Goblet Cell Population Research Articles

Injected Versus Sponge-Applied Mitomycin C (MMC) During Modified Trabeculectomy in New Zealand White Rabbit Model.

PurposeMitomycin C is routinely applied during trabeculectomy surgeries to enhance bleb survival after glaucoma filtration surgery. The current approach involves placing cellulose sponges soaked in mitomycin C at a standard concentration onto bare sclera for a predetermined duration, which varies among surgeons. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of sponge-applied versus intra-Tenon injection of mitomycin C during modified trabeculectomy.MethodsTwo groups of five New Zealand White rabbits underwent glaucoma filtration surgery with either preoperative intra-Tenon injection of mitomycin C or intraoperative application of mitomycin C using a cellulose sponge. Postoperative intraocular pressure was recorded weekly, and eyes were enucleated and sent for pathological examination and histological analysis.ResultsAn intra-Tenon injection of mitomycin C resulted in decreased intraocular pressure measurements and bleb vascularity compared to the controls but increased levels compared to the sponge-applied group. Collagen deposition and cellularity were reduced and the goblet cell population was increased in the intra-Tenon injection group.ConclusionsThis study shows that an intra-Tenon injection can be an effective method for administering mitomycin C compared to the standard-of-care approach of mitomycin C being sponge applied onto bare sclera. Mitomycin C injection led to a greater reduction in intraocular pressure and inhibition of fibroblasts. The associated goblet cell population that can lead to increased mitomycin C toxicity-related morbidity was minimized with the intra-Tenon injection compared to the sponge-applied MMC treatment. Therefore, patients with ocular surface disease may benefit from an intra-Tenon injection.Translational RelevanceThis project provides a direct, qualitative assessment in an animal model of common techniques within glaucoma filtration surgery for drug delivery to improve surgical success.

The Znt7-null mutation has sex dependent effects on the gut microbiota and goblet cell population in the mouse colon.

Cellular homeostasis of zinc, an essential element for living organisms, is tightly regulated by a family of zinc transporters. The zinc transporter 7, ZnT7, is highly expressed on the membrane of the Golgi complex of intestinal epithelial cells and goblet cells. It has previously been shown that Znt7 knockout leads to zinc deficiency and decreased weight gain in C57BL/6 mice on a defined diet. However, effects within the colon are unknown. Given the expression profile of Znt7, we set out to analyze the changes in mucin density and gut microbial composition in the mouse large intestine induced by Znt7 knockout. We fed a semi-purified diet containing 30 mg Zn/kg to Znt7-/- mice with their heterozygous and wild type littermates and found a sex specific effect on colonic mucin density, goblet cell number, and microbiome composition. In male mice Znt7 knockout led to increased goblet cell number and mucin density but had little effect on gut microbiome composition. However, in female mice Znt7 knockout was associated with decreased goblet cell number and mucin density, with increased proportions of the microbial taxa, Allobaculum, relative to wild type. The gut microbial composition was correlated with mucin density in both sexes. These findings suggest that a sex-specific relationship exists between zinc homeostasis, mucin production and the microbial community composition within the colon.

Changes with age in density of goblet cells in the small intestine of broiler chicks

Goblet cells secrete mucin 2 (Muc2), which is a major component of the mucus that lines the intestinal tract and creates a protective barrier between pathogens and the intestinal epithelial cells and thus are important for chick health. The objectives of this study were to determine the age-specific and intestinal segment–specific expression of Muc2 mRNA and changes in the number of goblet cells from late embryogenesis to early after hatch. Small intestinal samples from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected from Cobb 500 broilers at embryonic day 19 (e19), day of hatch (doh), and day 2 and 4 after hatch. Cells expressing Muc2 mRNA and mucin glycoprotein were detected by in situ hybridization or alcian blue and periodic acid–Schiff staining, respectively. Along the villi, there were many more cells expressing Muc2 mRNA than those stained for mucin glycoprotein. In the crypt, cells expressing Muc2 mRNA did not stain for mucin glycoprotein. There was an increase in the density of goblet cells in the villi and Muc2 mRNA expressing cells in the crypts of the jejunum and ileum from e19 to doh and day 2 to day 4, with no change between doh and day 2. In contrast, in the duodenum, the density of goblet cells in the villi and Muc2 mRNA expressing cells in the crypts remained constant from e19 to day 4. At day 4, the villi in the ileum had a greater density of goblet cells than the duodenum. In the crypt, the ileum had a greater density of Muc2 mRNA expressing cells than the duodenum at doh, and the ileum and jejunum both had greater densities of Muc2 mRNA expressing cells than the duodenum at day 4. These results indicate that the population of goblet cells has reached a steady state by doh in the duodenum, whereas in the jejunum and ileum, a steady-state population was not reached until after hatch.

