Colonic Ulceration Research Articles

Targeting the Calcium-Sensing Receptor in Chemically Induced Medium-Grade Colitis in Female BALB/C Mice

Background/Objectives: The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is a multifunctional receptor proposed as a possible drug target for inflammatory bowel disease. We showed previously that CaSR inhibition with NPS 2143, a negative allosteric modulator of the CaSR, somewhat ameliorated the symptoms of chemically induced severe colitis in mice. However, it was unclear whether the potential of CaSR inhibition to reduce colitis may have been overshadowed by the severity of the induced inflammation in our previous study. Therefore, we tested if CaSR inhibition could prevent medium-grade colitis. Methods: Female BALB/c mice were treated with NPS 2143 or a vehicle prior to the induction of colitis with 2.5% DSS. On the day of sacrifice, colons and plasma were collected. The histology score was determined based on hematoxylin-eosin-stained sections. Mucin content, proliferation (Ki67), and immune cell infiltration (CD3 and CD20) were quantified based on immunostainings. Gene expression was measured by RT-qPCR. Results: Treatment with NPS 2143 had no effect on the clinical symptom score of the mice. However, the colons of the mice in the treated group were significantly longer (p < 0.05), and NPS 2143 significantly reduced colon ulceration (p < 0.05). The treatment also significantly reduced the expression of COX2 in the proximal colon and IL-22 in the distal colon. The proliferation of cells in the lymph nodes was significantly lower after the treatment, but no difference was observed in the epithelial cells. Conclusions: In summary, while NPS 2143 had an anti-inflammatory effect on medium-grade colitis, this effect appeared to be milder than in severe colitis, as observed previously, indicating that the effectiveness of CaSR inhibition as an anti-inflammatory measure in the colon is proportional to disease severity.

Modified Tou Nong Powder Obstructs Ulcerative Colitis by Regulating Autophagy and Mitochondrial Function.

Modified Tou Nong Powder (MTNP) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula widely used for treating body surface ulcers. Since colonic ulcers share similar pathological characteristics, MTNP has shown promising results in alleviating ulcerative colitis (UC) and has been safely used in clinical practice. This study aims to investigate how MTNP alleviates experimental colitis by inducing autophagy through the regulation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) signaling pathway. In this study, UC rat models were created using 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). The therapeutic effects of MTNP on TNBS-induced colitis were evaluated through various methods such as disease activity index, visual examination, and histological examination of the colon. An inflammation model was also established in Caco-2 cells using H2O2. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of autophagy-related proteins, while immunofluorescence detection was employed for protein localization. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to analyze the expression of autophagy-related genes, confirming the role of MTNP in modulating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway. In vivo, oral administration of MTNP led to a remarkable reduction in colonic injury, inhibition of inflammatory infiltration, and improvement in the abnormal expression of inflammatory factors in colonic tissues. Furthermore, MTNP stimulated autophagy by activating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway, thereby mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction. In vitro, exposure to MTNP drug-containing serum (MTNP-DS) resulted in a reduction of reactive oxygen species levels, improvement in mitochondrial membrane potential, and activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway, leading to the promotion of mitochondrial autophagy. The results indicate that MTNP triggers autophagy and enhances mitochondrial function, leading to the alleviation of UC in both in vitro and in vivo. These benefits are strongly linked to the activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Two cases of deficiency in ELF4 gene X-linked and literature review

