2M-003Undergraduate Innovation Program,No.2024dcxm025.
文摘Small intestinal villi are essential for nutrient absorption,and their impairment can lead to malabsorption.Small intestinal villous atrophy(VA)encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders,including immune-mediated conditions(e.g.,celiac disease,autoimmune enteropathy,inborn errors of immunity),lymphoproliferative disorders(e.g.,enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma),infectious causes(e.g.,tropical sprue,Whipple’s disease),iatrogenic factors(e.g.,Olmesartanassociated enteropathy,graft-vs-host disease),as well as inflammatory and idiopathic types.These disorders are often rare and challenging to distinguish due to overlapping clinical,serological,endoscopic,and histopathological features.Through a systematic literature search using keywords such as small intestinal VA,malabsorption,and specific enteropathies,this review provides a comprehensive overview of diagnostic clues for VA and malabsorption.We systematically summarize the pathological characteristics of each condition to assist pathologists and clinicians in accurately identifying the underlying etiologies.Current studies still have many limitations and lack broader and deeper investigations into these diseases.Therefore,future research should focus on the development of novel diagnostic tools,predictive models,therapeutic targets,and mechanistic molecular studies to refine both diagnosis and management strategies.
文摘Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD),formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,is a chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic lipid deposition and hepatocellular steatosis,resulting from nonalcoholic causes and closely linked to metabolic dysfunction[1].It is strongly associated with metabolic abnormalities,including type 2 diabetes,overweight,and obesity.The global prevalence of MASLD is estimated to be approximately 25%−33%,and its incidence is rising rapidly,particularly among younger populations,due to increasingly prevalent unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as sleep deprivation,sedentary habits,and diets rich in calories.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos. 32260196 (to JY), 81860646 (to ZY) and 31860274 (to JY)a grant from Yunnan Department of Science and Technology,Nos. 202101AT070251 (to JY), 202201AS070084 (to ZY), 202301AY070001-239 (to JY), 202101AZ070001-012, and 2019FI016 (to ZY)。
文摘Studies have shown that chitosan protects against neurodegenerative diseases. However, the precise mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we administered chitosan intragastrically to an MPTP-induced mouse model of Parkinson's disease and found that it effectively reduced dopamine neuron injury, neurotransmitter dopamine release, and motor symptoms. These neuroprotective effects of chitosan were related to bacterial metabolites, specifically shortchain fatty acids, and chitosan administration altered intestinal microbial diversity and decreased short-chain fatty acid production in the gut. Furthermore, chitosan effectively reduced damage to the intestinal barrier and the blood–brain barrier. Finally, we demonstrated that chitosan improved intestinal barrier function and alleviated inflammation in both the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system by reducing acetate levels. Based on these findings, we suggest a molecular mechanism by which chitosan decreases inflammation through reducing acetate levels and repairing the intestinal and blood–brain barriers, thereby alleviating symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFF1100402)National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy(2022-Open subject-11)+1 种基金Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program by CAST(YESS20200271)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32101919)。
文摘2'-Fucosyllactose(2'-FL)shows the potential to support intestinal health as a natural prebiotic that bridges the gap between infant formula feeding and breastfeeding.However,the effect and mechanism of 2'-FL in improving intestinal permeability are not clear.In this study,we constructed human microbiota-associated(HMA)mouse models by colonizing healthy infant feces in mice with antibiotic-depleted intestinal microbiota.The protective effect of 2'-FL on the intestinal permeability was explored using the HMA mouse models,and the combination of metagenomics was used to analyze the possible mechanisms by which the microorganisms reduced the intestinal permeability.The results showed that 2'-FL decreased the concentration of markers of intestinal permeability(enterotoxin and diamine oxidase(DAO))and increased the expression levels of tight junctions(occludin and claudin).Metagenomics revealed the enrichment of Bifidobacterium and increased the expression of glycoside hydrolases(GHs),including GH31,GH28,and GH5.In conclusion,2'-FL strengthened intestinal permeability function by improving microbiota composition to control the translocation of harmful substance.