Morphological and histochemical characterisation of the mucosa of the digestive tract in matrinxã Brycon amazonicus (Teleostei: Characiformes).

This study describes anatomical, histological and histochemical features of the digestive tract mucosal layer of the matrinxã Brycon amazonicus, an omnivorous freshwater fish endemic from the Amazon basin. This species presents short thick oesophagus with longitudinal folds, that allow the passage of large food items. The mucosa is lined with a stratified secretory epithelium rich in goblet cells that secrete neutral and acid mucins. The two mucin types provide different viscosity in anterior and posterior oesophagus related to the protective and lubricant functions, respectively. The stomach is a highly distensible Y-shaped saccular organ. Here, it is proposed that this anatomical shape plays an essential role in food storage when food availability is abundant. The stomach mucosa is composed of epithelial cells with intense neutral mucin secretion to protects against gastric juice. The intestine is slightly coiled and presents internally a complex pattern of transversal folds that increases the absorption surface and the retention time of food. Goblet cells in the intestine secrete acid and neutral mucins that lubricate the epithelium and aid in the digestive processes. In the rectum, an increase in goblet cells population occurs that may be related to better lubrication.

Abstract 2825: Two classic TCM formulas suppressed polyp counts in concurrence with improved gut microenvironment, and remodeled gut microbial composition of the ApcMin+ mice

Abstract Background: In this study we evaluated the anti-cancer effects and gut modulating properties of the two Chinese medicinal formulas, known as HuaiHuaJinYinJiu (SL) and Floris Sophorae Powder (FSP). SL is comprised of Sophorae Flos (HuaiHua) and Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (JinYinHua) and has been traditionally prescribed for carbuncle treatment. The FSP is constituted of Sophorae Flos and Gardenia Jasminoides Ellis (ZhiZi) and has been used for the cure of hemafecia and abdominal pain. Methodology: A total of 27 ApcMin/+ mice were equally divided into three groups and each group were continuously gavage for 28 days with daily dosage of SL (1g/kg), FSP (1g/kg), and water respectively. At the end of the treatments, fecal samples were collected; mice were terminated and sampled for tissues for later investigations. Results: We observed that SL and FSP substantially reduced polyps by 32% and 37% in ApcMin/+ mice, respectively. Additionally, both formulas greatly strengthened the intestinal barrier of the ApcMin/+ mice by enhancing the population of Paneth and goblet cells, up-regulating E-cadherin, and down-regulating N-cadherin expressions. Meanwhile, SL and FSP remodeled the gut microbial composition by facilitating the growth of bacteria belonged to phyla Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia, whereas suppressed the abundance of phyla Fusobacteria and Deferribacteres which are generally known for their pathogenesis. The growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria and bacteria in genus Helicobacter were inhibited in SL and FSP treated mice. We also detected the downregulation of the CagA - which is a cytotoxin-associated gene expressed highly in Helicobacter pylori and has been implicated with CRC development. SL and FSP, on the other hand, facilitated the growth of short-chain fatty (SCFA) producing bacteria that was positively correlated with upregulated expressions of the SCFAs-sensing receptors GPR41, GPR43, and GPR109a. We further found the downregulation of p-AKT, p-ERK, p-STAT3, and beta-catenin in the formula-treated mice. Inflammatory milieu of the SL and FSP treated mice were greatly improved by the polarization of M1 to M2 macrophages and modified with upregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-12) and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (iNOS, IL-1β, IL-17, IL-18, IL-23). Conclusion: Collectively, this study presents strong evidences that the modulation of gut microbiota and the associated metabolites as well as the reversal of the inflammatory gut epithelial barrier might account for the anti-cancer effects of SL and FSP TCM formulas in the ApcMin/+ mice. [This study is supported by Macau FDCT 103/2016/A3 to WLW Hsiao] Citation Format: Wenrui Xia, Imran Khan, Xiaoang Li, Guoxin Huang, Wai Kit Leong, Wei lin Liao, W.L. Wendy Hsiao. Two classic TCM formulas suppressed polyp counts in concurrence with improved gut microenvironment, and remodeled gut microbial composition of the ApcMin+ mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2825.