Objective: To summarize the clinical phenotype and genetic characteristics of deficiency in ELF4 gene X-linked (DEX). Methods: A case series study was conducted to retrospectively analyze the clinical data and genetic testing results of 2 cases of DEX treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and the First Hospital of Jilin University from January 2023 to April 2024. And literature up to April 2024 was searched from the PubMed database, as well as CNKI and Wanfang databases, using keywords such as "ELF4 deficiency" "deficiency in ELF4, X-linked""ELF4 gene". The main clinical manifestations and genotypes of DEX were summarized. Results: Both patients were male, with onset ages of 3 months and 3 years, respectively. Both patients presented with recurrent oral ulcers and abdominal pain. And the laboratory examination showed a significant increase in inflammatory markers. Intestinal examinations showed multiple intestinal ulcers, and both patients developed intestinal fistulas. Whole exome sequencing found ELF4 c.799C>T, p Arg267Trp and ELF4 c. 248-7G>A, both maternal variants. Based on clinical and genetic results, DEX were diagnosed. In terms of treatment, both patients underwent surgical treatment during the acute phase of the disease and received anti-tumor necrosis factor α therapy, but recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms were still observed in Patient 1, while the clinical effect in Patient 2 was still acceptable. However, the inflammatory markers in both patients were not normal even after treatment. Literature review found 18 patients including 2 patients in this study, reported in 5 English articles and no Chinese reports. Thirteen patients had disease onset age before 5. The main clinical manifestations were fever (12/17), oral ulcers (14/18), abdominal pain (8/18), diarrhea (6/18), perianal ulcers (5/17), ileum ulcers (6/16), colon ulcers (7/16), skin involvement (7/17) and recurrent infections (7/18); laboratory examinations found increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (13/15) as well as C-reactive protein (9/9), and anemia (13/15); in terms of immunological function, there is a decrease in natural killer cells (9/15) as well as a decrease in class switching memory B cells (8/9). The main types of gene variantions were missense variantions (6/18), nonsense variantions (4/18) or frameshift variantions (3/18). Conclusions: DEX should be considered when an early-onset male patient manifested with recurrent fever, oral ulcers or mucosal ulcers, with elevated inflammatory markers, with or without recurrent infection. It is recommended to perform lymphocyte subsets analysis, gastrointestinal endoscopy and genetic testing to support the diagnosis.

Evaluating the Anti-inflammatory Efficacy of a Novel Bipyrazole Derivative in Alleviating Symptoms of Experimental Colitis.

This aims to assess the efficacy of 2', 3, 3, 5'-Tetramethyl-4'-nitro-2'H-1, 3'-bipyrazole (TMNB), a novel compound, in colitis treatment. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract with limited effective treatments available. The exploration of new therapeutic agents is critical for advancing treatment options. To assess the effect of TMNB in alleviating symptoms of experimental colitis in mice and to compare its effectiveness with that of sulfasalazine, a standard treatment. Experimental colitis was induced in mice, which were subsequently treated with TMNB at dosages of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg. The outcomes were evaluated based on colitis symptoms, Colon damage, Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores, and inflammation markers, including nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. Additional assessments included spleen cell proliferation, pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and inflammatory genes expression (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX2, and iNOS). TMNB treatment significantly alleviated colitis symptoms (100 and 150 mg/kg). These higher doses notably reduced colonic damage, inflammation, hyperemia, edema, and ulceration (p<0.01). The treatment also effectively decreased Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores, demonstrating a marked improvement in clinical signs of colitis (100 mg/kg, p<0.05; 150 mg/kg, p<0.01). Additionally, TMNB substantially lowered myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, indicating reduced neutrophil activity and inflammation (100 mg/kg, p<0.05; 150 mg/kg, p<0.01), and nitric oxide (NO) levels, suggesting diminished oxidative stress (100 mg/kg, p<0.05; 150 mg/kg, p<0.01). The treatment also led to a significant reduction in spleen cell proliferation (100 mg/kg, p<0.05; 150 mg/kg, p<0.01) and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, with TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 all showing decreases comparable to those observed with sulfasalazine (p<0.01). Moreover, TMNB effectively downregulated IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX2, and iNOS (p<0.01), affirming its broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. TMNB exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, suggesting that TMNB could be a new therapeutic agent for managing inflammatory bowel disease. This study supports the need for further clinical trials to explore TMNB's efficacy and safety in human subjects.

