Components Of Gastrointestinal Tract Research Articles

The role of gastroesophageal reflux disease in the middle ear pathology formation

The extraesophageal reflux effect investigation on the middle ear structures in adults is of considerable interest. The gastroesophageal reflux disease associated otitis media formation mechanism is closely related to such concepts as nasopharyngeal reflux and laryngopharyngeal reflux. It has been established that the pathophysiological mechanism originates in the nasopharynx and further spread to the middle ear structures. The tympanic cavity mucous membrane under the gastric enzymes influence is prone to remodeling, which results in the various chronic inflammation types gradual formation. The study purpose was to analyze medical literature from 1990 to 2024, aimed at studying the middle ear cavity inflammation causes and mechanisms formed by the gastric contents influence. As materials and methods, this article uses publications in such scientific databases as PubMed, eLIBRARY, Science Direct, Research Gate. The analyzed scientific materials provide insight into the relationship between the tympanic cavity inflammation formation and extraesophageal manifestations of GERD, as well as the potential negative H. Pylori impact on the middle ear structures. Conclusions. A detailed understanding of the middle ear cavity inflammation formation by pathophysiological mechanisms of the extraesophageal reflux influence, consisted of various gastrointestinal tract components had been obtained. The potential H. Pylori role in the tympanic cavity mucous membrane alteration remains controversial. This is due to the large number of scientific publications conflicting results in this research field. Major scientific studies confirm that gastroesophageal reflux disease acts as a risk factor for the different types middle ear cavity inflammation formation

ВЛИЯНИЕ ПРИЕМА ПРОБИОТИКОВ В СОСТАВЕ НАПИТКА БРОЖЕНИЯ НА МИКРОФЛОРУ КИШЕЧНИКА, СЛИЗИСТЫХ ОБОЛОЧЕК И СОСТОЯНИЕ ЖЕЛУДОЧНО-КИШЕЧНОГО ТРАКТА ЧЕЛОВЕКА

The paper presents the results of the study aimed to evaluate whether prolonged consumption of a probiotic drink consisting of protective microorganisms (lactobacilli, enterococci, bifidobacteria) and fermented from Saccaromyces would be beneficial to the human microbiological status and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) functioning. Ten volunteers (2 males and 8 females above 50 years of age) consumed the drink over the period of three months. We investigated microflora of the intestine, upper airway (UA) and vagina (in females). Microbial samples from the intestine and UA were gathered 4 times: a week prior to the experiment and then in every 30 days. Samples of the vaginal discharge were taken 7-10 days prior to the experiment and in 7–10 after its completion. Evaluation of the gastric emptying function, hydrochloric acid production, fasting volume of the gastric juice and GIT electrical activity was performed at these time points also. The experiment revealed positive trends of the intestinal microflora. Changes in the species and quantitative composition of the UA microflora were less pronounced as in the first half of the experiment changes in the UA microflora were more like negative and displayed a marked positive trend in the second half. After the course of probiotic prophylaxis, colonization of the vagina and cervical channel by opportunistic microorganisms was reduced in 6 out of 8 females. In addition, the probiotic drink stabilized the electrical activity of all GIT components and enhanced intestinal peristalsis.

A pioneer calf foetus microbiome

Foetus sterility until parturition is under debate due to reports of microorganisms in the foetal environment and meconium. Sufficient controls to overcome sample contamination and provide direct evidence of microorganism viability in the pre-rectal gastrointestinal tract (GIT) have been lacking. We conducted molecular and culture-based analyses to investigate the presence of a microbiome in the foetal GIT of calves at 5, 6 and 7 months gestation, while controlling for contamination. The 5 components of the GIT (ruminal fluid, ruminal tissue, caecal fluid, caecal tissue and meconium) and amniotic fluid were found to contain a pioneer microbiome of distinct bacterial and archaeal communities. Bacterial and archaeal richness varied between GIT components. The dominant bacterial phyla in amniotic fluid differed to those in ruminal and caecal fluids and meconium. The lowest bacterial and archaeal abundances were associated with ruminal tissues. Viable bacteria unique to the ruminal fluids, which were not found in the controls from 5, 6 and 7 months gestation, were cultured, subcultured, sequenced and identified. We report that the foetal GIT is not sterile but is spatially colonised before birth by a pioneer microbiome.