Alterations induced in the ileum of mice upon inoculation with different species of Leishmania: a preliminary study.

Leishmania species cause skin, mucosal, and disseminated lesions. We studied the effects of three Leishmania species on ileal morphology in mice. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, and Leishmania (Leishmania) major (4 animals/group). After 72h, the ilea were collected and histologically processed. Following inoculation, the goblet cell and intraepithelial lymphocyte populations increased, while Paneth cell number and crypt width decreased. In addition, enterocyte size, villi height, and mucosa, submucosa, and muscular tunic thickness increased. Leishmania modified the quantity of cells in and morphology of mice ilea.

Altered goblet cell function in Hirschsprung's disease.

Hirschsprung's disease-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) is the most serious complication of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR). HAEC occurs in 17-50% of patients with HSCR and may occur before or after a properly performed pull-through operation. The pathogenesis of HAEC is poorly understood. It is well recognized that a complex mucosal barrier protects, as the first line of defense, the surface of healthy intestinal tract from adhesion and invasion by luminal micro-organisms. Within the intestinal epithelium, goblet cells secrete gel-forming mucins, the major component of mucus, which block the direct attachment of commensal bacteria to the epithelial layer. Mucin 2 (MUC2) is the predominant mucin expressed in humans. Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) synergizes with mucin and enhances the protective barrier properties of the mucus layer. SAM pointed domain-containing ETS transcription factor (SPDEF) drives terminal differentiation and maturation of secretory progenitors into goblet cells. Krueppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a goblet cell-specific differentiation factor in the colon and controls goblet cell differentiation and activates mucin synthesis. We hypothesized that the goblet cell function in the ganglionic pulled-through bowel in HSCR is abnormal and, therefore, we investigated the changes in goblet cell differentiation and functional expression of mucin in the bowel specimens from patients with HSCR. We investigated MUC2, TFF3, SPDEF and KLF4 expression, and the goblet cell population in the ganglionic and aganglionic bowel of HSCR patients (n = 10) and controls (n = 10) by qPCR, Western blotting, confocal immunofluorescence, and alcian blue staining. The qPCR and Western blotting analysis revealed that TFF3, SPDEF and KLF4 expressions were significantly downregulated in the aganglionic and ganglionic colon of patients with HSCR as compared to controls (p < 0.05). Alcian blue staining revealed that the goblet cell population was significantly decreased in aganglionic and ganglionic colon as compared to controls (p < 0.05). Confocal microscopy revealed a markedly decreased expression of TFF3, SPDEF and KLF4 in colonic epithelium of patients with HSCR as compared to controls. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of decreased expression of TFF3, SPDEF, KLF4, and goblet cell population in the colon of patients with HSCR. Altered goblet cell function may result in intestinal barrier dysfunction contributing to the development of HAEC.

Probiotic bacteria cell walls stimulate the activity of the intestinal epithelial cells and macrophage functionality.

The effect of oral administration of probiotic bacteria cell walls (PBCWs) in the stimulation of the immune system in healthy BALB/c mice was evaluated. We focused our investigation mainly on intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) which are essential for coordinating an adequate mucosal immune response and on the functionality of macrophages. The probiotic bacteria and their cell walls were able to stimulate the IECs exhibiting an important activation and cytokine releases. Supplementation with PBCWs promoted macrophage activation from peritoneum and spleen, indicating that the PBCWs oral administration was able to improve the functionality of the macrophages. In addition, the PBCWs increased immunoglobulin A (IgA)-producing cells in the gut lamina propria in a similar way to probiotic bacteria, but this supplementation did not have an effect on the population of goblet cells in the small intestine epithelium. These results indicate that the probiotic bacteria and their cell walls have an important immunoregulatory effect on the IECs without altering the homeostatic environment but with an increase in IgA+ producing cells and in the innate immune cells, mainly those distant from the gut such as spleen and peritoneum. These findings about the capacity of the cell walls from probiotic bacteria to stimulate key cells, such as IECs and macrophages, and to improve the functioning of the immune system, suggest that those structures could be applied as a new oral adjuvant.

