Goblet Cells Research Articles

DIREN mitigates DSS-induced colitis in mice and attenuates collagen deposition via inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin and focal adhesion pathways

BackgroundDIREN is a SHE ethnic medicine with stasis-resolving, hemostasis, clearing heat, and removing toxin effects. It is clinically used in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as ulcerative colitis (UC). Aim of the studyFibrosis is one of the pathological changes in the progression of UC, which can make it challenging to respond to a treatment. We aimed to illuminate the role of DIREN in DSS-induced UC and tried to unveil its related mechanisms from two perspectives: intestinal inflammation and collagen deposition. Materials and methodsA 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) water solution was used to induce colitis in mice. The therapeutic effect of DIREN was assessed using the disease activity index, histopathological score, and colon length. Masson and Sirius Red staining was used to observe the fibrosis in the colon. Apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells was observed by TUNEL immunofluorescence staining. RNA-seq observed differential genes and enrichment pathways. Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR were used to detect the expression of molecules related to fibrosis and focal adhesion signaling in colon tissue. ResultsThe administration of DIREN resulted in a reduction of disease activity index (DAI) in mice with UC while simultaneously promoting an increase in colon length. DIREN mitigated the loss of goblet cells in the colon of UC mice and maintained the integrity of the intestinal mucosa barrier. Masson staining revealed a reduction in colonic fibrosis with DIREN treatment, while Sirius red staining demonstrated a decrease in collagen Ⅰ deposition. DIREN reduced apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells and the expression of genes, such as CDH2, ITGA1, and TGF-β2. Additionally, the results of GSEA analysis of colon tissue transcriptome showed that the differentially expressed genes were enriched in the focal adhesion pathway. DIREN was found to downregulate the protein expression of BAX, N-cadherin, β-catenin, Integrin A1, and Vinculin while upregulating the protein expression of BCL2. Additionally, it led to the co-expression of N-cadherin and α-SMA. ConclusionDIREN exerts a protective effect against DSS-induced UC by ameliorating colonic fibrosis via regulation of focal adhesion and the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting fibroblast migration and reducing collagen secretion.

Macroscopic, microscopic, and immunofluorescent characterization of the Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca graeca) oropharyngeal floor with concern to its feed adaptation as a herbivorous land reptile.

The current investigation focuses on gross anatomy, light, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the Testudo graeca oropharyngeal floor, with particular reference to the immunofluorescence technique to examine its tongue. The T. graeca oropharyngeal floor showed many anatomical structures: the lower rhamphotheca, paralingual ridge, lower alveolar ridge, tongue, laryngeal mound, and glottis. The lower rhamphotheca appeared as a V-shaped jaw line with a highly serrated edge and a median tomium (beak). SEM observations of the lingual apex and the lingual body showed rectangular and conical filiform papillae with porous surfaces and taste pores. Meanwhile, the lingual root had two wings that carried papillae with different shapes: dagger-shaped, conical, bifurcated, and leaf-like papillae, and these papillae lacked taste pores. The laryngeal mound had openings for the laryngeal mucus gland and its secretions. Light microscopy findings showed mucous glands in the propria submucosa and near the mucosal surface of the lingual apex. The lingual root had lingual papillae and two hyaline cartilaginous skeletons between skeletal muscles, and the lingual papillae were elongated filiform, rectangular filiform papillae, and fungiform papillae. The lamina propria constituted the core of the lingual papillae and the mucous gland, they had a positive reaction with the periodic acid schiff (PAS) reagent. The apical surface of the fungiform papillae had taste pores. Under immunofluorescence, the vimentin was detected in taste bud cells, and synaptophysin reacted to the taste buds and nerve bundles. The current study of the Greek tortoise oropharyngeal floor investigated its herbivorous eating habits using its serrated lower rhamphotheca, a large tongue with differently shaped papillae, and numerous mucous glands. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The Greek tortoise (T. graeca graeca) oropharyngeal floor showed many anatomical structures: lower rhamphotheca, paralingual ridge, lower alveolar ridge, tongue, laryngeal mound, and glottis. SEM and light microscopy observations of the tongue revealed varied types and shapes of lingual papillae with a porous surface on the tongue apex (rectangular or conical filiform papillae), on the tongue body (filiform and fungiform papillae), and on the tongue root (dagger-shaped, conical, bifurcated, and leaf-like papillae). Light microscopy findings: the lamina propria constituted the core of the lingual papillae and had numerous mucous glands that had a slightly magenta-red color with PAS reagent. The apical surface of the fungiform papillae had taste pores. Vimentin and synaptophysin gave a reaction to the taste buds.

