Pancreatic Enzyme Activities Research Articles

Collagen-VI Specific Primer Design Identification in Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Pancreas

Type 2 diabetes mellitus, the most common diabetes type characterized by hyperglycemia, is caused by abnormal secretion and activity of pancreatic insulin enzymes. The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in keeping β pancreatic cells intact and undissociated. The ECM in the pancreas can play a role in influencing insulin function and production. The most abundant ECM in the pancreas is collagen type VI. Collagen type VI has an essential role in the survival of pancreatic islet cells, including pancreatic β cells. Nowadays, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology is widely utilized for molecular biology analysis. One of the most critical factors for successful PCR is designing the correct specific PCR primers. The objective of this study was to design a specific primer for collagen VI in the pancreas of Rattus norvegicus. The primer was designed and analyzed using MEGA.11, primer three-plus, and primer-BLAST. Five primer pairs were analyzed based on the characteristics of primer length, product amplicon length, Tm value, GC percentage, and secondary structure. Primer pair 3 (F:5’-TGTTTGGCTTTGTCGCGGGC-3’ and R:5’-TTGTTGCTGCCGACACTGGC-3’); Col6a2 (F:5’-TGTGGTCAACAGGCTGGGCG-3’ and R:5’-TCTGGCGCCGGCTCTCTTTG-3’) were considered as the best primer for the Collagen VI expression detection from the pancreas of Rattus norvegicus, which produce amplicon about 250pb and 245pb, respectively.

Sustained endocrine and exocrine function in the pancreas of the Pacific spiny dogfish post-feeding.

Secretions of the exocrine pancreas contain digestive enzymes integral to the digestive process. The Pacific spiny dogfish (Squalus suckleyi) has a discrete pancreas, divided into two lobes termed the dorsal and ventral lobes. These lobes drain into the anterior intestine via a common duct to enable digestion. Previous studies have identified that the exocrine pancreas produces (co)lipases, chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidase, and low levels of chitinases; however, investigations into other digestive enzymes are limited. We detect the presence of lipase, trypsin, and carbohydrase and show that activities are equivalent between both lobes of the pancreas. Additionally, we sought to investigate the influence of a single feeding event (2% body weight ration of herring by gavage) on enzyme activities over an extended time course (0, 20, 48, 72, 168h) post-feeding. The results indicate that there are no differences in pancreatic tissue digestive enzyme activities between fed or fasted states. Analysis of acinar cell circumference post-feeding demonstrates a significant increase at 20 and 48h, that returns to fasting levels by 72h. No significant changes were observed regarding whole-tissue insulin or glucagon mRNA abundance or with glucose transporter (glut) 1 or 3. Yet, a significant and transient decrease in glut4 and sodium glucose-linked transporter mRNA abundance was found at 48h post-feeding. We propose that the constant enzyme activity across this relatively large organ, in combination with a relatively slow rate of digestion leads to an evenly distributed, sustained release of digestive enzymes regardless of digestive state.

A Mouse Model of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis occurs in two forms defined by its chronicity. Acute pancreatitis (AP) occurs suddenly and only lasts for several days. Consequently, most patients with AP recover without permanent damage to the pancreas, and about 20% of patients with AP have severe disease. In contrast, chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a long-lasting inflammation that causes permanent damage to pancreatic tissue; consequently, this form is marked by the emergence of persistent endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Despite these differences, AP and CP share central mechanisms of disease: in both forms, inflammation is initiated and/or sustained by the intrapancreatic activation of pancreatic digestive enzymes followed by the autodigestion of pancreatic tissues. In addition, in both forms enzymatic damage is accompanied by changes in intestinal permeability and entry of commensal organisms into the pancreas where they elicit innate immune responses that ultimately dominate and define pancreatic inflammation. In the murine models of AP and CP described here, both of these elements of pancreatitis pathogenesis are taken into account. Thus, in one approach mice are administered high doses of cerulein, a cholecystokinin analog with the ability at this dose to induce excessive activation of the cholecystokinin receptor expressed in pancreatic acinar cells and the release of active trypsin that causes both direct and indirect acinar damages due to entry of commensal organisms and stimulation of innate immune responses. In a second approach mice are administered low doses of cerulein, which causes little or no damage to the pancreas unless given along with nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) ligand, which in the presence of low-dose cerulein administration induces a pathologic innate immune response mediated by NOD1. These approaches are adopted to produce AP when cerulein or cerulein plus NOD1 ligand is applied only once or to produce CP when a similar regimen is applied multiple times. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis Alternate Protocol 1: Acute pancreatitis induced by cerulein and NOD1 ligand Basic Protocol 2: Cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis Alternate Protocol 2: Chronic pancreatitis induced by cerulein and NOD1 ligand Support Protocol: Isolation of pancreatic mononuclear cells.

