Alcian Blue-periodic acid-Schiff Staining Research Articles

Epimedium polysaccharides ameliorate ulcerative colitis by inhibiting oxidative stress and regulating autophagy.

Epimedium polysaccharide (EPS) is a bioactive compound derived from the traditional Chinese herb Epimedium brevicornum. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of EPS on ulcerative colitis (UC) and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. The findings showed that EPS treatment mitigated UC symptoms, including weight loss, anal bleeding, elevated disease activity index (DAI), and colon shortening. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining demonstrated that EPS alleviated histopathological damage and improved the integrity of the colonic mucosa. Mechanistically, EPS was found to substantially decrease inflammation by inhibiting the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κB (TLR4/NF-κB) signaling pathway and to alleviate oxidative stress through modulation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Keap1/Nrf2) pathway. Notably, EPS failed to exert protective effects against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in Nrf2-knockout (Nrf2-/-) mice. Additionally, Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that EPS facilitated autophagy via the adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR) pathway. In vitro experiments revealed that EPS effectively suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated cellular damage and oxidative stress by regulating Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Transcriptomic analysis of LPS-treated Caco-2 cells following EPS treatment revealed a significant up-regulation of Nrf2 expression. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that EPS exerts protective effects against DSS-induced UC through the inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, and promotion of autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Consequently, EPS may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of UC. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Prophylactic Effects of Betaine on Depression and Anxiety Behaviors in Mice with Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a typical type of inflammatory bowl disease, which is accompanied by an increased risk of depression and anxiety-related psychological symptoms. Betaine is a naturally derived compound that can function as an anti-inflammatory drug and a neuromodulator. In-depth exploration of the potential role of betaine in treating UC-related depression and anxiety is crucial. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of betaine on UC-related depression and anxiety and clarify the underlying mechanisms. A dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mice model was established by 4% DSS drinking ad libitum for 7 days. The colonic injury was measured using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS) staining. Depression and anxiety-like behaviors were separately evaluated using a forced swimming test (FST), a tail suspension test (TST), a light-dark box test (LDBT), and an open field test (OFT). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect DNA damage and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Western blotting was applied to detect the protein levels of macrophage polarization in mice colons and the alteration of mitochondrial dysfunction and the cGAS-STING pathway in the hippocampus. Betaine strongly alleviated mucosal structural disorder and mucin secretion reduction and promoted M2-macrophage polarization in the colon of DSS-treated mice. In addition, betaine could mitigate depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in DSS-treated mice, reduce the DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibit the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Our study reveals the antidepression/anxiety effects of betaine and further demonstrates the potential mechanism by which betaine inhibits DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction to block the cGAS-STING pathway, thereby repairing neurogenesis in the hippocampus.

Effect of Jinhuahecha—A Fermented Green Tea on DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice and Its Preliminary Pharmacological Mechanism

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease. Jinhuahecha (JHHC)-a fermented green tea is obtained by micro-fermentation of Anji white tea (AJWT) inoculated with high-purity "E. cristatum". Purpose: This study is aimed to unravel the protective effect of JHHC to UC in mice. Methods: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to determine the effective components and their contents in JHHC and AJWT. UC mouse model was constructed by ingestion of 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) aqueous solution for 9 days. Disease activity index (DAI) was evaluated with the daily weight, fecal characters, and bloody stool condition, the length of colon and the spleen coefficients in mice was measured. Hematoxylin and eosin and Alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes of the colon tissue. The positive expression of MyD88 and TNF-α were observed by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. The possible mechanism was speculated by via transcriptomics. Results: HPLC results indicated that compared with AJWT, in JHHC, the content of gallic acid was significantly increased, the caffeine content was slightly decreased, and the polyphenolic components were notably declined. Compared to normal control group, in model control group, DAI score and spleen coefficient were elevated, the length of colon was shortened, and the colon tissue was severely damaged. In contrast to model control group, the above indexes were improved in treatment group, especially in JHHC group, which was possibly associated with regulation of inflammatory response. Conclusions: JHHC, as a natural plant product, has anti-inflammatory effects that can alleviate UC in mice.