Tissue specific stem cell therapy for airway regeneration.

Secondary atrophic rhinitis (AR), a consequence of mucosal damage during nasal surgeries, significantly impairs patient quality of life. The lack of effective, lasting treatments underscores the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. A major impediment in advancing research is the scarcity of studies focused on secondary AR. Our study addresses this gap by developing an animal model that closely mirrors the histopathological changes observed in patients with secondary AR. These changes include squamous metaplasia, goblet cell hyperplasia, submucosal fibrosis, and glandular atrophy. Upon administering human nasal turbinate stem cells embedded in collagen type I hydrogel in these models, we observed ciliary regeneration. This finding suggests the potential therapeutic benefit of this approach. Our animal models not only emulate the clinical manifestations of secondary AR but also serve as valuable tools for evaluating the efficacy of cell-based biotechnological interventions.

GSDMD protects intestinal epithelial cells against bacterial infections through its N-terminal activity impacting intestinal immune homeostasis.

The intestinal mucosal barrier serves as a vital guardian for gut health, maintaining a delicate equilibrium between gut microbiota and host immune homeostasis. Recent studies have found the intricate roles of Gasdermin D (GSDMD), a key executioner of pyroptosis downstream of the inflammasome, within the intestine, including controlling colitis in intestinal macrophage and the regulatory function in goblet cell mucus secretion. Thus, the exact role and nature of GSDMD's regulatory function in maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis and defending against pathogens remain elucidation. Here, we uncover that GSDMD plays a key role in defending against intestinal Citrobacter rodentium infection, with high expression in intestinal epithelial and lamina propria myeloid cells. Our results show that GSDMD specifically acts in intestinal epithelial cells to fight the infection, independently of its effects on antimicrobial peptides or mucin secretion. Instead, the resistance is mediated through GSDMD's N-terminal fragments, highlighting its importance in intestinal immunity. However, the specific underlying mechanism of GSDMD N-terminal activity in protection against intestinal bacterial infections still needs further study to clarify in the future.

A Spatially Stable Crystal-Particle Gel to Trap Patchouli Oil for Efficient Colonic Drug Delivery.

Patchouli oil has exhibited remarkable efficacy in the treatment of colitis. However, its volatility and potential irritancy are often drawbacks when extensively used in clinical applications. Oil gel is a semisolid and thermoreversible system that has received extensive interest for its solubility enhancement, inhibition of bioactive component recrystallization, and the facilitation of controlled bioactive release. Therefore, we present a strategy to develop an oil gel formulation that addresses this multifaceted problem. Notably, a patchouli oil gel formulation was designed to solidify and trap patchouli oil into a spatially stable crystal-particle structure and colonic released delivery, which has an advantage of the stable structure and viscosity. The patchouli oil gel treatment of zebrafish with colitis improved goblet cells and decreased macrophages. Additionally, patchouli oil gel showed superior advantages for restoring the tissue barrier. Furthermore, our investigative efforts unveiled patchouli oil's influence on TRP channels, providing evidence for its potential role in mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action. While the journey continues, these preliminary revelations provide a robust foundation for considering the adoption of patchouli oil gel as a pragmatic intervention for managing colitis.

Acute and Long COVID Intestinal Changes in an Experimental Model of Coronavirus in Mice

The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in early 2020, has had a profound and lasting impact on global health, resulting in over 7.0 million deaths and persistent challenges. In addition to acute concerns, there is growing attention being given to the long COVID health consequences for survivors of COVID-19 with documented cases of cardiovascular abnormalities, liver disturbances, lung complications, kidney issues, and noticeable cognitive deficits. Recent studies have investigated the physiological changes in various organs following prolonged exposure to murine hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1), a coronavirus, in mouse models. One significant finding relates to the effects on the gastrointestinal tract, an area previously understudied regarding the long-lasting effects of COVID-19. This research sheds light on important observations in the intestines during both the acute and the prolonged phases following MHV-1 infection, which parallel specific changes seen in humans after exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Our study investigates the histopathological alterations in the small intestine following MHV-1 infection in murine models, revealing significant changes reminiscent of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease. Notable findings include mucosal inflammation, lymphoid hyperplasia, goblet cell hyperplasia, and immune cell infiltration, mirroring pathological features observed in IBD. Additionally, MHV-1 infection induces villous atrophy, altered epithelial integrity, and inflammatory responses akin to celiac disease and IBD. SPIKENET (SPK) treatment effectively mitigates intestinal damage caused by MHV-1 infection, restoring tissue architecture and ameliorating inflammatory responses. Furthermore, investigation into long COVID reveals intricate inflammatory profiles, highlighting the potential of SPK to modulate intestinal responses and restore tissue homeostasis. Understanding these histopathological alterations provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of COVID-induced gastrointestinal complications and informs the development of targeted therapeutic strategies.