Replacement of soybean oil with cold-extracted fat from Hermetia illucens in young turkey diets: Effects on performance, nutrient digestibility, selected organ measurements, meat and liver tissue traits, intestinal microbiota modulation, and physiological and immunological status

This study aimed to evaluate the partial or total replacement of soybean oil with cold-extracted Hermetia illucens larvae (BSFL) fat in young turkey diets on growth performance, coefficients of apparent ileal nutrient digestibility, pancreatic enzyme activities, selected gastrointestinal tract (GIT) segment measurements, microbial community modulation, selected biochemical blood indices, hormone concentrations, immune status traits, and muscle and liver tissue traits. A total of 216 7-day-old female turkeys (B.U.T. 6) were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments. Each group contained 6 replicate pens with 12 birds per pen. The birds were fed a soybean-maize basal diet enriched with 50 g/kg dietary fat, i.e., soybean oil (SO) in the control group, 50:50 SO and H. illucens larvae fat in the BSFL50 treatment group, and BSFL fat as the sole energy source in the BSFL100 group. The experiment lasted 28 days. The provided BSFL fat was characterized by high lauric and palmitic acid contents, as well as saturated fatty acids (SFAs), while concentrations of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher in the SO group. The growth performance parameters were not affected (P > 0.05) by BSFL fat substitution. However, the apparent ileal digestibility of the ether extract was significantly increased (P < 0.001) after BSFL fat inclusion as the sole energy source with simultaneous enhancement (P < 0.001) of lipase activity. Partial or total replacement of SO with BSFL fat improved cecal microbiota communities by limiting (P < 0.001) Bacteroides-Prevotella cluster counts. Additionally, the beneficial effect of BSFL100 was observed in the case of a decreased (P = 0.004) IL-6 concentration. In conclusion, it is possible to partially or totally substitute SO in turkey diets with cold-extracted BSFL fat without any negative effect on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological traits, or immunological status traits. Furthermore, the cold-pressing technique can be adopted and recommended to obtain BSFL fat as a dietary energy source in turkey nutrition.

Role of antioxidants and oxidative stress in the evolution of acute pancreatitis (Review).

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a severe disease with a high prevalence and 3 to 15% mortality worldwide, which can represent an important challenge for the physician. Oxidative stress and antioxidants are involved in AP progression. The mechanisms responsible for the onset and progression of AP are still poorly understood. Previous studies have highlighted the important contribution of antioxidants and oxidative stress in AP. The existence of a relationship between oxidative stress and antioxidants in AP is unquestionable, although a more accurate understanding of the mechanistic pathways involved is required to create a solid basis for potential prevention or treatment strategies. Further investigation is needed to clarify the role of antioxidant status and the severity of AP and to determine the association between oxidative stress and pancreatic enzyme activities. Antioxidant therapy may represent an interesting option for the management of patients with AP, although additional information about the effectiveness of this potential treatment is required.

Feeding regimes affected the circadian rhythms of pancreatic digestive enzymes and somatic growth in flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) fry