基金Nanchong City Science and Technology Plan Project:the Application of Tongli Shugan Liqi Method in the Treatment of Adhesive Intestinal Obstruction and its Effect on Inflammatory Indicators Interleukin-6,C-reactive protein and Procalcitonin(21YFZJ0108)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To explore the treatment efficacy of integrated Chinese medicine(Chaihu Shugan San,柴胡疏肝散,CSS)and western therapy in the treatment of adhesive intestinal obstruction(AIO),to provide new ideas for the management of the disease.METHODS:In our single-blind randomized controlled study,120 patients with AIO who were hospitalized in The Affiliated Hospital of China West Normal University Nan Chong Gaoping District People's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2022 and met the inclusion criteria were categorized into the treatment group and the control group.Patients from the control group were administered basic Western Medicine therapy,whereas patients from the treatment group were administered basic Western Medicine therapy plus CSS by gastric tube injection.Subsequently,the time to first anal exhaustion and defecation,time to relief of abdominal distension and pain,days of hospitalization,Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)symptom scores,interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP)and procalcitonin(PCT)levels in the 2 groups were recorded and compared.RESULTS:The comparison of clinical efficacy of the treatment group were better than the control group.The TCM symptom score was considerably lower in the treatment group;the inflammation indicators CRP,IL-6,and PCT also decreased statistically when comparing the control group.Furthermore,there were significantly reduced in the time to first exhaustion,time to first defecation,time to relief of abdominal pain and distension,and days of hospitalization in the treatment group versus the control group.CONCLUSION:CSS could suppress the inflammatory reaction,reduce days of hospitalization,relieve clinical symptoms in AIO patients with reliable efficacy and high safety and is worthy of clinical application.
文摘BACKGROUND Rotavirus(RV),a primary cause of diarrhea-related mortality in 2021,has been shown to damage intestinal epithelial cells while upregulating intestinal stem cells(ISCs)activities.ISCs within the crypt niche drive the continuous self-renewal of intestinal epithelium,preserving its barrier functions.Paneth cells secrete antimicrobial peptide and signaling molecules within the intestine crypt,thereby playing a crucial role in intestinal immune defense and providing ISCs functional support.However,the regulatory function of Paneth cells under pathological conditions,such as RV infection,remains unclear.AIM To determine the impact of RV infection on Paneth cells and how Paneth cells regulate ISCs during intestinal injury repair.METHODS We constructed a reference genome for the RV enteric cytopathogenic human orphan virus strain and reanalyzed published single-cell RNA sequencing data to investigate Paneth cell responses to RV-induced intestinal injury.We derived Paneth-ISC communication networks using CellChat,tracked ISC differentiation with pseudotime analysis,and validated our findings in leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5-enhanced green fluorescent protein-internal ribosomal entry site-Cre recombinase estrogen receptor variant 2 mice and organoids via immunofluorescence,flow cytometry,and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS We found that RV directly infects Paneth cells,leading to a reduction in mature Paneth cells and an increase in kallikrein 1-high immature Paneth cells.Paneth-ISC communication was significantly enhanced.In particular,the bone morphogenic protein 7(BMP7)-activin A receptor type 2B/BMP receptor type 1A-Smad pathway was upregulated post-infection,suggesting that Paneth cells suppress excessive ISC proliferation.Functional validation confirmed activation of this pathway.CONCLUSION Paneth cells regulate ISC proliferation during RV infection by activating BMP7 signaling,limiting excessive stem cell expansion and preserving crypt homeostasis for effective epithelial repair.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFA1800100and 2024YFF1206600)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32100664)the Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province(2024B1515040019 and 2022A1515012042).
文摘Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)comprises a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory conditions of the intestine.Current therapeutic strategies primarily focus on maintaining remission and mitigating the secondary effects rather than reversing its pathogenic mechanisms(Jeong et al.,2019).The pathogenesis of IBD involves intestinal barrier dysfunction,tissue damage,and dysregulated innate and adaptive immune responses(de Souza et al.,2017).Elevated neutrophil activity has been reported in IBD(Danne et al.,2024),yet the precise roles and mechanisms of neutrophils in disease progression remain to be elucidated.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFD1300404)。