Clinical analysis and identification of pediatric patients with colonic ulceration

BackgroundA wide variety of diseases mimic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study aimed to reduce the misdiagnosis among children with colonic ulcers.MethodsEighty-six pediatric patients with colonic ulcers detected by colonoscopy were enrolled in the retrospective study. Children were divided into different groups according to the final diagnosis. The clinical characteristics, laboratory examinations, endoscopic findings, and histopathological results were compared.ResultsIBD (n = 37) was just responsible for 43% of patients with colonic ulceration. Other diagnosis included autoimmune diseases (n = 9), infectious enteritis (n = 13), gastrointestinal allergy (n = 8), and other diseases (n = 19). Comparing IBD and non-IBD groups, children with IBD had a higher frequency of symptoms like weight loss/failure to thrive (P < 0.001), perianal lesions (P = 0.001), and oral ulcers (P = 0.022), and higher expression levels of platelet (P = 0.006), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P = 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (P < 0.001), Immunoglobulin G (P = 0.012), Interleukin-1β (P = 0.003), Interleukin-6 (P = 0.024) and TNF-α (P = 0.026), and a wider ulcer distribution in the lower gastrointestinal tract (LGIT) (P < 0.001). Expression levels of hemoglobin (P < 0.001) and albumin (P = 0.001) were lower in IBD patients. Multivariate analysis showed hemoglobin, NLR, Score of ulceration in LGIT, and pseudopolyps contributing to the diagnosis of pediatric IBD with colonic ulcers.ConclusionsWe displayed potential indicators to help diagnose pediatric IBD differentiating from other disorders with colonic ulcers more prudently.

Protective effect of (E)-(2,4-dihydroxy)-α-aminocinnamic acid, a hydroxy cinnamic acid derivative, in an ulcerative colitis model induced by TNBS.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multifactorial disease that causes long-lasting inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. UC is the most common form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The current treatment for mild-to-moderate UC involves the use of 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA), but much of this compound is unabsorbed and metabolized by N-acetylation. Several efforts have since been made to evaluate new molecules from synthetic or natural sources. Recently, it was reported that (E)-(5-chloro-2-hydroxy)-α-aminocinnamic acid (2c) and (E)-(2,4-dihydroxy)-α-aminocinnamic acid (2f) are as good or better myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibitors and antioxidants than 5-ASA. Then, the present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of 2c and 2f on a rat model of UC induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The results showed that TNBS caused the induction of colonic ulcers, as well as a significant increase in MPO activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) content. The administration of 2f, 2c and 5-ASA, decreased the ulcers presence, inhibited MPO peroxidation activity and MPO presence (as determined by immunofluorescence), and increased GSH and reduced MDA content. However, 2f was better than 2c and 5-ASA, then, the principal mechanism by which 2f presented a protective effect in a UC model induced by TNBS in rats is by inhibiting MPO activity and due to its antioxidant activity.

Synergistic effects of probiotics with soy protein alleviate ulcerative colitis by repairing the intestinal barrier and regulating intestinal flora

In this experiment, we used probiotic and soy protein as raw materials to intervene in DSS-induced acute ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6 mice, to investigate the mitigating effect and synergistic effect of the probiotic complex combined with soy protein. The results showed that the combination of probiotics and soy protein could effectively alleviate the symptoms in UC mice, and inhibit the inflammatory process by down-regulating the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α and reducing the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Histopathological results showed that probiotic and/or soy protein interventions were effective in reducing the DAI of colonic ulceration, repairing intestinal epithelial barrier damage, and up-regulating the expression of tight junction-associated proteins. The composition of intestinal microbiota in the SP group, YWSP group and SNSP group with soybean protein intervention showed similar characteristics. In conclusion, the combination of YW probiotic powder and soy protein exerted a good synergistic effect.