Ginsenosides Rb3 and Rd reduce polyps formation while reinstate the dysbiotic gut microbiota and the intestinal microenvironment in ApcMin/+ mice

Studies showed that manipulation of gut microbiota (GM) composition through the treatment of prebiotics could be a novel preventive measure against colorectal cancer (CRC) development. In this study, for the first time, we assessed the non-toxic doses of the triterpene saponins (ginsenoside-Rb3 and ginsenoside-Rd) – as prebiotics – that effectively reinstated the dysbiotic-gut microbial composition and intestinal microenvironment in an ApcMin/+ mice model. Rb3 and Rd effectively reduced the size and the number of the polyps that accompanied with the downregulation of oncogenic signaling molecules (iNOS, STAT3/pSTAT3, Src/pSrc). Both the compounds improved the gut epithelium by promoting goblet and Paneth cells population and reinstating the E-cadherin and N-Cadherin expression. Mucosal immunity remodeled with increased in anti-inflammatory cytokines and reduced in pro-inflammatory cytokines in treated mice. All these changes were correlating with the promoted growth of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., Bacteroides acidifaciens, and Bacteroides xylanisolvens. Whereas, the abundance of cancer cachexia associated bacteria, such as Dysgonomonas spp. and Helicobacter spp., was profoundly lower in Rb3/Rd-treated mice. In conclusion, ginsenosides Rb3 and Rd exerted anti-cancer effects by holistically reinstating mucosal architecture, improving mucosal immunity, promoting beneficial bacteria, and down-regulating cancer-cachexia associated bacteria.

Effect of melatonin on renewal of chicken small intestinal mucosa

A higher concentration of melatonin (MEL) in the intestine - even more than that in the plasma and pineal gland - implies its putative important role in the gastrointestinal structural or functional regulation. However, little evidence has shown that MEL can regulate the physiological functions of the intestinal mucosa. In this study, fertilized chicken eggs were treated with MEL (0.1 to 10 μg/d) from embryonic d 12 (E12) to post-hatching d 6 (D6), and the small intestine samples were collected at D6 to determine the changes in mucosal construction and function. Results of HE staining showed that the enterocyte number was not changed after MEL treatment. Alcian blue - periodic acid Schiff reaction (AB-PAS) staining and qRT-PCR showed that the goblet cells populations and mucins gene (MUC2) expression in the small intestine were significantly increased after MEL treatment. Meanwhile, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining showed that both the proliferation and migration rates of the small intestine mucosal epithelium were promoted by MEL treatment. Importantly, MEL significantly increased the activities of the digestive enzymes (maltase, sucrose, and lactase) and expression of the nutrient transporter genes such as GLUT5, BOAT, and EAAT3 mRNAs in the duodenum or jejunum. Meanwhile, the expression of Notch receptors (Notch1 and Notch2) and their ligands (Dll1 and Dll4) were remarkably decreased after MEL treatment. In conclusion, MEL treatment increased the goblet cell populations, MUC2 expression, epithelium migration, and digestive and absorptive function of the chicken small intestine involving repressed Notch signaling.

Preclinical mouse model to monitor live Muc5b-producing conjunctival goblet cell density under pharmacological treatments.