The effect of β-Glucan induced intestinal trained immunity against Trichinella spiralis infection

Parasitic helminth Trichinella spiralis (Ts) induce mixed Th1/Th2 response with predominant type 2 immune responses, with protective immunity mediated by interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13. β-Glucan (BG) has been shown to have the ability to induce trained immunity, confers non-specific protection from secondary infections. However, whether BG-induced trained immunity played a role in protective type 2 immunity against Ts infection is unclear. In this study, BG was administered five days before Ts infection to induce trained immunity. Our findings demonstrate that BG pretreatment effectively reduced the number of T. spiralis adults and muscle larvae, whereas inhibition of trained immunity abolished the effect of BG. Additionally, we observed a significant increase in goblet cells and mucus production as evidenced by Alcian blue periodic acid-Schiff staining. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed a significant upregulation of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 expression in response to BG. Conversely, the inhibitor of trained immunity reversed these effects, suggesting that BG-induced trained immunity confers strong protection against Ts infection. In conclusion, these findings suggest that BG-induced trained immunity may play a role in protection against infections caused by other helminths.

Impact of high-fat diet on ovarian epigenetics: Insights from altered intestinal butyric acid levels

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) on the gut bacterium Roseburia intestinalis and butyric acid levels, and to assess their impact on ovarian function and epigenetic markers in mice. MethodsA total of 20 female ICR mice aged 4 weeks were randomly assigned to two groups and fed either a control diet (CD) or an HFD for 36 weeks. Post-intervention, ileal contents were analyzed for the quantification of butyric acid using ELISA, while feces were obtained for Roseburia intestinalis expression assessment via qPCR. Histological evaluations of intestinal and ovarian tissues included H&E and Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff (AB-PAS) staining, alongside immunohistochemical analysis for F4/80, and immunofluorescent detection of Occludin, ZO-1, 5 mC, and H3K36me3. Ovarian health was assessed through follicle counts and morphological evaluations. Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism 8.0, with P < 0.05 considered significant. ResultsAfter 36 weeks, the HFD group showed significantly higher body weight compared to the CD group (P < 0.01). The HFD led to a decrease in Roseburia intestinalis and butyric acid levels, a reduction in intestinal goblet cells, and an increase in intestinal inflammation. Histological analyses revealed impaired ovarian follicular development and enhanced inflammation in the HFD mice, with immunofluorescent staining showing downregulation of the ovarian epigenetic markers 5 mC and H3K36me3. ConclusionOur study demonstrates that long-term HFD negatively impacts ovarian function and epigenetic regulation. We found decreased levels of the gut bacterium Roseburia intestinalis and its metabolite, butyric acid, which contribute to these adverse effects. Additionally, the associated intestinal inflammation and compromised mucosal barrier may contribute to these adverse outcomes on female reproductive health.

Mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extract to alleviate Chronic Sleep Deprivation-Induced cognitive dysfunction in rats

BackgroundBidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the brain may play an essential role in the cognitive dysfunction associated with chronic sleep deprivation(CSD). Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen, DS), a famous Chinese medicine and functional tea, is extensively used to protect learning and memory capacities, although the mechanism of action remains unknown. PurposeThe purpose of this research was to explore the efficacy and the underlying mechanism of DS in cognitive dysfunction caused by CSD. MethodsDS chemical composition was analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Forty rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 8): control (CON), model (MOD), low- (1.35 g/kg, DSL), high-dose (2.70 g/kg, DSH) DS group, and Melatonin(100 mg/kg, MT) group. A CSD rat model was established over 21 days. DS's effects and the underlying mechanism were explored using the open-field test(OFT), Morris water-maze(MWM), tissue staining(Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining, Nissl staining, Alcian blue-periodic acid SCHIFF staining, and Immunofluorescence), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR), and 16S rRNA sequencing. ResultsWe demonstrated that CSD caused gut dysbiosis and cognitive dysfunction. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were more in fecal samples from model group rats, whereas Bacteroidota and Spirochaetota were less. DS therapy, on the contrary hand, greatly restored the gut microbial community, consequently alleviating cognitive impairment in rats. Further research revealed that DS administration reduced systemic inflammation via lowering intestinal inflammation and barrier disruption. Following that, DS therapy reduced Blood Brain Barrier(BBB) and neuronal damage, further decreasing neuroinflammation in the hippocampus(HP). Mechanistic studies revealed that DS therapy lowered lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels in the HP, serum, and colon, consequently blocking the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and its downstream pro-inflammatory products(IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX2) in the HP and colon. ConclusionDS treatment dramatically improved spatial learning and memory impairments in rats with CSD by regulating the composition of the intestinal flora, preserving gut and brain barrier function, and reducing inflammation mediated by the LPS-TLR4 signaling pathway. Our findings provide novel insight into the mechanisms by which DS treats cognitive dysfunction caused by CSD.