When the Crystals Do Not Align: A Rare Case of Sevelamer-Induced Colonic Ulceration and Crystal Deposition

When the Crystals Do Not Align: A Rare Case of Sevelamer-Induced Colonic Ulceration and Crystal Deposition

Kalimate-Associated Gastric Ulcer

Kalimate (calcium polystyrene sulfonate) is a cation-exchange resin commonly used in clinical practice to treat hyperkalemia. However, Kalimate has been demonstrated to also cause serious gastrointestinal injuries, such as colonic necrosis, ulcerations, and perforations, in a subset of patients with chronic renal failure; these cases have been reported with and without the administration of hypertonic sorbitol. These lesions usually occur in the large or small intestine; lesions occurring in the stomach are rarely reported. We present the case of a 62-year-old woman with very large Kalimate-induced gastric ulcers that were mistaken for advanced gastric cancer in patients with chronic renal failure who had been taking Kalimate for the previous 3 months. The patient was successfully treated by discontinuing Kalimate and initiating a proton pump inhibitor.

Crystal Induced Colitis Mimicking Crohns Disease

Crystal-induced colitis, a rare complication of sevelamer therapy in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients, presents diagnostic challenges. We report a case of a 39-year-old man with severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding attributed to sevelamer-induced colonic ulcers. Despite initial suspicion of Crohn's disease, histopathological analysis revealed crystalline material suggestive of sevelamer-associated colitis. Discontinuation of sevelamer led to the cessation of bleeding and stabilization of the patient's condition. This case highlights the importance of considering medication-induced gastrointestinal complications in CKD patients.

In vivo Investigation of the Therapeutic Potential of Ziziphus mauritiana Against Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Albino Wistar Rats

ABSTRACT Purpose: To examine the potential anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic extract of Ziziphus mauritiana (MEZM) in inflammatory bowel disease conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 adult male Albino Wistar rats were divided into six groups. The first group (normal control) was administered with normal saline, and the second group (disease control) was administered with 4% acetic acid via the rectal route. The third group (sulfasalazine group) received the standard treatment of 100 mg/kg sulfasalazine, while three test groups were administered with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of MEZM. On the 14th day, a macroscopic examination was conducted to assess colonic inflammation, ulceration, and levels of cytokines including interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin13 (IL-13), and tumour necrosis factorα (TNFα), which were estimated to investigate the inflammatory response. Result: The cytokine levels increased significantly in the disease control group compared to the normal control group with P value &lt;0.0001. Treatment with sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg) and different doses of MEZM significantly reduced the levels of IL-4 and IL6 compared to the disease control group with P value &lt;0.0001. Animals treated with MEZM (100 mg/kg) showed significant reduction in IL-13 and TNF-α levels with P value &lt;0.001. Levels of IL-13 and TNF-α levels were significantly reduced in animals treated with sulfasalazine (100 mg/kg) and MEZM (200 and 300 mg/kg) with P value &lt;0.0001. Conclusion: The study indicates that MEZM may exert potential anti-inflammatory action in IBD conditions.

Cytomegalovirus-Associated Colitis as a Cause of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single-Centered Study.

Introduction Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral pathogen affecting patients undergoing solid organ transplantation. It is often the most important infection for patients who have undergone kidney transplantation. Clinical presentations of cytomegalovirus infection range from asymptomatic infection to organ-specific involvement. This study aimed to determine the frequency of cytomegalovirus-associated colitis in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) presenting with lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Methods After the approval of the ethical review committee of the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (ERC-SIUT), this cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Hepatogastroenterology at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation from January 2021 to December 2021. All the KTRs (six months after the transplantation) of either gender and aged between 18 and 65 years, presenting with lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding as per the operational definition, were enrolled in the study. Those patients who were either unfit for the endoscopy or refused to give consent were excluded from the study. Colonic biopsies were reviewed by a consultant histopathologist for the features of CMV infection. Results A total of 95 renal transplant recipients of either gender or age above 18 to 65 years with lower GI bleeding were included in the study. Among them, 84 (88.4%) were males, while 11 (11.6%) were females. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 37±11 years. The most common presenting complaint was fresh bleeding per rectum, which was observed in 73 (76.8%). The most common findings observed on colonoscopy in KTRs with bleeding per rectum were colonic ulcers and erosions noted in 41 (43.1%) and 36 (37.3%) patients, respectively. On histopathology, CMV colitis was noted in 21 (22.1%) patients. On comparison of different baseline variables, the presence of fresh bleeding per rectum and the presence of both ulcers and erosions on colonoscopy were the factors significantly associated with CMV colitis in KTRs. Conclusion CMV colitis is a prevalent condition in KTRs, presenting with lower GI bleeding. Despite the significant occurrence, the levels of CMV viremia were not associated with CMV colitis, suggesting that diagnosis should rely on histopathological confirmation. Prophylaxis during periods of high immunosuppression is crucial to reducing the incidence of CMV infections and improving both graft function and patient survival.