Asthma: a New Approach to the Bronchial Epithelium

The bronchial epithelium serves as a critical defense line against environmental insults, acting not merely as a barrier but as a complex, dynamic system enriched with diverse cell types such as ciliated cells, goblet cells, and basal cells. Recent advancements in single-cell ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing have further unveiled the complexity of this layer by identifying additional cell types like ionocytes, neuroendocrine cells, tuft cells, deuterosomal cells, club cells and mucus ciliated cells. These cells collectively maintain respiratory health through various mechanisms including the mucociliary escalator, mucus production, airway repair, and immune modulation. Disruptions in the epithelial barrier can lead to respiratory diseases like asthma, highlighting the importance of understanding these intricate cellular relationships for developing targeted therapies. This epithelial complexity is crucial for pulmonary homeostasis and the pathogenesis of asthma, where abnormal epithelial remodeling and dysfunction are central. The identification of a novel mucous ciliated cell state in asthma, co-expressing genes associated with both ciliated and goblet cells, offers new insights into the disease’s pathogenesis and therapeutic targets. The epithelial barrier’s integrity, maintained by tight junctions and adherents’ junctions, is essential for protecting the underlying tissue from environmental threats. However, in asthma, this barrier is compromised, leading to increased allergen permeability, airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling. Despite advances, the need for novel concepts in asthma pathogenesis remains, particularly to address the limitations of the current T helper 2-dominant paradigm in explaining the connection between airway inflammation and remodeling. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying epithelial barrier dysfunction could pave the way for novel asthma treatments focused on enhancing barrier integrity, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The vomeronasal organ and incisive duct of harbor seals are modified to secrete acidic mucus into the nasal cavity

Most terrestrial mammals have a vomeronasal system to detect specific chemicals. The peripheral organ of this system is a vomeronasal organ (VNO) opening to the incisive duct, and its primary integrative center is an accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). The VNO in seals is thought to be degenerated like whales and manatees, unlike otariids, because of the absence of the AOB. However, olfaction plays pivotal roles in seals, and thus we conducted a detailed morphological evaluation of the vomeronasal system of three harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). The VNO lumen was not found, and the incisive duct did not open into the oral cavity but was recognized as a fossa on the anteroventral side of the nasal cavity. This fossa is rich in mucous glands that secrete acidic mucopolysaccharides, which might originate from the vomeronasal glands. The olfactory bulb consisted only of a main olfactory bulb that received projections from the olfactory mucosa, but an AOB region was not evident. These findings clarified that harbor seals do not have a VNO to detect some chemicals, but the corresponding region is a specialized secretory organ.

Effects of Dietary Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SCAU-070 (Based on a Woody Plant-Based Diet) on Antioxidation, Immune and Intestinal Microbiota of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study aimed to explore the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA) as one woody forage addition (as a probiotic, 1 × 107 CFU/g) on tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Woody forage is one kind of fishery feed that could significantly enhance the growth, feed utilization, and digestibility of tilapia. At first, tilapia was divided into eight groups and fed with control, control + BA, Moringa oleifera, M. oleifera + BA, Neolamarckia cadamba, N. cadamba + BA, Broussonetia papyrifera, and B. papyrifera + BA diets, respectively. After dieting for 8 weeks, the intestinal morphology of tilapia in the eight groups was observed, and the effects of the B. amyloliquefaciens addition and wordy forage on the intestine functions were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. As no significant negative effects were found on the woody forage on tilapia, the villus height, density and width, and epithelial goblet cells in the posterior intestines of tilapia with BA supplementation were greater than those in the groups without BA supplementation, suggesting B. amyloliquefaciens SCAU-070 could promote the growth and development of tilapia intestinal tracts. Furthermore, it was found that B. amyloliquefaciens SCAU-070 enhanced the antioxidation capacity of tilapia posterior intestine tissue by promoting the activity of superoxide dismutase and content of malondialdehyde. In addition, the result of high-throughput sequencing (16S rDNA) showed that the beneficial bacteria Cetobacterium and Romboutsia in the probiotic groups increased significantly, while the potential pathogenic bacteria Acinetobacter decreased significantly.