The effect of different feeding regimes on the circadian rhythms of pancreatic digestive enzyme activities was evaluated in Mugil cephalus fry weighting 0.34 ± 0.01 g. Feeding regimes (feeding ration = 3% stocked biomass) differed on the number of meals offered per day: one, two and ten meals per day (R1, R2 and R3, respectively). The number of meals per day affected somatic growth; in particular, fry from the R3 group (0.80 ± 0.01 g) grew better than their congeners from R2 (0.70 ± 0.01 g) and R1 (0.63 ± 0.01 g) groups (P < 0.05). Feeding behaviour was modulated by the feeding regime, being the maximal gut fullness values found just after meal distribution in R1 and R2 groups, whereas this trend was not observed when feed was offered continuously during light hours (R3). Fry from R1 and R2 groups showed hyperphagia as they tended to store in their gut as much as possible feed particles to be later digested due to the limited daily meals. This strategy negatively affected feed digestion due to inappropriate enzyme to substrate ratio, changes in digestive enzyme activities and chyme transit times, which ultimately impaired growth performance. Enzyme activities were modulated by the number of meals, the more frequent the meals offered, the lower enzyme activities, supporting the hypothesis that digestive function is adapted to obtain a maximum benefit of the ingested nutrients. Present results showed that feeding grey mullet fry continuously during day light hours optimized feed digestion and promoted fry growth.

Activation of Human Pancreatic Proteolytic Enzymes: The Role of Enteropeptidase and Trypsin

Objective: The role of enteropeptidase and trypsin in the process by which pancreatic proteolytic zymogens are converted into active enzymes has been investigated in the past, using purified enzymes and proenzymes of animal origin. In the present study, we wanted to study this process under conditions which come near to the physiological situation, which prevails in the human duodenum and upper small intestine. Patients and Methods: Duodenal contents were collected from 2 patients with intestinal enteropeptidase deficiency. The samples expressed no tryptic activity and were used as the source of zymogens. Enteropeptidase or trypsin was added to these samples and the process of zymogen activation was followed by measuring trypsin and chymotrypsin activities. Results: When exogenous trypsin was added to the duodenal contents of patients with enteropeptidase deficiency, having no tryptic activity, activation of intrinsic trypsinogen was not observed. When purified porcine or human enteropeptidase was added to the same samples of duodenal contents, this resulted in a rapid, dose-dependent activation of trypsinogen followed by the activation of chymotrypsinogen. Conclusion: The study underlines the key role of enteropeptidase in the cascade process, which leads to the presence of active proteolytic enzymes in the human small intestine. The results also explain why patients with congenital deficiency of enteropeptidase are unable to activate trypsinogen by alternative pathways and therefore suffer from a severe disturbance of protein digestion with failure to thrive at young age, hypoproteinemia, and anemia.

S3468 Atypical Presentation of Newly Diagnosed Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis is caused by inflammation of the pancreas due to the obstruction of pancreatic secretory transport ducts and sequential activation of inflammatory pancreatic enzymes. Both alcohol use and gallstones remain among the leading risks. Pancreatic involvement is frequently report but diffuse large B cell lymphoma presenting as pancreatitis is rare. Case Description/Methods: A 69 y/o male with no PMH presented to the Emergency room complaining of a 3-week history of worsening sharp epigastric pain associated with dysphagia and odynophagia to solid foods. He denied fever, weight loss, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, melena, smoking, alcohol use, recent steroid use, surgery, trauma or autoimmune disease. Physical exam was notable for tenderness in the epigastric region, lower abdomen and hypoactive bowel sounds. Laboratory analysis is appreciated in figure A. Lipid panel was unremarkable and Covid was negative. CT abdomen/pelvis showed peripancreatic inflammatory changes with trace fluid along both anterior parietal fasciae. A 21 x 14 mm right sided distal esophageal mass, and an ill-defined 40 x 26 mm bilobed necrotic mass at the inferior margin of gastric pylorus. Also multiple ill-defined enlarged periportal and retroperitoneal lymph nodes, appreciated mainly in periportal and infrarenal retrocaval lymph nodes. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed with findings of large fungating ulcerating mass that was oozing blood in the cardia, which can be appreciated in figure B. Biopsy revealed diffuse proliferation of lymphoid cells strongly positive for CD 45, CD20, CD79a, BCL 6 which suggested diffuse large B cell lymphoma. CEA, CA 19-9 were within normal limits. Patient was treated with Lactate Ringer's solution on day 1 with resolution of pancreatitis within 1 week. He was discharged and lost to follow up for management of DLBCL. Discussion: Although he had no signs of pancreatic metastasis, he presented with features that fulfill diagnostic criteria for pancreatitis. This case report provided key information into the various possibilities that could initially present with abdominal pain, and why it is essential to keep various diagnoses in mind, even when there is one already established.Due to the proximity and small space of the abdominal compartment, many of these can present with overlapping symptoms. A key takeaway from this review is to follow up with each symptom individually and explore all needed diagnosis tests, in order to rule in or out other possible causes..