Serum proteome signatures associated with ileal and colonic ulcers in Crohn's disease

At a clinical level, ileal and colonic Crohn's disease (CD) are considered as separate entities. These subphenotypes need to be better supported by biological data to develop personalised medicine in CD. To this end, we combined different technologies (proximity extension assay, selected reaction monitoring, and high-sensitivity turbidimetric immunoassay (hsCRP)) to measure 207 immune-related serum proteins in CD patients presenting no endoscopic lesions (endoscopic remission) (n = 23), isolated ileal ulcers (n = 17), or isolated colonic ulcers (n = 16). We showed that isolated ileal ulcers and isolated colonic ulcers were specifically associated with 6 and 18 serum proteins, respectively: (high level: JUN, CNTNAP2; low level: FCRL6, LTA, CLEC4A, NTF4); (high level: hsCRP, IL6, APCS, CFB, MBL2, IL7, IL17A, CCL19, CXCL10, CSF3, IL10, CLEC4G, MMP12, VEGFA; low level: CLEC3B, GSN, TNFSF12, TPSAB1). Isolated ileal ulcers and isolated colonic ulcers were detected by hsCRP with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of 0.64 (p-value = 0.07) and 0.77 (p-value = 0.001), respectively. We highlighted distinct serum proteome profiles associated with ileal and colonic ulcers in CD, this finding might support the development of therapeutics and biomarkers tailored to disease location. SignificanceAlthough ileal and colonic Crohn's disease present important clinical differences (eg, progression, response to treatment and reliability of biomarkers), these two entities are managed with the same therapeutic strategy. The biological specificities of ileal and colonic Crohn's disease need to be better characterised to develop more personalised approaches. The present study used robust technologies (selected reaction monitoring, proximity extension assays and turbidimetric immunoassay) to quantify precisely 207 serum immune-related proteins in three groups of Crohn's disease patients presenting: 1) no endoscopic lesions (endoscopic remission) (n = 23); 2) isolated ileal ulcers (n = 17); 3) isolated colonic ulcers (n = 16). We found distinct serum proteome signatures associated with ileal and colonic ulcers. Our findings could foster the development of biomarkers and treatments tailored to Crohn's disease location.

Clinical Presentations and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Emergency Department: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a major healthcare burden and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical presentation, and risk factors of patients presenting with gastrointestinal bleeding in the emergency department. This retrospective study was conducted in two tertiary care hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The medical records of patients who presented to the emergency department with gastrointestinal bleeding between January 2010 and January 2020 were reviewed. Patients aged 18 years or older, with gastrointestinal bleeding (upper or lower) regardless of underlying cause, lifestyle, location of bleeding, health status, or medication use, were included. Demographic characteristics, initial vital signs, medical history, physical examination findings, comorbidities, medications, laboratory and radiological investigations, cause and stage of liver disease, management, and complications were recorded. Endoscopic findings and management of the bleeding site were collected according to the presenting symptoms. A total of 760 patients were included. The mean age was 62.7 ± 17.8 years, and 61.4% were males. The most common comorbidities at presentation were hypertension (54.1%), diabetes mellitus (51.2%), and ischemic heart disease (18.2%). The origins of the bleeding were lower gastrointestinal in 52%and upper gastrointestinal in 48% of patients. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding was found to be more common than upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Hemorrhoids, polyps, diverticular disease, and colonic ulcers were the major risk factors for lower gastrointestinal bleeding. In contrast, upper gastrointestinal bleeding was predominantly caused by esophageal varices, gastritis, and peptic ulcers.