PurposeModification of mucous cell density and gel-forming mucin production are established hallmarks of mucosal diseases. Our aim was to develop and validate a mouse model to study live goblet cell density in pathological situations and under pharmacological treatments.MethodsWe created a reporter mouse for the gel-forming mucin gene Muc5b. Muc5b-positive goblet cells were studied in the eye conjunctiva by immunohistochemistry and probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) in living mice. Dry eye syndrome (DES) model was induced by topical application of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) and recombinant interleukine (rIL) 13 was administered to reverse the goblet cell loss in the DES model.ResultsAlmost 50% of the total of conjunctival goblet cells are Muc5b+ in unchallenged mice. The decrease density of Muc5b+ conjunctival goblet cell population in the DES model reflects the whole conjunctival goblet cell loss. Ten days of BAK in one eye followed by 4 days without any treatment induced a −18.3% decrease in conjunctival goblet cell density. A four days of rIL13 application in the DES model restored the normal goblet cell density.ConclusionMuc5b is a biological marker of DES mouse models. We bring the proof of concept that our model is unique and allows a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate gel-forming mucin production/secretion and mucous cell differentiation in the conjunctiva of living mice and can be used to test treatment compounds in mucosal disease models.

Variants of β-casofensin, a bioactive milk peptide, differently modulate the intestinal barrier: In vivo and ex vivo studies in rats

β-Casofensin is a bioactive milk peptide that modulates the intestinal barrier, particularly through its action on goblet cells. β-Casofensin corresponds to fragment (f) 94-123 of the bovine β-casein (β-CN) A2 variant. Fifteen genetic variants of bovine β-CN (A1-3, B-G, H1-2, I-L) are known, of which the A2, A1, and B forms are the most common. These variants differ from each other by the substitution of one or more amino acids, some of which are localized in f94 to 123. The aim of our study was to compare the intestinal effects of β-casofensin A2 and its 3 main variants: A1, A3, and B. For this purpose, a solution (0.1 µM; 10 μL/g of body weight, postnatal d 10-20) containing β-casofensin A2, one of its variants (A1, A3, or B), or drinking water (control; CT) was administered to rat pups orally. After euthanasia (postnatal d 20), intestinal segments were collected for biochemical and histochemical analysis and also used to determine paracellular permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled 4-kDa dextran in an Ussing chamber. We also studied the direct effects of β-casofensin A2 and its A1 variant on the paracellular permeability of jejunum segments of adult rats. β-Casofensin A2 and its B variant significantly increased the population of goblet cells compared with the CT, A1, and A3 groups. The mucin 2 mRNA level was significantly higher in the β-casofensin A2 group than in the CT, A3, and B groups. Our results also revealed that the protein expression of zonula occludens-1 and occludin was reduced in the jejunum of rats in the A1, A3, and B groups compared with the CT group. However, the A1 variant was the only peptide to decrease jejunal permeability compared with the CT group. This variant, tested directly in the apical compartment of an Ussing chamber at a concentration of 0.1 nM, also reduced jejunal permeability. In conclusion, the substitution of a single amino acid alters the effect of β-CN sequence f94 to 123 on goblet cells and on intestinal permeability. A genetic polymorphism of β-CN can affect the biological activity of peptides derived from this protein. These data should be taken into account in the production of bioactive foods.

A disturbance of intestinal epithelial cell population and kinetics in APC1638T mice.

The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is a multifunctional protein as well as a tumor suppressor. To determine the functions of the C-terminal domain of APC, we explored APC 1638T/1638T (APC1638T) mice that express a truncated APC lacking the C-terminal domain. The APC1638T mice were tumor free and exhibited growth retardation. In the present study, we compared small intestinal crypt-villus cells homeostasis in APC +/+ (WT) mice and APC1638T mice. The body weight of APC1638T mice was significantly smaller than that of WT mice at all ages. The length of small intestine of APC1638T mice was significantly shorter than that of WT mice. The crypt-villus axis was significantly elongated, and the number of intestinal epithelial cells also increased in APC1638T mice compared with those in WT mice. However, the number of intestinal epithelial cells per 100µm of villi was not different between WT and APC1638T mice. Migration and proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells in APC1638T mice were faster than that in WT mice. The population of Goblet cells, Paneth cells, and enteroendocrine cells was significantly altered in APC1638T mice. These results indicate that C-terminal domain of APC has a role in the regulation of intestinal epithelium homeostasis.

Interleukin-25 Induces Resistance Against Intestinal Trematodes.