The rhizomes of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz improve gastrointestinal health and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant mice via modulating intestinal barrier and water-fluid metabolism

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBaizhu (BZ) is the dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (Compositae), which invigorates the spleen, improves vital energy, stabilizes the fetus, and is widely used for treating spleen deficiency syndrome. However, the impact of BZ on gastrointestinal function during pregnancy remains unexplored. Aim of the studyThis study elucidated the ameliorative effects of BZ on gastrointestinal health and pregnancy outcomes in pregnant mice with spleen deficiency diarrhea (SDD). MethodsTo simulate an irregular human diet and overconsumption of cold and bitter foods leading to SDD, a model of pregnant mice with SDD was established using an alternate-day fasting and high-fat diet combined with oral administration of Sennae Folium. During the experiment, general indicators and diarrhea-related parameters were measured. Gastric and intestinal motility (small intestinal propulsion and gastric emptying rates) were evaluated. Serum motilin (MTL), ghrelin, growth hormone (GH), gastrin (Gas), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), chorionic gonadotropin β (β-CG), progesterone (P), and estradiol (E2) were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pathological changes were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) and alcian blue periodic acid Schiff staining (AB-PAS). Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to measure the expression levels of the intestinal barrier and water metabolism-related proteins in colonic tissues. The pregnancy rate, ovarian organ coefficient, uterus with fetus organ coefficient, small size, average fetal weight, and body length of fetal mice were calculated. ResultsThe results showed that BZ significantly improved general indicators and diarrhea in pregnant mice with SDD, increased gastric emptying rate and small intestinal propulsion rate, elevated the levels of gastrointestinal hormones (AMS, ghrelin, GH, and Gas) in the serum, and reduced lipid levels (TC and LDL-c). It also improved colonic tissue morphology, increased the number of goblet cells, and promoted the mRNA and protein expression of occludin, claudin-1, ZO-1, AQP3, AQP4, and AQP8 in colonic tissues, downregulating the mRNA and protein expression levels of claudin-2, thereby alleviating intestinal barrier damage and regulating the balance of water and fluid metabolism. BZ also held the levels of pregnancy hormones (β-CG, P, and E2) in the serum of pregnant mice with SDD. Moreover, it increased the pregnancy rate, ovarian organ coefficient, uterus with fetus organ coefficient, litter size, average fetal weight, and body length of fetal mice. These findings indicate that BZ can improve spleen deficiency-related symptoms in pregnant mice before and during pregnancy, regulate pregnancy-related hormones, and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Histopathology and ultrastructural alterations in gastric mucus-secreting cells in diabetic model rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause gastric ulcers (GU), duodenal ulcers (DU), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Mucus-secreting cells secrete mucus, which aids in the neutralization of HCl and inhibits bacteria. DM can alter mucus-secreting cells. Due to a lack of mucosal defense, external stimuli such as bacteria or ethanol can lead to the development of GU, DU, and GERD. This research study used a STZ-induced diabetic rat model to examine the short- and long-term histopathology and ultrastructural alterations in mucus-secreting cells in the cardia, body, and pyloric regions of the stomach. Quantitative analysis was also employed in this study to examine the distribution of mucin granules across all three locations. Twenty-four male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized. Rats were divided into the control (n = 12) and DM (n = 12) groups. Each was separated into short-term (4 weeks) and long-term (24 weeks) rats. For DM induction, streptozotocin (STZ) can selectively destroy the beta cells of the pancreas. The DM was injected with STZ in citrate buffer at 60 mg/kg body weight. The control group was injected with citrate buffer. Histopathology was examined by Alcian blue-Periodic Acid Schiff staining under a light microscope. Image analysis was applied to quantify mucin accumulation. The ultrastructure was explored using transmission electron microscopy. In short-term and long-term DM, there was superficial erosion of the gastric epithelium and a significant decrease in the percentage of mucin granule accumulations in both surface mucous cells (SMCs) and mucous neck cells (MNCs). In short-term DM, SMCs were degenerated with vacuolation, disrupted cristae of mitochondria, and dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER). MNCs were swollen with destroyed organelles. In long-term DM, degenerative nuclei and electron-lucent regions with unidentified structures of SMCs were observed. Nuclear chromatin condensation and the disappearance of mucin granules were present in MNCs. In conclusion, under both LM and TEM, STZ-induced diabetic rats demonstrated both short- and long-term damage to the gastric mucosa and gastric gland structures.