Anti-inflammatory and protective effects of Aripiprazole on TNBS-Induced colitis and associated depression in rats: Role of kynurenine pathway

BackgroundThe prevalence of depression is higher in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) than in the general population. Inflammatory cytokines and the kynurenine pathway (KP) play important roles in IBD and associated depression. Aripiprazole (ARP), an atypical antipsychotic, shows various anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful in treating major depressive disorder. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of ARP on TNBS-induced colitis and subsequent depression in rats, highlighting the role of the KP. Material and MethodsFifty-six male Wistar rats were used, and all groups except for the normal and sham groups received a single dose of intra-rectal TNBS. Three different doses of ARP and dexamethasone were injected intraperitoneally for two weeks in treatment groups. On the 15th day, behavioral tests were performed to evaluate depressive-like behaviors. Colon ulcer index and histological changes were assessed. The tissue levels of inflammatory cytokines, KP markers, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB), and zonula occludens (ZO-1) were evaluated in the colon and hippocampus. ResultsTNBS effectively induced intestinal damages and subsequent depressive-like symptoms in rats. TNBS treatment significantly elevated the intestinal content of inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB expression, dysregulated the KP markers balance in both colon and hippocampus tissues, and increased the serum levels of LPS. However, treatment with ARP for 14 days successfully reversed these alterations, particularly at higher doses. ConclusionARP could alleviate IBD-induced colon damage and associated depressive-like behaviors mainly via suppressing inflammatory cytokines activity, serum LPS concentration, and affecting the NF-κB/kynurenine pathway.

Mimosa pudica leaf aqueous extract attenuates experimental ulcerative colitis in rats via suppression of MPO and IL-1β signaling pathways and improvement of the oxidative status

BackgroundColitis for so many years had been considered a disease exclusive only to developed countries; surprisingly, its incidence is now increasing worldwide. This study investigated Mimosa pudica leaf water extract anti-colitis potential on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. MethodsFollowing 24 h fasting, 36 rats (both sexes) intrarectally received acetic acid (4%, 1 mL) to induce colitis. Afterward, they were separated into groups and treated twice a day (for 9 days) with distilled water; Mimosa pudica (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg); and Prednisolone (5 mg/kg). Body weight and quantity of feces were recorded. On day 9, animals were sacrificed, colon ulcerations number and weight/length ratio; GSH and MDA levels; MPO activity, and IL-1β were determined. ResultsColitis caused a significant drop in animals’ body weight - 30% decrease in colitis control against + 27% increase in the neutral control rats. Mimosa pudica at 25 mg/kg on day 9 brought a + 7% increase. Colitis led to an increase in the weight of feces in colitis rats with 14.28 ± 0.98 g (day 8). On this same day, the extract reduced feces weight (4.42 ± 0.31 g at 100 mg/kg), the number of colon ulcerations, and the mean colon weight/length ratio (P < 0.001). Colitis conditions increased MDA and decreased GSH. Mimosa pudica reversed these biomarkers. Colitis caused a marked increase in MPO activity and IL-1β concentration in colitis rats. This was reversed by the extract. ConclusionsOverall, our results proved the beneficial effects of Mimosa pudica leaf extract in protecting animals against colitis.