Pancreatic radiation effect in apoptosis-related rectal radiation toxicity.

Pancreatic radiation effect (PRE) can be a component of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) radiotoxicity. This inter-organ correlation between the GIT and the pancreas was assessed through a rat model. Separate local irradiation to the abdomen and the pelvis was applied concurrently for 8-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats. Abdominal irradiation was categorized into pancreatic shield (PS) and non-pancreatic shield (NPS) irradiation. After 5 Gy and 15 Gy irradiation, the rectal mucosa was analyzed at the first week (early phase, Ep) and the 14th week (late phase, Lp). A slow gain in body weight was observed initially, particularly in the NPS group receiving a 15 Gy dose (P < 0.001). The large number of apoptotic bodies after 15 Gy at Ep decreased at Lp. At Ep for the 5-Gy group, the NPS group revealed more fibrotic change than the PS group (P = 0.002). Cleaved caspase-3 (CCP3) expression was greater at Lp, and the Ep–Lp increase was prominent in the NPS-15-Gy group (P = 0.010). At Lp, for 15 Gy irradiation, CCP3 was expressed more in the NPS group than in the PS group (P = 0.032). Despite no direct toxicity difference between the PS and NPS groups, small changes in parameters such as fibrosis or CCP3 expression suggest that pancreatic shielding does have an effect on the radiation response in the rectal mucosa, which suggests a need for a multi-organ effect-based approach in GIT radiotoxicity assessment.

An integrated methodology for assessing the impact of food matrix and gastrointestinal effects on the biokinetics and cellular toxicity of ingested engineered nanomaterials

BackgroundEngineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are increasingly added to foods to improve their quality, sensory appeal, safety and shelf-life. Human exposure to these ingested ENMs (iENMS) is inevitable, yet little is known of their hazards. To assess potential hazards, efficient in vitro methodologies are needed to evaluate particle biokinetics and toxicity. These methodologies must account for interactions and transformations of iENMs in foods (food matrix effect) and in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that are likely to determine nano-biointeractions. Here we report the development and application of an integrated methodology consisting of three interconnected stages: 1) assessment of iENM-food interactions (food matrix effect) using model foods; 2) assessment of gastrointestinal transformations of the nano-enabled model foods using a three-stage GIT simulator; 3) assessment of iENMs biokinetics and cellular toxicity after exposure to simulated GIT conditions using a triculture cell model. As a case study, a model food (corn oil-in-water emulsion) was infused with Fe2O3 (Iron(III) oxide or ferric oxide) ENMs and processed using this three-stage integrated platform to study the impact of food matrix and GIT effects on nanoparticle biokinetics and cytotoxicity .MethodsA corn oil in phosphate buffer emulsion was prepared using a high speed blender and high pressure homogenizer. Iron oxide ENM was dispersed in water by sonication and combined with the food model. The resulting nano-enabled food was passed through a three stage (mouth, stomach and small intestine) GIT simulator. Size distributions of nano-enabled food model and digestae at each stage were analyzed by DLS and laser diffraction. TEM and confocal imaging were used to assess morphology of digestae at each phase. Dissolution of Fe2O3 ENM along the GIT was assessed by ICP-MS analysis of supernatants and pellets following centrifugation of digestae. An in vitro transwell triculture epithelial model was used to assess biokinetics and toxicity of ingested Fe2O3 ENM. Translocation of Fe2O3 ENM was determined by ICP-MS analysis of cell lysates and basolateral compartment fluid over time.ResultsIt was demonstrated that the interactions of iENMs with food and GIT components influenced nanoparticle fate and transport, biokinetics and toxicological profile. Large differences in particle size, charge, and morphology were observed in the model food with and without Fe2O3 and among digestae from different stages of the simulated GIT (mouth, stomach, and small intestine). Immunoflorescence and TEM imaging of the cell culture model revealed markers and morphology of small intestinal epithelium including enterocytes, goblet cells and M cells. Fe2O3 was not toxic at concentrations tested in the digesta. In biokinetics studies, translocation of Fe2O3 after 4 h was <1% and ~2% for digesta with and without serum, respectively, suggesting that use of serum proteins alters iENMs biokinetics and raises concerns about commonly-used approaches that neglect iENM – food-GIT interactions or dilute digestae in serum-containing media.ConclusionsWe present a simple integrated methodology for studying the biokinetics and toxicology of iENMs, which takes into consideration nanoparticle-food-GIT interactions. The importance of food matrix and GIT effects on biointeractions was demonstrated, as well as the incorporation of these critical factors into a cellular toxicity screening model. Standardized food models still need to be developed and used to assess the effect of the food matrix effects on the fate and bioactivity of iENMs since commercial foods vary considerably in their compositions and structures.