2'-Fucosyllactose restores the intestinal mucosal barrier in ulcerative colitis by inhibiting STAT3 palmitoylation and phosphorylation

2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL), the primary constituent of human milk oligosaccharides, has been identified as a potential regulator of inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. Despite this recognition, the specific mechanisms through which 2'-FL alleviates ulcerative colitis (UC) remain ambiguous. This study seeks to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory properties of 2'-FL concerning intestinal inflammation and uncover the associated mechanisms. C57BL/6J mice were orally administered a daily dose of 500mg/kg 2'-FL for 11 consecutive days, followed by the induction of colitis using 3% (wt/vol) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for the final 6 days. Subsequently, a comprehensive range of techniques, including an Acyl-biotin exchange assay, fluorescein-isothiocyanate-labeled dextran assay, histopathology, ELISA, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, immunohistochemistry staining, Alcian blue-periodic acid schiff staining, TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling, transmission electron microscopy, iTRAQ quantitative proteomics, bioinformatics analysis, and the generation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) knockout mice, were employed to explore the relevant molecular mechanisms. Administration of 2'-FL significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in mice and enhanced the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. 2'-FL downregulated the phosphorylation of STAT3 and inhibited STAT3-related signaling pathways in colon tissues, which, in turn, reduced inflammatory responses. Interestingly, knockdown of STAT3 attenuated the protective effects of 2'-FL, highlighting that 2'-FL-mediated inflammatory attenuation is dependent on STAT3 expression. Additionally, 2'-FL could influence STAT3 activation by modulating the palmitoylation and depalmitoylation of STAT3. 2'-FL promotes the recovery of the intestinal mucosal barrier and suppresses inflammation in ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the palmitoylation and phosphorylation of STAT3.

Modulation of cigarette smoke induced alterations by aqueous Ocimum sanctum leaf extract in pulmonary tissue of rodents

Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of asthma, lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic bronchitis, and a massive amount of oxidative stress. The present study was undertaken to determine the modulatory effects of Holi Basil/Tulsi, (Ocimum sanctum) leaf extract on cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary damage in mice. Cigarette smoke (CS) inhalation increased the levels of pulmonary lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species and decreased the levels of glutathione. Histoarchitectural alterations and enhanced tissue lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in pulmonary tissue was distinctly indicative of damage. Enhanced mucin production was also observed through mucicarmine and Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining. Increased expression of MUC5AC was also observed. Alterations in the lung were also evident through FTIR studies. Administration of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract (80 mg/kg b.w) to CS exposed mice ameliorated these alterations to a greater extent. These findings are suggestive of the fact that Ocimum sanctum leaf extract effectively modulated CS-induced deleterious effects on pulmonary tissue.