Recombinant Production of Bovine Enteropeptidase Light Chain in SHuffle® T7 Express and Optimization of Induction Parameters.

Enteropeptidase is a duodenum serine protease that triggers the activation of pancreatic enzymes by remarkably specific cleavages after lysine residues of peptidyl substrate (Asp)4-Lys. This high specific cleavage makes the enzyme a widely used biotechnological tool in laboratory researches and industrial scale. Previous studies both in small and large scales were showed low expression and miss-folding of the expressed protein. In this study, the DNA sequence encoding the light chain (catalytic subunit) of bovine enteropeptidase (EPL) was subcloned into plasmid pET-32b, downstream to the DNA encoding the fusion partner thioredoxin immediately after the EPL cleavage site. SHuffle® T7 Express was selected as an expression host due to the ability to promote proper folding and correction of the mis-oxidized bonds. Expression and purification of protein was performed, and the result of biological activity confirmed that the active EPL was obtained. Optimization of protein expression conditions was accomplished by response surface methodology for significant factors including induction temperature, duration of induction, inducer concentration and OD600 of induction. The best conditions were achieved in 1.05 mM IPTG at OD600 of 0.6 for seven h incubation at 26.5°C, and a high level of protein expression was obtained in the optimized condition.

Ghee Butter from Bovine Colostrum Reduces Inflammation in the Mouse Model of Acute Pancreatitis with Potential Involvement of Free Fatty Acid Receptors.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease that causes severe tissue damage. Ghee butter from bovine colostrum (GBBC) is a clarified butter produced by heating milk fat to 40 °C and separating the precipitating protein. As colostrum mainly contains fatty acids (FAs), immunoglobulins, maternal immune cells, and cytokines, we hypothesized that it may exert anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the effects of GBBC on experimental AP in mice. Two intraperitoneal (ip) injections of L-arginine (8%) were given 1 h apart to generate the AP murine model. After 12 h from the first L-arginine injection, mice were divided into the following experimental groups: AP mice treated with GBBC (oral gavage (po) every 12 h) and non-treated AP mice (po vehicle every 12 h). Control animals received vehicle only. At 72 h, mice were euthanized. Histopathological examination along with myeloperoxidase (MPO) and amylase/lipase activity assays were performed. In a separate set of experiments, FFAR1 and FFAR4 antagonists were used to verify the involvement of respective receptors. Administration of GBBC decreased MPO activity in the pancreas and lungs along with the microscopical severity of AP in mice. Moreover, treatment with GBBC normalized pancreatic enzyme activity. FFAR1 and FFAR4 antagonists tended to reverse the anti-inflammatory effect of GBBC in mouse AP. Our results suggest that GBBC displays anti-inflammatory effects in the mouse model of AP, with the putative involvement of FFARs. This is the first study to show the anti-inflammatory potential of a nutritional supplement derived from GBBC.

Impact of dietary porcine blood by-products in meagre (Argyrosomus regius) physiology, evaluated by welfare biomarkers and the antibacterial properties of the skin mucus