文摘Background The synchronized absorption of amino acids(AAs)and glucose in the gut is crucial for effective AA utilization and protein synthesis in the body.The study investigated how the starch digestion rate and AA levels impact intestinal AA digestion,transport and metabolism,breast muscle protein metabolism,and growth in grower broilers.A total of 72021-day-old healthy male Arbor Acres Plus broilers were randomly assigned to 12 treatments,each with 6 replicates of 10 birds.The treatments comprised 3 different starch[corn:control,cassava:rapidly digestible starch(RDS),and pea:slowly digestible starch(SDS)]with 4 different AA levels[based on standardized ileal digestible lysine(SID Lys),0.92%,1.02%(as the standard),1.12%and 1.22%].Results An interaction between dietary starch sources and SID Lys levels significantly affected breast muscle yield(P=0.033).RDS and SDS diets,or SID Lys levels of 0.92%,1.02%,or 1.22%,significantly decreased the breast muscle yield of broilers in contrast to the corn starch diet with 1.12%SID Lys(P=0.033).The SID Lys levels of 1.12%and 1.22%markedly improved body weight(BW),body weight gain(BWG)from 22 to 42 days of age,and mRNA expression of y^(+)LAT1 and mTOR while reducing feed intake(FI)and feed/gain ratio(F/G)compared to the 0.92%SID Lys level(P<0.05).The SDS diet significantly decreased BW and BWG of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age,distal ileal starch digestibility,jejunal amylase and chymotrypsin activities,and mRNA expression of GLUT2 and y^(+)LAT1 compared to the corn starch diet(P<0.05).The RDS diet suppressed the breast muscle mass by down-regulating expression of mTOR,S6K1,and eIF4E and up-regulating expression of MuRF,CathepsinB,Atrogin-1,and M-calpain compared to the corn starch diet(P<0.05).Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the SDS diet significantly increased acetyl-CoA andα-ketoglutaric acid levels in the tricarboxylic acid(TCA)cycle(P<0.05)but decreased the ileal digestibility of Lys,Tyr,Leu,Asp,Ser,Gly,Pro,Arg,Ile,and Val compared to the corn starch group(P<0.05).Conclusion The SDS diet impaired broiler growth by reducing intestinal starch digestibility,which inhibited intestinal AA and glucose absorption and utilization,increased AA oxidation for energy supply,and lowered the efficiency of protein synthesis.Although the RDS diet resulted in growth performance similar to the corn starch diet,it reduced breast muscle mass by inhibiting protein synthesis and promoting degradation.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32372902)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFD1300405).
文摘Background Salmonella enteritidis is a prevalent foodborne pathogen causing diseases in humans and poultry globally.While clove extract is known for its anti-inflammatory properties,its specific effects on gut injury and underlying mechanisms are not well understood.Methods A total of 432 one-day-old male fast-growing yellow-feathered broilers with similar body weight were randomly assigned to 6 groups,the CON and S.E were fed a basal diet;the CE and S.E+CE received 300 mg/kg of clove extract in their diets;and the EUG and S.E+EUG had 180 mg/kg of eugenol added to their basal diets.Moreover,a newly established ex vivo culture model for chick intestinal organoids(IOs)was used to evaluate intestinal stem cell(ISC)activity.Results Salmonella enteritis infection significantly reduced the growth performance and induced severe intestinal mucosa injury(P<0.05).Dietary supplemented with clove extract or eugenol significantly improved average daily weight gain and feed intake,enhanced the structure and barrier function of the jejunum,reduced the bacterial load and diarrhea scores,promoted the proliferation and differentiation of ISCs,and diminished the efficiency,surface area,budding efficiency,and number of buds of intestinal organoids(P<0.05).Both clove extract and eugenol downregulated the protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α.They also inhibited the excessive activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway induced by Salmonella enteritidis infection in the jejunum tissues and crypts of chicks(P<0.05).Conclusions Eugenol,the active component in clove extract,alleviates intestinal inflammation by inhibiting the excessive activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.It promotes the proliferation and differentiation of ISCs,suppresses apoptosis,and accelerates ISCs-driven intestinal epithelial renewal in chicks,thereby maintaining the structural integrity and functional normalcy of the intestine.
基金supported by China Agriculture Research System Program(Project No.CARS-41-G04)。
文摘Background Necrotic enteritis(NE)in broiler chickens leads to significant economic losses in poultry production.This study examined the inhibitory effects of usnic acid and tannic acid on coccidia,sporozoite,and Clostridium perfringens and assessed their influence on growth performance and intestinal health in NE-challenged broilers through in vitro and in vivo experiments.Methods The in vitro experiment included 5 treatment groups:the negative control(NC),2μmol/L diclazuril(DZ),30μmol/L usnic acid(UA),90μmol/L tannic acid(TA),and 15μmol/L usnic acid^(+)45μmol/L tannic acid(UTA)groups.The in vivo experiment involved 320 broilers divided into four groups:PC(NE-challenged),SA(500 mg/kg salinomycin premix^(+)NE-challenged),UA(300 mg/kg usnic acid^(+)NE-challenged),and UTA(300 mg/kg usnic acid^(+)500 mg/kg tannic acid^(+)NE-challenged)groups.Results In the in vitro study,the UA,TA,and UTA treatments significantly increased apoptosis in coccidian oocysts and sporozoites,lowered the mitochondrial membrane potential(P<0.05),and disrupted the oocyst structure compared with those in the NC group.UA and TA had inhibitory effects on C.perfringens,with the strongest inhibition observed in the UTA group.The in vivo results demonstrated that the SA group presented significantly improved growth performance on d 13,21,and 28(P<0.05),whereas the UA and UTA groups presented improvements on d 13 and 21(P<0.05).The SA,UA,and UTA treatments reduced the intestinal lesion scores by d 28 and the fecal coccidian oocyst