Cellular evidence of mucus cell immunological and differentiation characteristics in allogeneic crucian carp intestinal lamina propria

The allogeneic crucian carp is an important fish farm animal with a very different digestive system structure from that of mammals. The lamina propria of the fish intestine is also considered to be an important site of intestinal immunity in fish, but functional histological studies of the lamina propria of the allogeneic crucian carp intestine are still lacking. In this study, Identification of the ubiquitous lamina propria mucus cells in the lamina propria of the intestine by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and determination of the mucocytic properties, class, and distribution of these cells in each intestinal segment by Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining. The results show that type III mucus cells were abundant in the lamina propria of the foregut and midgut, while type II and type IV mucus cells predominate in the hindgut, possibly reflecting the distinct functions of these intestinal segments. Transmission electron microscopy dissected the differentiation of mucus cells in the lamina propria of the intestine at the ultrastructural level and investigated their morphology and distribution patterns in different intestinal segments, the findings revealed that lamina propria mucus cells perform rudimentary functions such as mucous secretion, phagocytosis, and degradation functions. Moreover, immunohistochemistry labeling with CD68 and LAMP1 revealed that numerous cells in the anterior, middle, and posterior intestines were positive for both proteins. Immunofluorescence double-labeling demonstrated that these cells highly co-expressed CD68 and LAMP1. Besides, the distribution and morphology of CD68+ and LAMP1+ cells were similar to those of AB-PAS positive cells and they accounted for the majority of parenchyma cells. Considering the above results, there were abundant cells with both mucous secretion and phagocytosis in the intestinal lamina propria of allogeneic crucian carp, which are a essential component of the intestinal immune process of allogeneic crucian carp.

Xiaojianzhong decoction prevents gastric precancerous lesions in rats by inhibiting autophagy and glycolysis in gastric mucosal cells

Gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) precede the development of gastric cancer (GC). They are characterized by gastric mucosal intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia caused by various factors such as inflammation, bacterial infection, and injury. Abnormalities in autophagy and glycolysis affect GPL progression, and their effective regulation can aid in GPL treatment and GC prevention. Xiaojianzhong decoction (XJZ) is a classic compound for the treatment of digestive system diseases in ancient China which can inhibit the progression of GPL. However, its specific mechanism of action is still unclear. To investigate the therapeutic effects of XJZ decoction on a rat GPL model and the mechanisms underlying its effects on autophagy and glycolysis regulation in GPLs. Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of five rats each and all groups except the control group were subjected to GPL model construction for 18 wk. The rats' body weight was monitored every 2 wk starting from the beginning of modeling. Gastric histopathology was examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining and Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff staining. Autophagy was observed using transmission electron microscopy. The expressions of autophagy, hypoxia, and glycolysis related proteins in gastric mucosa were detected using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The expressions of the following proteins in gastric tissues: B cell lymphoma/Leukemia-2 and adenovirus E1B19000 interacting protein 3 (Bnip-3), microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC-3), moesin-like BCL2-interacting protein 1 (Beclin-1), phosphatidylinositol 3-kimase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p53, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and Unc-51 like kinase 1 (ULK1) were detected using western blot. The relative expressions of autophagy, hypoxia, and glycolysis related mRNA in gastric tissues was detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Treatment with XJZ increased the rats' body weight and improved GPL-related histopathological manifestations. It also decreased autophagosome and autolysosome formation in gastric tissues and reduced Bnip-3, Beclin-1, and LC-3II expressions, resulting in inhibition of autophagy. Moreover, XJZ down-regulated glycolysis-related monocarboxylate transporter (MCT1), MCT4, and CD147 expressions. XJZ prevented the increase of autophagy level by decreasing gastric mucosal hypoxia, activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, inhibiting the p53/AMPK pathway activation and ULK1 Ser-317 and Ser-555 phosphorylation. In addition, XJZ improved abnormal gastric mucosal glucose metabolism by ameliorating gastric mucosal hypoxia and inhibiting ULK1 expression. This study demonstrates that XJZ may inhibit autophagy and glycolysis in GPL gastric mucosal cells by improving gastric mucosal hypoxia and regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR and p53/ AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathways, providing a feasible strategy for the GPL treatment.

The NF-κB pathway plays a vital role in rat salivary gland atrophy model

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore the histopathological and genetic changes in the submandibular glands after duct ligation and provide important clues to functional regeneration. DesignWe established a rat salivary gland duct ligation model and observed pathological changes in the rat submandibular gland on day 1 and weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4 using hematoxylin and eosin staining, Alcian blue–periodic acid Schiff staining, Masson staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), and immunohistochemical staining. RNA sequencing was performed on normal salivary glands and those from the ligation model after 1 week. Significantly differentially expressed genes were selected, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed. ResultsApoptosis levels and histological and functional KEGG pathway analyses showed that injury to the salivary gland after ligation gradually increased. The TGF-β pathway was activated and promoted fibrosis. RNA sequencing results and further verification of samples at week 1 showed that the NF-κB pathway plays a vital role in salivary gland atrophy. ConclusionsOur results detailed the pathological changes in the submandibular gland after ligation and the important functions of the NF-κB pathway.