Echinostoma caproni is an intestinal trematode that has been extensively used as an experimental model to investigate the factors determining the resistance to intestinal helminths or the development of chronic infections. ICR mice are permissive hosts for E. caproni in which chronic infections are developed, concomitantly with local Th1 responses, elevated levels of local IFN-γ, inflammation and antibody responses. However, mice develop partial resistance to homologous challenge infections after cure of a primary infection, which converts this subject into an adequate model for the study of the mechanisms generating resistance against intestinal helminths. The purpose of the present study was to compare the immune response induced in primary and secondary infections to elucidate the factors determining the different outcome of the infection in each type of infection. The results obtained indicate that susceptibility is determined by the lack of IL-25 expression in response to primary infection. In contrast, infection in an environment with elevated levels of IL-25, as occurs in challenge infection, results in a Th2 phenotype impairing parasite survival. This was confirmed by treatment of naïve mice with exogenous IL-25 and subsequent infection. Changes induced in goblet cell populations and mucin glycosylation could be implicated in resistance to infection.

Goblet cell response after photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis

To determine whether patients without dry eye preoperatively have an altered conjunctival goblet cell density and mucin secretion postoperatively and to explore what factors affect changes in goblet cell density and mucin secretion. The former Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. Prospective nonrandomized clinical study. Impression cytology was used to determine conjunctival goblet cell density before and 1week, 1month, and 3months after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) or laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The McMonnies questionnaire, Schirmer test, tear breakup time, corneal sensitivity, rose bengal staining, and computerized videokeratoscopy were also performed to assess tear-film and ocular-surface health. The ratio of goblet cell to total cells changed postoperatively from baseline in both groups (P<.001). The most significant change was a median 29% decrease 1month postoperatively. However, there were no significant differences between groups over time (P=.772). The ratio of filled goblet cell to total goblet cell did not change significantly over the same time period (P=.128), and there were no significant differences between the PRK group and the LASIK group over time (P=.282). Patients without apparent dry eye had an altered conjunctival goblet cell population after PRK or LASIK. The conjunctival goblet cell population tended to decrease in the early postoperative period after either surgery and was most affected by preoperative goblet cell density. The changes in the tear film and ocular surface did not seem to affect goblet cell mucin secretion after either procedure. None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Effectiveness of Phytogenic Feed Additive as Alternative to Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate on Hematological Parameters, Intestinal Histomorphology and Microbial Population and Production Performance of Japanese Quails.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of phytogenic additive and antibiotic growth promoter in laying Japanese quails. One hundred and sixty five quails were divided into three groups of 5 replicates and 11 quails (8 females and 3 males) in each replicate. Treatment 1 was fed control diet, treatment 2 was fed control diet supplemented with 0.05% bacitracin methylene disalicylate as antibiotic growth promoter and treatment 3 was fed control diet supplemented with 0.1% phytogenic feed additive (PFA) for two periods of 3 weeks each from 37 to 42 weeks of age. Results showed that egg production, eggshell strength, eggshell weight, villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio were significantly (p≤0.05) increased and feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, albumen, Haugh unit, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, alanine transaminase, gamma glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, number of goblet cell, crypt depth and intestinal bacterial population of Coliforms, Salmonella and E. coli were significantly (p≤0.05) decreased in PFA fed group. It is concluded that addition of PFA containing phytomolecules and organic acids as main ingredients could significantly improve the production parameters and the general health of laying quails as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.

Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis CNCM-I2494 Restores Gut Barrier Permeability in Chronically Low-Grade Inflamed Mice.