Influence of dairy by-product waste milk on the microbiomes of different gastrointestinal tract components in pre-weaned dairy calves

The community structure of colonised bacteria in the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of pre-weaned calves is affected by extrinsic factors, such as the genetics and diet of the calves; however, the dietary impact is not fully understood and warrants further research. Our study revealed that a total of 6, 5, 2 and 10 bacterial genera showed biologically significant differences in the GITs of pre-weaned calves fed four waste-milk diets: acidified waste milk, pasteurised waste milk, untreated bulk milk, and untreated waste milk, respectively. Specifically, generic biomarkers were observed in the rumen (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, Fibrobacter, Clostridium, etc.), caecum (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Oxalobacter, Odoribacter, etc.) and colon (e.g., Megamonas, Comamonas, Stenotrophomonas, etc.) but not in the faeces. In addition, the predicted metabolic pathways showed that the expression of genes related to metabolic diseases was increased in the calves fed untreated waste milk, which indicated that untreated waste milk is not a suitable liquid diet for pre-weaned calves. This is the first study to demonstrate how different types of waste milk fed to pre-weaned calves affect the community structure of colonised bacteria, and the results may provide insights for the intentional adjustment of diets and gastrointestinal bacterial communities.

Tracking the fate of digesta 13C and 15N compositions along the ruminant gastrointestinal tract: Does digestion influence the relationship between diet and faeces?

Faecal stable isotope compositions reflect wildlife diets, if digestive processes along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) do not alter diet–faeces isotopic relationships in an unpredictable way. We investigated 13C and 15N compositions of digesta along the ruminant GIT, using Saanen dairy goats kept on pure grass hay or browse for >20 days. Isotopic changes occurred in the ventral rumen, and in the small intestine, where digesta had significantly higher δ13C and δ15N (associated with lower C or higher N content, respectively) values relative to other GIT sites. However, effects on isotope fractionation were small (∼1.0‰ for δ13C and ∼ 2.0‰ for δ15N), and were reversed in the hindgut such that faecal isotope compositions did not differ from the foregut. No other substantial isotopic changes occurred across GIT sites, despite the morphophysiological complexity of the ruminant GIT. We found similarly small differences across GIT components of rheem gazelles (Gazella leptoceros) fed a mixture of C3 lucerne and C4 grass, although in this case faeces were 15N-depleted relative to other GIT components. Along with differences in δ15N between goats fed browse or grass, this result implies a systematic difference in diet–faeces δ15N relationships, contingent on the botanical composition of ruminant diets. Thus, while our results support faecal δ13C as a reliable proxy for wildlife diets, further work on factors influencing faecal 15N abundance is needed. Finally, we note high levels of isotopic variability between individuals fed the same diets, even accounting for the relatively short duration of the experiments, suggesting an important influence of stochasticity on isotope fractionation.