Rhein Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Chronic Atrophic Gastritis via Nrf2 and MAPK Signaling.

Chronic atrophic gastritis is a premalignant lesion with a high risk of developing into gastric cancer. Rhein is a key active ingredient of several traditional Chinese medicines with multiple pharmacological effects. Nevertheless, the role of rhein in chronic atrophic gastritis is unclear. Helicobacter pylori infection was used to establish chronic atrophic gastritis in a mouse model. Murine gastric mucosa treated with saline or rhein was used in experiments. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff staining were utilized for histopathological observation of murine gastric mucosa. The levels of proinflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and oxidative stress-associated markers were detected by commercially available assay kits. Western blotting was used for measuring the levels of nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like bZIP transcription factor 2, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling-related proteins. Rhein mitigated the gastric mucosal injury and suppressed inflammation and oxidative stress in H. pylori-infected chronic atrophic gastritis mouse models. Rhein inactivated mitogen-activated protein kinase and activated erythroid 2-like bZIP transcription factor 2 signaling in gastric mucosa of mice with chronic atrophic gastritis. Rhein exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in chronic atrophic gastritis via erythroid 2-like bZIP transcription factor 2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling.

Quantitative Analysis of Mucin Expression Using Combined Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff (AB-PAS) Stain and Combined High Iron Diamine-Alcian Blue (HID-AB) Stain and the Correlation With Histomorphological Score in Chronic Calculous Cholecystitis.

Introduction Chronic calculous cholecystitis is the most common and important contributing factor for cholecystectomy across the country, with a prevalence of 2-29%. Cholesterol supersaturated bile plays a major role in stone formation. It is very essential to identify the pathogenesis of stone formation in order to prevent its formation. This study is aimed to evaluate histomorphological features of chronic calculous cholecystitis and to quantitatively evaluate alteration in mucin expression using the combined Alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS) stain and the combined high iron diamine Alcian blue (HID-AB) stain, to correlate with each other and also with biochemical features of gall stones. Methods A cross-sectional study of 64 chronic calculous cholecystitis were taken for histomorphological assessment and grading using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stainand Masson's trichrome stains.Expression of the type of mucins wasanalyzed using histochemical stains by a standardized scoring system. Results A significant positive correlation was observed between an increase in grades of inflammation and fibrosis with an increase in the quantity of sialomucin and neutral mucin in the deep layers of epithelium, and a significant negative correlation was observed between an increase in grades with a decrease in acidic mucin and sulfomucin of both superficial and deep epithelium except sulfomucin in fibrosis. No significant correlation was obtained with muscle thickness, adipose tissue deposition, and epithelial hyperplasia. A higher frequency of mixed-type stones was associated with severe inflammation. Conclusion Inflammation and fibrosis were strongly correlated with quantitative alteration and reversal of mucin composition in chronic cholecystitis; hence we conclude that these features play a significant role in the pathogenesis of stone formation. Using Combined AB(2.5pH)-PAS stain and Combined HID-AB(2.5 pH) stain to detect mucin hypersecretion and composition of altered mucin is relatively accurate and cost-effective rather than performing costly immunohistochemical (IHC) markers.