Tools are required for quick and easy preliminary evaluation of functional feeds efficiency on fisheries. The analysis of skin mucus biomarkers is a recent alternative approach providing a faster feed-back from the laboratory which is characterized by being less invasive, more rapid and with reduced costs. The effect of replacing fishmeal and fish protein hydrolysates by means of two porcine by-products, the porcine spray-dried plasma (SDPP) and pig protein hydrolysate (PPH), in compound diets (50.4% crude protein, 16.2% crude protein, 22.1 MJ/kg feed) was evaluated in juvenile meagre (Argyrosomus regius) during a two-months period. To determine the impact of these dietary replacements, growth and food performance were measured together with digestive enzymes activities and filet proximal composition. Additionally, skin mucus was collected and characterized by determining main mucus biomarkers (protein, glucose, lactate, cortisol, and antioxidant capacity) and its antibacterial properties, measured by the quick in vitro co-culture challenges. In comparison to the control group, the inclusion of PPH and SDPP, in meagre diets reduced growth (7.4–8.8% in body weight), increased feed conversion ratios (9.0–10.0%), results that were attributed to a reduction in feed intake values (24.2–33.0%) (P < 0.05). Porcine blood by-products did not modify the activity of gastric and pancreatic digestive enzymes as well as those involved in nutrient absorption (alkaline phosphatase) nor liver oxidative stress condition (P > 0.05). In contrast, a reduction in fillet lipid content associated to an increase in fillet protein levels were found in fish fed SDPP and PPH diets (P < 0.05). As compared to the control diet, the dietary replacement did not alter the levels of the skin mucus biomarkers related to stress (cortisol and antioxidant capacity) or nutritional status (soluble protein, glucose and lactate) (P > 0.05). Interestingly, regardless of the worst performance in somatic growth, meagre fed diets containing both tested porcine by-products showed a significantly improved antibacterial capacity of their skin mucus. This enhancement was more prominent for fish fed with the PPH diet, which may be attributed to a higher content of immunomodulatory bioactive compounds in PPH. Further research will be necessary to provide insights on how the inclusion of SDPP and PPH, at the expense of dietary fishmeal and fish protein hydrolysates, affects feed intake and growth performance in meagre. However, the use of skin mucus biomarkers has been demonstrated to be an excellent methodology for a preliminary characterization of the functional feeds, in particular for their prophylactic properties by the study of mucus antibacterial activity.

Functional Features of the Pancreas during Chronic Pancreatitis

Aim of study: to identify functional status of pancreas in patients with chronic pancreatitis depending on the stage of fibrotic transformation and activity of parenchymal inflammation. Materials and methods. The preoperative laboratory results and the data of morphological study performed on biopsies obtained during surgery in 88 patients with complications of chronic pancreatitis (CP) were compared. According to morphological study of pancreatic biopsies, the early pancreatic parenchymal fibrosis (I–II degree) has been diagnosed in 31 cases (35.2 %), late fibrosis (III–IV degree) — in 57 (64.8 %) cases. Results. Active parenchymal inflammation at early and late stages of pancreatic fibrosis are associated with changes in pancreatic secretion and intracellular activation of pancreatic enzymes, leading to autodigestion and release of these enzymes from acinar cells into the blood, which has been confirmed by an increase of trypsin and amylase activity in blood compared with inactive inflammation. At late stages of fibrosis reduction of fecal elastase‑1 (161.7 ± 4.8) mg/g was observed in 73.9 % of patients. Reverse correlation has been found between fibrotic transformation of pancreatic parenchyma and the level of fecal elastase‑1 (r = –0.46; p = 0.05), i.e. progressing fibrotic transformation of pancreas leads to reduced exocrine function. Correlation analysis showed that the progression of fibrotic transformation violates carbohydrate metabolism — a direct correlation with glycosylated hemoglobin (r = 0.496; p = 0.05), namely, the endocrine secretion deficiency. Novelty in science. The pancreas functioning was studied depending on the inflammation activity and stage of fibrosis transformation of its parenchyma at chronic pancreatitis. The active inflammation of the pancreas was found to be accompanied by significant activation of pancreatic enzymes (significant increase in blood amylase and trypsin activity), which causes the progression of fibrotic transformation of pancreas in CP. Conclusions. Progression of fibrotic transformation of the pancreatic parenchyma in CP leads to deterioration of the exocrine pancreatic function, as defined by a decrease in the level of fecal elastase‑1 in case of late fibrosis of the pancreas and to the deterioration of endocrine pancreatic function, as manifested by impaired fasting glucose metabolism both at early and late stages of fibrosis, the development of pancreatogenic type II diabetes at the early stages of pancreatic fibrotic transformation, insulin resistance and type I diabetes at later stages of pancreatic fibrotic transformation.