Characterization of primary small intestinal lymphoma: a retrospective study based on double balloon endoscopy

BackgroundThe diagnosis of primary small intestinal lymphoma (PSIL) is difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiological and endoscopic characteristics of PSIL and provide clue for diagnosis.MethodsA total of 30 patients diagnosed with PSIL who underwent double balloon endoscopy (DBE) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical, radiological and endoscopic data were collected. Univariate analysis was used to determine significant indicators for differentiating three main subtypes of PSIL. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for survival.ResultsIn this study, 10 patients were pathologically diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 11 were indolent B-cell lymphoma (BCL) and 9 were T-cell lymphoma (TCL). Compared with DLBCL patients, the body mass index (BMI) of TCL patients was significantly lower (p = 0.004). Meanwhile, compared with patients with DLBCL, the patients with indolent BCL had lower levels of C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), fibrinogen and D-Dimer (p = 0.004, p = 0.004, p = 0.006, and p = 0.002, respectively), and lower proportion of thicker intestinal wall and aneurysmal dilation in CT scan (p = 0.003 and p = 0.020, respectively). In terms of ulcer morphology, patients with DLBCL had significantly higher proportion of deep ulcers than patients with indolent BCL (p = 0.020, respectively). Cox regression analysis showed that drink (p = 0.034), concomitant colonic ulcers (p = 0.034) and elevated LDH (p = 0.043) are risk factors for mortality in patients with PSIL.ConclusionsThis study provides clinical characteristics of patients with PSIL. Thicker intestinal wall and aneurismal dilation detected on CT scan and deeper ulcer on DBE examination helps to establish a diagnosis of DLBCL.

Qualitative Analysis of Adulterant Mixed in Different Food Stuffs

This study focuses on identifying adulterants present in items such as food, fuels, chemicals and cosmetics, known for degrading their overall quality. The escalating concern over food adulteration prompted this research, emphasizing the detection of adulterants in daily consumables. The detrimental effects of food adulteration are profound, leading to health issues such as cancers (colon and peptic ulcer diseases), chronic liver diseases, electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure, heart diseases, blood disorders, and bone marrow abnormalities. The primary objective of this research is to ensure the quality of commonly consumed food items by detecting potential adulterants. Numerous rapid detection techniques have been developed to address this problem, including the implementation of quick and straightforward DART methods (Detect Adulterant Rapid Test). In this study, we applied various DART and DIY methods to test selected food items like milk, turmeric powder, and chilli powder. Each sample underwent testing with specific chemical reagents to determine the presence of adulterants. Post-tests, the samples were analyzed for observable changes, and conclusions were drawn regarding the presence or absence of adulterants in each tested item.

Gastrointestinal bleeding in a kidney transplant recipient.

Opportunistic infections are common in transplant recipients, but gastrointestinal bleed is rarely reported to be due to opportunistic fungal infections, and hence could present as a diagnostic challenge. We report a case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a kidney transplant recipient whose initial presentation was acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding with no other symptoms. The colonoscopy showed scattered punchout circular colonic ulcers with biopsy revealing budding yeasts consistent with a diagnosis of histoplasmosis. The patient was successfully treated with a prolonged course of intravenous amphotericin B followed by oral itraconazole.

Cytomegalovirus pericarditis as a triggering factor for macrophage activation syndrome in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: Case report and review of the literature

Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) is a form of lymphohistiocytosis occurring in autoimmune diseases. Viral infections, including Cytomegalovirus (CMV), are major triggers of MAS and require specific treatment. We report a rare case of a 25-year old woman with persistent fever and clinical and lab findings Suggestive of Lupus (SLE). The patient experienced MAS and pericarditis refractory to immunosuppression and was later diagnosed with active CMV infection, identified as a trigger factor. Treatment with ganciclovir and maintenance of immunosuppression led to complete and sustained recovery. Only five other patients with SLE associated with MAS and CMV have been reported in the literature, with information on clinical findings, diagnostic methods and outcomes. The mean age of the reviewed cases was 22-58 years, the female sex was predominant, but only half the cases had a previous diagnosis of SLE. All patients improved with ganciclovir and only one death occurred due to hemorrhagic complications from colon ulcer. These outcomes highlight the importance of screening for CMV in this patient population.