counts from d 19 to 21(P<0.05).Compared with the PC group,the UA and UTA groups presented lower intestinal sIgA levels and CD8^(+)cell percentages(P<0.05),with a trend toward a reduced CD3^(+)cell percentage(P=0.069).The SA,UA,and UTA treatments significantly reduced the serum diamine oxidase activity,crypt depth,and plateletderived growth factor levels in the intestinal mucosa while increasing the villus height to crypt depth ratio and number of goblet cells(P<0.05).The UTA treatment also significantly increased the acetate and butyrate concentrations in the cecum(P<0.05).With respect to the gut microbiota,significant changes inβdiversity in the ileum and cecum were observed in the SA,UA,and UTA groups,indicating that the microbial community compositions differed among the groups.Romboutsia dominated the SA group,Bacillales dominated the UA group,and Lactobacillales and Lachnospirales dominated the UTA group in the ileal microbiota.In the cecal microbiota,Lactobacillus,Butyricicoccus,and Blautia abundances were significantly elevated in the UTA group(P<0.05).Conclusion Usnic acid and tannic acid induce apoptosis in coccidia and sporozoites by lowering the mitochondrial membrane potential.Both usnic acid alone and in combination with tannic acid alleviate NE-induced adverse effects in broilers by modulating intestinal immunity,altering the microbial composition,and improving intestinal barrier function.Compared with usnic acid alone,the combination of usnic acid and tannic acid had superior effects,providing a promising basis for the development of effective feed additive combinations.
基金supported by the fund for the Project of the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2024YFD1300203)Project support was provided by the Fund opened from Key Laboratory of Fujian Universities Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology,Longyan University(grant No.2021KF01)the Cyanine Project of Yangzhou University(2020)。
文摘The intestinal tract,a complex organ responsible for nutrient absorption and digestion,relies heavily on a balanced gut microbiome to maintain its integrity.Disruptions to this delicate microbial ecosystem can lead to intestinal inflammation,a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).While the role of the gut microbiome in IBD is increasingly recognized,the underlying mechanisms,particularly those involving endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress,autophagy,and cell death,remain incompletely understood.ER stress,a cellular response to various stressors,can trigger inflammation and cell death.Autophagy,a cellular degradation process,can either alleviate or exacerbate ER stress-induced inflammation,depending on the specific context.The gut microbiome can influence both ER stress and autophagy pathways,further complicating the interplay between these processes.This review delves into the intricate relationship between ER stress,autophagy,and the gut microbiome in the context of intestinal inflammation.By exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying these interactions,we aim to provide a comprehensive theoretical framework for developing novel therapeutic strategies for IBD.A deeper understanding of the ER stress-autophagy axis,the gut microbial-ER stress axis,and the gut microbial-autophagy axis may pave the way for targeted interventions to restore intestinal health and mitigate the impact of IBD.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province for Distinguished Young Scholars,No.2022B1515020003the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82174369,No.82405397,No.82374442,and No.81973847+2 种基金Postdoctoral Fellowship Program of CPSF No.GZC20233247National Key Clinical Disciplineand the Program of Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases,No.2020B1111170004.
文摘BACKGROUND The development of slow transit constipation(STC)is associated with intestinal barrier damage.Huangqi decoction(HQD)is effective in treating STC,but me-chanisms are unclear.AIM To investigate whether HQD alleviates STC by downregulating the nuclear factorκB(NF-κB)signaling pathway and restoring intestinal barrier function.METHODS KM mice were divided into control,model,and HQD treatment groups.Fresh colonic tissues were collected for single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial tra-nscriptome sequencing.The expressions of claudin-1,mucin 2,and NF-κB P65 proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry.In vitro experiments evaluated the effects of HQD on the LS174T cell line.RESULTS HQD improved intestinal motility,restored mucosal epithelium function and morphology.Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptome sequencing data showed a reduction in goblet cells,decreased mucin 2 secretion,and activated apoptotic pathways in STC mice.The population of intestinal stem cells was reduced,and proliferation along with Wnt/β-catenin pathways were inhibited.STC also altered the distribution of intestinal cell states,increasing immune-associated Enterocyte_C3.Aberrant NF-κB pathway activation was noted across various cell types.After HQD treatment,NF-κB pathway activity was down-regulated,while cell proliferation pathways were up-regulated,alongside an increase in Enterocyte_C1 related to material transport.Immunocytochemical,Western blot,and immunohistochemistry analyses confirmed NF-κB pathway activation in goblet cells of STC mice,with HQD inhibiting this aberrant activation.CONCLUSION STC involves intestinal mucosal barrier damage.HQD may treat STC by suppressing NF-κB signaling in epithelial cells,restoring intestinal epithelial cell function,and promoting mucosal barrier repair.