Impact of Replacement Maize with Graded Levels of Indomie Waste Meal on Performance, Carcass Traits, Cost and Blood Parameters of Broiler Chickens

A six week feeding study was carried out to assess the effects of graded levels of indomie waste meal (IWM) as a substitute for maize in the diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, carcass traits, cost efficiency, digestive enzymes activities, and serum biochemical parameters. One hundred and twenty male one day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were used. The birds were weighted and assigned to equal six treatment groups as following: T1 (0% IWM), T2 (20% IWM), T3 (40% IWM), T4 (60% IWM), T5 (80% IWM), and T6 (100% IWM) in a completely randomized design. Each treatment had five replicates and each replicate contains four chicks. The Results of growth performance showed that the body weight gain was significantly highest (P < 0.05) in birds fed 60% IWM (2663 g / bird). The feed intake decreased gradually as IWM increased in the diet. Feed conversion ratio was significantly lowest (P < 0.05) in birds fed 60% IWM (1.65). It was revealed that the relative weight of gizzard, liver, intestine, and abdominal fat were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the dietary inclusion of IWM. The highest recorded value of abdominal fat percent was (3.36) in group fed 100% IWM. The lowest recorded value of liver % was (1.91) in group fed 60% IWM. Cost and return analysis revealed that the feed cost decreased because IWM increased in the diet. Total return and net profit were significantly highest in birds fed 60% IWM. Also there was an improvement in the pancreatic digestive enzymes activities with dietary inclusion of IWM. There were significant increase in amylase and lipase activities while significant decrease in protease activity. There was a significant increase in the total cholesterol as dietary IWM increased. Based on the study's findings, indomie waste meal was recommended to substitute maize up to 60% level in the broiler chickens diet.

Activities of Pancreatic Enzymes and Anthropometric Indices in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, South Eastern, Nigeria

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes, having high blood glucose, reduced insulin secretion and / or inadequate glucagon secretion. The study is to assess the activities of pancreatic enzymes and anthropometric indices. 81 participants comprised 38 diabetic and 43 control were randomly recruited. Informed, oral and written consent was obtained from the participants. Ethical approval was obtained.6mls of fasting blood samples were collected. Plasma glucose; amylase and lipase activities were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Body mass index (BMI) of participant was determined from height and weight. The results showed significantly increased plasma glucose level in the diabetic participants than in control at p=0.000 and in male diabetics than in female diabetics at p=0.048 in each case. But the activities of lipase, amylase, the mean age and BMI level were the same in both diabetic and control groups at p&gt;0.05 respectively. BMI level, lipase and amylase activities were the same in both genders (p&gt;0.05). Stronger positive correlation exist between Weight Vs BMI (r=0.834; p=0.000), followed by Lipase Vs Amylase (r=0.767; p=0.000), least between Age Vs BMI (r=0.353; p=0.022) but weaker negative associations exist between Height Vs BMI (r=-0.490; p=0.001) and Weight Vs FBS (r=-0.325; p=0.036) in the diabetic subjects. The significant higher level of blood glucose; stronger positive correlation between Lipase and Amylase; Weight and BMI may likely revealed pancreatic exocrine function abnormality in diabetes mellitus type 2.

Larval rearing and ontogeny of digestive enzyme activities in yellowfin seabream (Acanthopagrus latus, Houttuyn 1782)

The present research was conducted to provide insight into digestive larval capacity in Acanthopagrus latus larvae from hatching up to 30 days after hatching (DAH). Newly hatched larvae were stocked into six 300-L cylindrical polyethylene tanks at a density of larvae 50 larvae/L and reared by means of the green water system using Nannochloropsis oculata (0.5 × 106/mL). After mouth opening, larvae were fed with rotifers (5–16 individual/mL) from 2 to 20 DAH; then, Artemia nauplii (0.5–3.0 individuals/mL) were offered to larvae from 18 to 30 DAH, meanwhile a commercial microdiet was offered to larvae from 25 to 30 DAH. Larval performance in terms of growth and survival, and the assessment of the activity of selected digestive enzymes ontogeny of digestive enzymes activities was evaluated in larvae sampled at 0 (hatching), 7, 15, 22 and 30 DAH. Larvae showed an exponential growth characterized by two different growth stanzas, a first one characterized by slow growth rates comprised between hatching to 15 DAH (4.7 ± 0.2 mm), followed by a period of faster growth rates between 16 and 30 DAH (7.5 ± 0.6 mm). The activities of the brush border (alkaline phosphatase, ALP) and cytosolic (leucine-alanine peptidase, LAP) enzymes, as well as those of the pancreatic ones like total alkaline proteases, bile salt-activated lipase and α-amylase were detected from the mouth opening stage. Total activities of pancreatic and gastric enzymes increased with larval growth showing an enhancement of digestive capacities with larval age and size. The intestinal maturation in A. latus as assessed by the ratio of AP to LAP did not occur as expected by end of the first month of life suggesting the complete establishment of digestive luminal processes may take place at older ages. This study related to the growth patterns and ontogenic changes in activity of pancreatic, gastric and intestinal enzymes in A. latus and their nutritional regulation may be considered as the first step for improving the larviculture, as well as assessing and refining the nutritional requirements during the larval and early juvenile stages of this sparid species.