Improvement effects of pectic polysaccharide isolated from Saururus chinensis leaves on dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in BALB/c mice

In this study, the improvement effects of oral administration of polysaccharides isolated from Saururus chinensis on a DSS-induced ulcerative colitis mouse model were evaluated. To achieve this, S. chinensis-derived crude polysaccharides (SCP) were extracted using hot water extraction and ethanol precipitation. SCP is composed primarily of eight monosaccharides, including galacturonic acid (46.6%), galactose (10.4%), arabinose (5.6%), and rhamnose (3.8%), that are typical sugar components of pectic polysaccharides. Oral administration of SCP recovered body weight loss and significantly alleviated various ulcerative colitis symptoms such as stool consistency, blood in stool, and blood in the anus. Additionally, the DSS-treated group that exhibited a decrease in colon length, and SCP treatment significantly reduced colon length shortening in a dose-dependent manner. Levels of inflammatory factors such as interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase were lower in the SCP-treated groups than they were in the DSS-treated group. In contrast, Alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff staining revealed that SCP treatment effectively maintained the amount of mucus and goblet cells in the intestinal lumen compared to that in the DSS-treated group. The short-chain fatty acid content decreased by DSS administration was recovered through oral administration of SCP, and the amount of butyric acid was significantly improved. Consequently, the aforementioned results suggest that SCP isolated from S. chinensis is a potent candidate for use as a new health functional food and pharmaceutical ingredient for colitis treatment.

The value of Alcian blue periodic acid Schiff staining and Ki-67 expression in diagnosing gastric reactive epithelial hyperplasia and dysplasia

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of reactive epithelial hyperplasia and dysplasia in the stomach, as well as the clinical value of mucin special staining and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (Ki-67) in distinguishing the two gastric lesions. Methods: The clinical pathological data of 63 patients with gastric reactive epithelial hyperplasia, 54 patients with low-grade dysplasia, and 63 patients with high-grade dysplasia diagnosed from May 2018 to May 2021 in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China were analyzed. Alcian blue periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS) and Ki-67 staining were performed to examine the mucin staining pattern, number of Ki-67 positive cells, Ki-67 staining patterns in the three groups of lesions, and histopathologic characteristics. Results: The positive rates of AB-PAS in the reactive epithelial hyperplasia and gastric dysplasia groups were 87.3%(55/63) and 10.3%(12/117), respectively. The expression of AB-PAS in the reactive epithelial hyperplasia was gradually increased from the base to the surface of the epithelium. In low-grade dysplasia and high-grade dysplasia, there was no mucin present in the dysplasia epithelium. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.01). The positive rate of Ki-67 in the epithelial reactive hyperplasia (>10%) was 81.0% (51/63), and the positive cells were mainly located in the neck and middle parts of the mucosal glands (58/63, 92.1%). In the low-grade dysplasia group, the positive rate of Ki-67 (>10%) was 90.7%(49/54); the positive cells were mainly located in the upper mucosa (33/54, 61.1%), showing a banded distribution pattern; in the high-grade dysplasia group, the positive rate (>10%) was 95.2%(60/63), and the positive cells were mainly located in the whole mucosa (49/63, 77.8%), showing a diffuse/diffuse scattered distribution pattern. The three groups had statistically different rates and distribution patterns of Ki-67 expression (P<0.01). Conclusion: The gastric epithelial reactive hyperplasia and dysplasia can be differentiated using clinicopathological features, AB-PAS staining and Ki-67 expression pattern.

Ginsenoside Rg3 induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation by down-regulating TIGAR in rats with gastric precancerous lesions

BackgroundGinsenoside Rg3 (GRg3) is one of the main active ingredients in Chinese ginseng extract and has various biological effects, such as immune-enhancing, antitumour, antiangiogenic, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of GRg3 on gastric precancerous lesion (GPL) induced by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and the potential mechanism of action.MethodsThe MNNG–ammonia composite modelling method was used to establish a rat model of GPL. Histopathological changes in the rat gastric mucosa were observed by pathological analysis using haematoxylin–eosin staining to assess the success rate of the composite modelling method. Alcian blue–periodic acid Schiff staining was used to observe intestinal metaplasia in the rat gastric mucosa. Apoptosis was detected in rat gastric mucosal cells by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling staining. The production level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by the dihydroethidium fluorescent probe method, and that of TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis regulator (TIGAR) protein was determined by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. The production levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and that of glutathione (GSH) was determined by microanalysis.ResultsGRg3 significantly alleviated the structural disorganization and cellular heteromorphism in the form of epithelial glands in the gastric mucosa of rats with GPL and retarded the progression of the disease. Overexpression of TIGAR and overproduction of NADP, GSH and G6PDH occurred in the gastric mucosal epithelium of rats with GPL, which in turn led to an increase in the ROS concentration. After treatment with GRg3, the expression of TIGAR and production of NADP, GSH G6PDH decreased, causing a further increase in the concentration of ROS in the gastric mucosal epithelium, which in turn induced apoptosis and played a role in inhibiting the abnormal proliferation and differentiation of gastric mucosal epithelial cells.ConclusionGrg3 can induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation in MNNG-induced GPL rats. The mechanism may be related to down-regulating the expression levels of TIGAR and production levels of GSH, NADP and G6PD, and up-regulating the concentration of ROS.