Growing evidence supports the efficacy of many probiotic strains in the management of gastrointestinal disorders associated with deregulated intestinal barrier function and/or structure. In particular, bifidobacteria have been studied for their efficacy to both prevent and treat a broad spectrum of animal and/or human gut disorders. The aim of the current work was thus to evaluate effects on intestinal barrier function of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis CNCM-I2494, a strain used in fermented dairy products. A chronic dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced low-grade inflammation model causing gut dysfunction in mice was used in order to study markers of inflammation, intestinal permeability, and immune function in the presence of the bacterial strain. In this chronic low-grade inflammation mice model several parameters pointed out the absence of an over active inflammation process. However, gut permeability, lymphocyte populations, and colonic cytokines were found to be altered. B. animalis ssp. lactis CNCM-I2494 was able to protect barrier functions by restoring intestinal permeability, colonic goblet cell populations, and cytokine levels. Furthermore, tight junction (TJ) proteins levels were also measured by qRT-PCR showing the ability of this strain to specifically normalize the level of several TJ proteins, in particular for claudin-4. Finally, B. lactis strain counterbalanced CD4+ lymphocyte alterations in both spleen and mesenteric lymphoid nodes. It restores the Th1/Th2 ratio altered by the DNBS challenge (which locally augments CD4+ Th1 cells) by increasing the Th2 response as measured by the increase in the production of major representative Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10). Altogether, these data suggest that B. animalis ssp. lactis CNCM-I2494 may efficiently prevent disorders associated with increased barrier permeability.

Evaluation of the morphological adaptations of the small intestine of the African pied crow (Corvus albus)

The morphology and morphometry of the small intestine of the Adult African pied crow in a tropical habitat was studied. Fifteen African pied crows used in this study revealed modification of the jejunum into centripetal and centrifugal cone shaped spiral coils. The weight and length of jejunum was significantly greater (p<0.05) than those of duodenum and ileum respectively. Histologically, the tunica mucosa in all the segments was modified into villi which showed wavy and anastomosing configurations in the jejunum. Each villus was lined by simple columnar epithelium with numerous goblet cells. The length, population and surface area of villi in the jejunum was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of the duodenum and ileum respectively while the population of goblet cells were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the ileum compared to the duodenum and jejunum. The bases of the villi were modified into the crypts of lieberkuhn which together with numerous mucosal glands are located in the connective tissue of the lamina priopria. The lamina muscularis mucosae separated the lamina propria from the thin submucosa in the walls of the three segments. The tunica muscularis was significantly thicker (p<0.05) in the jejunum than in the ileum and duodenum respectively. The morphological modifications probably maximize space for efficient absorption and reduction of digestive load.

Goblet cells of the conjunctiva: A review of recent findings.

Goblet cells within the conjunctival epithelium are specialized cells that secrete mucins onto the surface of the eye. Recent research has demonstrated new characteristics of the cells, including factors influencing their differentiation, their gene products and their functions at the ocular surface. The following review summarizes the newly discovered aspects of the role of Spdef, a member of the Ets transcription factor family in conjunctival goblet cell differentiation, the newly discovered goblet cell products including claudin2, the Wnt inhibitor Frzb, and the transmembrane mucin Muc16. The current concepts of conjunctival goblet cell function, including debris removal and immune surveillance are reviewed, as are changes in the goblet cell population in ocular surface diseases. Major remaining questions regarding conjunctival cell biology are discussed.

Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide affects intestinal mucin secretion in weaned pigs

&nbsp; Background: to the best of our knowledge, the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli on goblet cells and intestinal mucin secretion of weaned pigs has not been reported, and it is unknown whether these effects could trigger enteritis. Objective: to determine the effect of E. coli LPS on intestinal mucin secretion in weaning piglets. Methods: fifty-two piglets weaned at 21 days of age were fed a basal diet supplemented with four LPS levels (0.0, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 μg/mg) during 10 days. Piglets were slaughtered on days 1, 5, 7, and 10 post-weaning and samples of small and large intestine were taken for histochemical staining to determine goblet cell population and type of mucins produced (acidic, sulphated, non-sulphated, or neutral). Results: acidic mucin was reduced on day 5 post-weaning independently of the dietary LPS level supplied to piglets. Recovery of acidic mucins was observed during days 7 and 10 post-weaning. Neutral mucins increased on day 5 and decreased on days 7 and 10 post-weaning. High LPS levels decreased goblet cells population and secretion of all types of mucins. This effect was remarkably high for diet two (D2: 0.5 mg LPS/mg food). Conclusions: early weaning (21 d) and LPS addition to the diet affect mucin secretion and intestinal epithelium integrity by modifying goblet cell populations and their balance between acidic and neutral mucin secretion. These findings explain some abnormalities related with post-weaning diarrhea syndrome and help to explain its pathophysiology.