Inclusion of psyllium in milk replacer for neonatal calves. 2. Effects on volatile fatty acid concentrations, microbial populations, and gastrointestinal tract size

Fermentable fibers such as psyllium increase volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations in the lower digestive tract and increase the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) mass of many mammals. We reasoned that psyllium inclusion in milk replacer might produce similar effects in neonatal dairy calves, which could lead to improved growth and health. Male Holstein calves were fed a milk replacer (22% crude protein, 20% fat) either without or with psyllium (1.1% of dry matter, DM) from 2 d through 28 d of age. Milk replacer was reconstituted to 12.5% DM and fed at 12% of calf body weight, adjusted weekly. Water was offered ad libitum but no starter was fed. Three calves per treatment were harvested weekly to sample digesta from the reticulo-rumen, abomasum, jejunum, proximal colon, and distal colon, and to determine length and mass of GIT components. Psyllium in milk replacer increased the proportion of butyrate in reticulo-rumen contents from 2.4 to 3.2% of total but did not affect total VFA concentrations. Total VFA concentrations were very low in the jejunum but psyllium tended to increase total VFA, acetate, and valerate concentrations; valerate accounted for 15.9 and 16.7% of total VFA (molar basis) for control and psyllium calves, respectively. Psyllium increased total VFA concentrations in the proximal and distal colon by 104.4 and 45.6%, respectively, but had little effect on the profile of VFA. Psyllium in milk replacer increased populations of bifidobacteria (from 9.7 to 10.3 log10 cfu/g of DM) and lactobacilli (from 8.2 to 9.4 log10 cfu/g of DM) in the reticulo-rumen, but did not affect populations in jejunum or colon. Calves fed psyllium had 12.0% greater total GIT mass and 9.4% greater GIT as a percentage of body weight. Psyllium tended to increase mass of the reticulo-rumen and significantly increased mass of duodenum (34.2%), jejunum (14.5%), and colon (14.6%). Density of intestinal tissues from calves fed psyllium-supplemented milk replacer was 25.9% greater in the jejunum and 25.3% greater in the ileum, and tended to be greater in duodenum and colon than tissue from control calves. Supplementation of psyllium to milk replacer increased fermentation in the colon, mass of the total GIT, and populations of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the reticulo-rumen.

Componentes não-integrantes da carcaça de novilhos não-castrados ou castrados terminados em confinamento e abatidos aos 16 ou 26 meses de idade

Foram avaliados os componentes não-integrantes da carcaça de novilhos terminados em confinamento e abatidos aos 16 (superjovem) ou 26 (jovem) meses de idade. A dieta foi formulada com 50% de volumoso e 50% de concentrado e continha 11,8% de proteína bruta e 2,83 Mcal de energia digestível por kg de matéria seca. Animais superjovens apresentaram maior rendimento de corpo vazio (92,39 versus 89,76% para os jovens), como resultado de seu menor conteúdo gastrintestinal (35,23 versus 53,46 kg para os jovens). Animais não-castrados apresentaram maior peso de cabeça (13,84 versus 12,35 kg), patas (11,12 versus 8,96 kg) e couro (46,44 versus 37,71 kg) em comparação aos castrados, o que está relacionado ao seu maior peso corporal (541,26 versus 445,47 kg). Observou-se influência da interação categoria x condição sexual sobre o peso absoluto dos órgãos vitais (coração, fígado e pulmões) e dos componentes do trato gastrintestinal. O peso total de órgãos vitais e do trato gastrintestinal foi maior nos animais não-castrados, mas deixou de ser significativo quando ajustado para peso de corpo vazio (PCV) e de abate (PA). Animais superjovens apresentaram maior peso absoluto das gorduras interna (25,91 versus 20,13 kg) e de toalete (13,96 versus 10,98 kg). A castração dos animais resultou em maior participação de gordura interna calculada em relação ao peso de corpo vazio e ao peso de abate.