文摘BACKGROUND Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO)is suspected and excluded frequently in functional gastrointestinal(GI)disorders.Children presenting with various esophago-gastro-duodenal(upper GI)symptoms are rarely subjected to investig-ations for SIBO.AIM To estimate the frequency of SIBO in children having functional upper GI sym-ptoms(as cases)and to compare the result of the SIBO status to that of the con-trols.METHODS Children aged 6 to 18 who presented with upper GI symptoms were selected for the study.All children were subjected to upper GI endoscopy before being advised of any proton pump inhibitors(PPIs).Children with normal endoscopy were assigned as cases,and children having any endoscopic lesion were design-ated as controls.Both groups were subjected to a glucose-hydrogen breath test by Bedfont Gastrolyser.RESULTS A total of 129 consecutive children who were naive to PPIs and had normal ba-seline investigations were included in the study.Among them,67 patients had endoscopic lesions and served as the control group,with six cases being excluded due to the presence of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies.Sixty-two children with normal endoscopy results formed the case group.In the case group,35 children(59%)tested positive for hydrogen breath tests,compared to 13 children(21%)in the control group.The calculated odds ratio was 5.38(95%confidence interval:2.41-12.0),which was statistically significant.Further analysis of symptoms revealed that nausea,halitosis,foul-smelling eructation,and epigastric fullness were positive predictors of SIBO.CONCLUSION It is worthwhile to investigate and treat SIBO in all children presenting with upper GI symptoms that are not explained by endoscopy findings.
文摘BACKGROUND Intestinal ultrasound(IUS)is a safe and effective way for the diagnosis and surveillance of patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).It allows a noninvasive and reproducible follow-up for patients with IBD.AIM To compare the outcomes of colonoscopy and IUS in diagnosing and monitoring patients with IBD.METHODS A prospective study was conducted over a three-year period(January 2021 to April 2024)comparing endoscopic and IUS findings.A total of 101 patients were included in the study(68 with Crohn’s disease and 33 with ulcerative colitis).All patients underwent both IUS and colonoscopy within a 10-day period.RESULTS The study found a strong correlation between bowel thickening on IUS and inflammatory activity(P=0.004),IUS remission and endoscopic remission(P=0.03),IUS and endoscopic location(P=0.04),as well as IUS and computed tomography scan findings for collection diagnosis(P<0.01).CONCLUSION The study’s findings demonstrated excellent results for using IUS in the diagnosis and follow-up of IBD patients.
文摘BACKGROUND Congenital intestinal atresia(CIA)is a common intestinal malformation in the neonatal period,and surgery is currently the main treatment method.The choice of postoperative feeding is crucial for the recovery of gastrointestinal function in children.AIM To compare and analyze the effects of different postoperative feeding methods on gastrointestinal function reconstruction in newborns with CIA.METHODS Twenty-six children diagnosed with neonatal CIA,treated with minimally invasive surgery at Shijiazhuang Maternal and Child Health Hospital between January 2021 and May 2024,were selected for this single-center prospective randomized controlled study.They were divided into two groups using envelope randomization:Enteral nutrition(EN)group(n=13)and parenteral nutrition(PN)group(n=13).Baseline and clinical characteristics were collected,and recovery time of bowel sounds and time to first defecation were used as evaluation indices for gastrointestinal functional reconstruction.Differences between the groups were analyzed using t-test,χ2 test,and Fisher’s exact test.Spearman’s correlation tests and linear regression models were employed to analyze factors influencing time to first defecation.RESULTS The time to bowel sound recovery(51.54 vs 65.85,P=0.013)and first defecation(58.15 vs 76.62,P<0.001)was shorter in the EN group compared to the PN group.Clinical improvements in the EN group,including discharge weight(P=0.044),hospital stay(P=0.027),white blood cell count(P=0.023),albumin content(P=0.013),and direct bilirubin content(P=0.018),were also better than those in the PN group.No substantial differences in postoperative complications were found between the groups.Correlation analysis indicated that abdominal infection and operation time may relate to time to first defecation.Linear regression analysis demonstrated a considerable association between EN feeding and shorter time to first defecation.Abdominal infection and an operation time>2 hours may be risk factors for prolonged time to first defecation.CONCLUSION EN substantially promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function after CIA in neonates and can improve clinical outcomes in children.Future research should explore optimal EN practices to enhance clinical application and child health.