Comprehensive Mechanism, Novel Markers and Multidisciplinary Treatment of Severe Acute Pancreatitis-Associated Cardiac Injury - A Narrative Review.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the common acute abdominal inflammatory diseases in clinic with acute onset and rapid progress. About 20% of the patients will eventually develop into severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) characterized by a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration, gland flocculus flaky necrosis and hemorrhage, finally inducing systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Pancreatic enzyme activation, intestinal endotoxemia (IETM), cytokine activation, microcirculation disturbance, autonomic nerve dysfunction and autophagy dysregulation all play an essential role in the occurrence and progression of SAP. Organ dysfunction is the main cause of early death in SAP. Acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute lung injury (ALI) are common, while cardiac injury (CI) is not, but the case fatality risk is high. Many basic studies have observed obvious ultrastructure change of heart in SAP, including myocardial edema, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial interstitial collagen deposition. Moreover, in clinical practice, patients with SAP often presented various abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac function. Cases complicated with acute myocardial infarction and pericardial tamponade have also been reported and even result in stress cardiomyopathy. Due to the molecular mechanisms underlying SAP-associated cardiac injury (SACI) remain poorly understood, and there is no complete, unified treatment and sovereign remedy at present, this article reviews reports referring to the pathogenesis, potential markers and treatment methods of SACI in recent years, in order to improve the understanding of cardiac injury in severe pancreatitis.

Immunoproteasome impairment via β5i/LMP7-deletion leads to sustained pancreatic injury from experimental pancreatitis.

Uncovering potential new targets involved in pancreatitis may permit the development of new therapies and improvement of patient's outcome. Acute pancreatitis is a primarily sterile disease characterized by a severe systemic inflammatory response associated with extensive necrosis and a mortality rate of up to 24%. Considering that one of the reported disease mechanisms comprises the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and that the immunoproteasome is a key regulator to prevent proteotoxic stress in an inflammatory context, we investigated its role in acute pancreatitis. In this study, we demonstrate that immunoproteasome deficiency by deletion of the β5i/LMP7‐subunit leads to persistent pancreatic damage. Interestingly, immunoproteasome‐deficient mice unveil increased activity of pancreatic enzymes in the acute disease phase as well as higher secretion of Interleukin‐6 and transcript expression of the Interleukin IL‐1β, IFN‐β cytokines and the CXCL‐10 chemokine. Cell death was increased in immunoproteasome‐deficient mice, which appears to be due to the increased accumulation of ubiquitin‐protein conjugates and prolonged unfolded protein response. Accordingly, our findings suggest that the immunoproteasome plays a protective role in acute pancreatitis via its role in the clearance of damaged proteins and the balance of ER stress responses in pancreatic acini and in macrophages cytokine production.

Pancreatic enzyme activity in the bile of healthy cats and its association with biliary morphology.