Órgãos internos e trato gastrintestinal de novilhos de gerações avançadas do cruzamento rotativo entre as raças Charolês e Nelore terminados em confinamento

Foram avaliados os efeitos de heterose e de grupo genético nos órgãos internos e no trato gastrintestinal de novilhos puros (Charolês - C e Nelore - N) e cruzados da segunda (G2) (3/4C 1/4N e 3/4N 1/4C), terceira (G3) (5/8C 3/8N e 5/8N 3/8C) e quarta (G4) (11/16C 5/16N e 11/16N 5/16C) gerações de cruzamento terminados em confinamento e abatidos com 23 meses de idade. Os animais cruzados da G2, G3 e G4 foram, respectivamente, 14,95; 17,25 e 18,46% superiores aos puros quanto ao peso de corpo vazio (PCVZ). A heterose para o rendimento de carcaça fria em relação ao PCVZ (RCFCVZ) foi positiva em todas as gerações. Os mestiços apresentaram menor peso relativo (ao PCVZ) de coração, pulmões e rins, de modo que a heterose foi significativa para peso de coração (-18,29%) e rins (-14,29%) na G3 e para pulmões (-13,45%) na G4. Novilhos mestiços apresentaram valores inferiores à média dos puros para todos os componentes do trato gastrintestinal quando o peso destes componentes foi expresso em relação a 100 kg de PCVZ ou de peso vivo ao abate (PVA), com exceção do rúmen na G2. A heterose retida foi positiva e significativa para PCVZ, RCFCVZ e para peso absoluto do fígado. Entretanto, foi negativa para a quantidade de sangue para os pesos de coração, intestino delgado + grosso e trato gastrintestinal quando expressos em relação a 100 kg de PCVZ e de PVA. Entre os animais puros, os novilhos Nelore tiveram maior RCFCVZ (57,09 vs 61,64%). O peso absoluto de rúmen, abomaso, intestino delgado + grosso e o trato gastrintestinal foram maiores nos novilhos Charolês em relação aos Nelore, o que também foi observado quando estes componentes foram expressos em relação ao PCVZ e PVA, com exceção para o intestino grosso + delgado. Estas diferenças explicam, em parte, o maior rendimento de carcaça dos novilhos Nelore.

Quantification of energy expenditures of the gastrointestinal tract of steers fed three diets at two levels of intake

Forty eight yearling Holstein steers [257 ± 7.7 kg body weight (BW)] were fed switchgrass hay plus 10% soybean meal (diet S), orchard grass silage (diet O) and alfalfa silage (diet A) at 65 or 90 g DM kg–0.75 BW for 155 to 164 d in a 2 × 3 factorial experiment designed to evaluate the effects of dietary composition and level of feed intake on patterns of O2 consumption in gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tissues. At the end of the growth period, steers were stunned, exsanguinated and eviscerated. The various GIT components were then emptied of their contents and weighed. Ventral sac rumen, jejunal and large intestinal tissue samples were quickly acquired and placed in oxygenated M199 media. Mucosa and muscularis weights of these tissues were determined along with their total O2(TO2), ouabain-sensitive O2 (OSO2) and ouabain-insensitive O2 (OIO2) consumption. Oxygen consumption parameters were determined polarographically using a YSI Clark-style electrode. Total weights of rumen (P &lt; 0.001), small intestine (P &lt; 0.001) and large intestine (P &lt; 0.05) were higher in steers fed the high level of intake compared to those fed the low level of feed intake. In all GIT tissues studied, increasing the level of feed intake (P &lt;0.05) elevated mucosa and muscularis dry weights. Steers fed diet S had lower (P &lt; 0.05) GIT tissue weights compared to those fed diets O and A. Weight-specific (i.e., expressed per unit tissue weight) TO2, OSO2 and OIO2 consumption for rumen, small intestine and large intestine were not affected by dietary composition and level of feed intake (P &gt; 0.05), except for OSO2 consumption, which was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in ruminal mucosa of steers fed diets S and A compared to those fed diet O. It is concluded that level of feed intake and dietary composition altered GIT O2 consumption via changes in visceral organ mass, rather than changes in weight-specific O2 consumption. Key words: Na+, K+-ATPase, gastrointestinal tract, Holstein steers