Disordered Expression of Tight Junction Proteins Is Involved in the Mo-induced Intestinal Microenvironment Dysbiosis in Sheep.

To evaluate the molybdenum (Mo)-induced changes of intestinal morphology and the relationship of intestinal tight junction (TJ) proteins expression and intestinal barrier function, a total of 20 healthy sheep were randomly divided into five groups of four: 0, 5, 10, 20, and 50mg/kg BW/day Na2MoO4·2H2O were administrated in five groups named control group, Mo 5 group, Mo 10 group, Mo 20 group, and Mo 50 group, respectively. After 28days of Mo treatment, the duodenum, the jejunum, and the ileum tissue were collected. The histopathology and the developmental parameters were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The intestinal epithelial cell DNA damage was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. The intestinal glycoprotein and the goblet cells were analyzed by Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid-Schiff (AB-PAS) staining and PAS staining, respectively. TJ proteins were determined by immunofluorescence technology. Results showed that excessive Mo significantly decreased the small intestinal villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), VH/CD, and mucosal thickness (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) while induced the damage of DNA in small intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, excessive Mo injured intestinal barrier function by decreasing the percent of glycoprotein distribution area (P < 0.05) and the relative density of intestinal goblet cells (P < 0.05). Mo treatment induced decreased (P < 0.01) expression of Zonula Occludens-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1. In conclusion, excessive Mo interfered with the expression of TJ proteins, inhibited intestinal epithelial development, and further aggravated the intestinal barrier function damage, leading to disturbing the small intestinal microenvironment balance.

Lactobacillus paracasei from koumiss ameliorates diarrhea in mice via tight junctions modulation

ObjectivesProbiotics are gaining interest as alternative options for antibiotic or antiinflammatory drugs. Probiotics can affect the health of the host through metabolites and competitive inhibition adhesion of pathogenic microorganisms. Koumiss is an important part of the diet of Asian nomads, and is rich in a broad array of probiotics that can benefit the body. Mongolians have developed koumiss therapy to assist in the treatment of various diseases. In the present study, we investigate the beneficial effect of Lactobacillus paracasei, a strain isolated from koumiss, on a mouse model of diarrhea induced by Escherichia coli O8 (E. coli O8). MethodsProbiotics were isolated from Mongolian koumiss. The resistance of probiotics against acid, bile salts, gastric juice, and intestinal juice was evaluated. The mouse model of diarrhea was established by the intragastric administration of E. coli O8 after NaHCO3 treatment. L. paracasei was intragastrically administered before or after E. coli O8 exposure in mice. The plasma levels of diamine oxidase and zounlin were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the integrity of the intestinal barrier and goblet cells of mice with diarrhea were observed using hematoxylin and eosin and Alcian blue periodic acid-Schiff staining. The expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. ResultsA total of five lactic acid bacteria and two yeast strains were isolated from koumiss, and L. paracasei was screened for animal experiments. Experimental results showed that L. paracasei could reduce the increase in diamine oxidase and zonulin caused by E. coli (P < 0.05); increase goblet cells and the expression of TJ proteins ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 (P < 0.05); increase the expression of mucin 2, oligomeric mucus/gel-forming (P < 0.05) protein; and reduce the level of inhibitor kappa B-alpha and myosin light-chain kinase. ConclusionsL. paracasei reduced the intestinal permeability, induced the expression of mucin 2, oligomeric mucus/gel-forming protein, and increased the number of goblet cells in mice by the upregulation of the expression of TJ proteins via the nuclear factor kappa B cells–myosin light-chain kinase signaling pathway.