BackgroundIn human medicine, congenital maljunction of the common bile duct (CBD) and main pancreatic duct (MPD), or pancreatobiliary maljunction (PBM), is a known cause of cholecystitis.ObjectivePancreatic enzyme activity in the bile (a diagnostic marker for PBM) of healthy cats was measured to determine normal values and evaluate its relationship with biliary morphology.AnimalsFifty‐two healthy cats.MethodsCross‐sectional study of the biliary tracts of healthy cats during laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy and measurement of pancreatic enzyme activity in bile. The cats were divided into groups A and B based on the ratio of the diameter of the cystic duct (CD) to the CBD. The normal ratio was 3.4. Pancreatic enzyme activity in bile was compared between the groups.ResultsThe CBDs were straight in all cases, whereas the CDs were variably tortuous or dilated. Amylase activity in the bile (median, <100 U/L; range, <100‐591 U/L) was lower than in serum in all cases, and group B, which had a CD/CBD ratio >3.4, had significantly higher amylase activity (median, 109 U/L; range, <100‐591 U/L) in the bile than did group A (median, <100 U/L; range, <100‐238 U/L), which had a CD/CBD ratio <3.4 (P = .0009).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe results suggest that a dilated CD is associated with reflux of pancreatic juice. In the future, it will be necessary to examine the clinical usefulness of these findings by measuring pancreatic enzyme activity in the bile of cats with cholangitis.

Pancreatic Disorders in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Background and Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition and mainly affects the intestines, however, the involvement of the other organs of the gastrointestinal tract (upper part, pancreas, and liver) have been observed. The coexistence of IBD with pancreatic pathology is rare, however, it has been diagnosed more frequently during recent years in the pediatric population. This article reviews the current literature on the most common pancreatic diseases associated with IBD in the pediatric population and their relationship with IBD activity and treatment. Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic review of data from published studies on pancreatic disorders, also reported as extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), among children with IBD. We searched PubMed and Web of Science to identify eligible studies published prior to 25 April 2020. Results: Forty-four papers were chosen for analysis after a detailed inspection, which aimed to keep only the research studies (case control studies and cohort studies) or case reports on children and only those which were written in English. The manifestations of IBD-associated pancreatic disorders range from asymptomatic increase in pancreatic enzymes activity to severe disease such as acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis (AP) induced by drugs, mainly thiopurine, seems to be the most- often-reported pancreatic disease associated with IBD in children. AP associated with other than drug etiologies, and chronic pancreatitis (CP), are rarely observed in the course of pediatric IBD. The pancreatic involvement can be strictly related to the activity of IBD and can also precede the diagnosis of IBD in some pediatric patients. The course of AP is mild in most cases and may occasionally lead to the development of CP, mainly in cases with a genetic predisposition. Conclusions: The involvement of the pancreas in the course of IBD may be considered as an EIM or a separate co-morbid disease, but it can also be a side effect of IBD therapy, therefore a differential diagnosis should always be performed. As the number of IBD incidences with concomitant pancreatic diseases is constantly increasing in the pediatric population, it is important to include pancreatic enzymes level measurement in the workup of IBD.

Maturation of the digestive system of Downs herring larvae (Clupea harengus, Linnaeus, 1758): identification of critical periods through ontogeny

Digestive system functionality is a key process linked to larval recruitment and survival. However, little is known about organ development and enzyme maturation of the digestive system of North Sea Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus). In this study, herring larvae were reared at 13 °C from hatching to 69 day post hatch, covering four developmental stages: (1) yolk sac (8–9 mm), (2) pre-flexion (9–14 mm), (3) flexion (12–18 mm) and (4) post-flexion stages (15–30 mm). Combined histological (semi-quantitative scoring) and enzyme analyses (pancreatic and intestinal) showed that developmental stages are strongly linked to physiological changes. The larvae lack a functional stomach and use the intestine as the primary site of digestion which is mainly supported by pancreatic enzyme activity. The intestine acquired adult enzymatic digestive features with a functional brush border at the end of the flexion stage and pyloric ceca started to develop during the post-flexion stage. The transition from pre-flexion to flexion stage and the end of the post-flexion stage are energetically taxing periods as indicated by a reduced number and size of liver vacuoles. Based on these findings, we consider these moments as critical periods, where herring larvae could be dramatically affected by suboptimal feeding conditions in the field. This implies that pre-flexion stage larvae with low or no liver reserves may not be able to proceed to the next developmental stage. Hence, the level of energy storage in first-feeding larvae needs to be examined for its use as a field indicator of survival and development.