Tamanho relativo dos órgãos internos de zebuínos sob alimentação restrita e Ad libitum

Os efeitos do nível nutricional e da raça sobre o tamanho relativo dos órgãos internos foram estudados. Sessenta e três machos não-castrados, sendo 16 da raça Gir, 16 Guzerá, 16 Mocho de Tabapuã e 15 da raça Nelore, com idade média de 24 meses e pesos vivos médios iniciais de 376,4; 357,6; 362,0; e 368,6 kg, respectivamente, foram usados. Os animais de cada raça foram divididos, aleatoriamente, em cinco categorias. Uma categoria foi abatida imediatamente (AB); três categorias receberam ad libitum ração contendo 50% de concentrado na matéria seca (categoria 1, 2 e 3), em baias individuais; e uma categoria recebeu a mesma ração, em quantidade restrita, suprindo níveis de proteína e energia 15% acima da mantença (AR). Os animais das categorias 1, 2 e 3 foram abatidos ao atingirem pesos vivos individuais de 405, 450 e 500 kg, respectivamente. No abate, o peso de corpo vazio (PCVZ) foi determinado e os pesos dos órgãos internos e víscera foram registrados. Não houve diferenças entre raças nos pesos de fígado, baço, intestinos delgado e grosso, rúmen-retículo, omaso, estômagos e trato gastrintestinal (TGI), quando expressos em 100 kg de PCVZ. A restrição alimentar não influiu nos pesos do coração e dos pulmões, mas reduziu o peso do fígado e os componentes do TGI.

Effect of Early Nutrient Restriction on Broiler Chickens.: 2. Performance and Digestive Enzyme Activities

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of two early nutrient restriction programs on performance, selected characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and activities of digestive enzymes of broiler chickens. Three hundred and sixty male broiler (Ross × Ross) chicks kept in floor pens were assigned to three groups. The control group (C) was given ad libitum access to feed from 1 to 48 d of age. Another group was restricted from 11 to 14 d (R4) of age to an energy intake of .74 × BW.67 kcal ME/d, and a third group was restricted from 7 to 14 d (R7) of age to an energy intake of 1.5 × BW.67 kcal ME/d. Then, both restricted groups were given ad libitum access to feed through 48 d. Body weight and feed intake were determined weekly and selected carcass characteristics were measured at 48 d of age. Broilers also were sampled at 7, 14, 21, and 42 d of age to obtain data on components of the GIT (proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, and small intestine) and activities of selected digestive enzymes. Feed-restricted groups were lighter in body weight (P < .01) at 14 and 48 d of age than the C group but were superior in overall feed efficiency. No treatment effects were observed for percentage yields of breast meat and abdominal fat pad. Absolute weights of GIT components were significantly reduced at 14 d of age by feed restriction. However, GIT components increased in weight more quickly after refeeding than did the whole body. Restricted groups had reduced (P < .01) specific activities of jejunal alkaline phosphatase and pancreatic trypsin, amylase, and lipase as compared with the C group at 14 d of age but not at 21 and 42 d of age. Relative activities for jejunal maltase and sucrase were greater (P < .01) at 21 d of age in the R4 and R7 groups than in the C group. The present data show that feed restriction results in transient changes in organs and activities of digestive enzymes, suggesting a functional adaptation to feed restriction.