Clinical manifestations, diagnosis and long-term prognosis of adult autoimmune enteropathy: Experience from Peking Union Medical College Hospital

BACKGROUND Autoimmune enteropathy (AIE) is a rare disease whose diagnosis and long-term prognosis remain challenging, especially for adult AIE patients. AIM To improve overall understanding of this disease’s diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, endoscopic and histopathological characteristics and prognoses of 16 adult AIE patients in our tertiary medical center between 2011 and 2023, whose diagnosis was based on the 2007 diagnostic criteria. RESULTS Diarrhea in AIE patients was characterized by secretory diarrhea. The common endoscopic manifestations were edema, villous blunting and mucosal hyperemia in the duodenum and ileum. Villous blunting (100%), deep crypt lymphocytic infiltration (67%), apoptotic bodies (50%), and mild intraepithelial lymphocytosis (69%) were observed in the duodenal biopsies. Moreover, there were other remarkable abnormalities, including reduced or absent goblet cells (duodenum 94%, ileum 62%), reduced or absent Paneth cells (duodenum 94%, ileum 69%) and neutrophil infiltration (duodenum 100%, ileum 69%). Our patients also fulfilled the 2018 diagnostic criteria but did not match the 2022 diagnostic criteria due to undetectable anti-enterocyte antibodies. All patients received glucocorticoid therapy as the initial medication, of which 14/16 patients achieved a clinical response in 5 (IQR: 3-20) days. Immunosuppressants were administered to 9 patients with indications of steroid dependence (6/9), steroid refractory status (2/9), or intensified maintenance medication (1/9). During the median of 20.5 months of follow-up, 2 patients died from multiple organ failure, and 1 was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The cumulative relapse-free survival rates were 62.5%, 55.6% and 37.0% at 6 months, 12 months and 48 months, respectively. CONCLUSION Certain histopathological findings, including a decrease or disappearance of goblet and Paneth cells in intestinal biopsies, might be potential diagnostic criteria for adult AIE. The long-term prognosis is still unsatisfactory despite corticosteroid and immunosuppressant medications, which highlights the need for early diagnosis and novel medications.

Oleuropein, a Component of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Improves Liver Steatosis and Lobular Inflammation by Lipopolysaccharides–TLR4 Axis Downregulation

Gut-dysbiosis-induced lipopolysaccharides (LPS) translocation into systemic circulation has been suggested to be implicated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis. This study aimed to assess if oleuropein (OLE), a component of extra virgin olive oil, lowers high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced endotoxemia and, eventually, liver steatosis. An immunohistochemistry analysis of the intestine and liver was performed in (i) control mice (CTR; n = 15), (ii) high-fat-diet fed (HFD) mice (HFD; n = 16), and (iii) HFD mice treated with 6 µg/day of OLE for 30 days (HFD + OLE, n = 13). The HFD mice developed significant liver steatosis compared to the controls, an effect that was significantly reduced in the HFD + OLE-treated mice. The amount of hepatocyte LPS localization and the number of TLR4+ macrophages were higher in the HFD mice in the than controls and were lowered in the HFD + OLE-treated mice. The number of CD42b+ platelets was increased in the liver sinusoids of the HFD mice compared to the controls and decreased in the HFD + OLE-treated mice. Compared to the controls, the HFD-treated mice showed a high percentage of intestine PAS+ goblet cells, an increased length of intestinal crypts, LPS localization and TLR4+ expression, and occludin downregulation, an effect counteracted in the HFD + OLE-treated mice. The HFD-fed animals displayed increased systemic levels of LPS and zonulin, but they were reduced in the HFD + OLE-treated animals. It can be seen that OLE administration improves liver steatosis and inflammation in association with decreased LPS translocation into the systemic circulation, hepatocyte localization of LPS and TLR4 downregulation in HFD-induced mouse model of NAFLD.

Cynaroside ameliorates methotrexate-induced enteritis in rats through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

IntroductionCynaroside exhibits various biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor, and cardioprotective effects. However, its involvement in methotrexate (MTX)-induced intestinal inflammation remains inadequately understood. Thus, we investigated the impact of cynaroside on MTX-induced intestinal inflammation and its potential mechanisms.MethodsTo assess the protective potential of cynaroside against intestinal inflammation, Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a regimen of 7 mg/kg MTX for 3 days, followed by treatment with cynaroside at varying doses (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg). Histopathological evaluations were conducted alongside measurements of inflammatory mediators to elucidate the involvement of the NLRP3 inflammasome in alleviating intestinal inflammation.ResultsAdministration of 7 mg/kg MTX resulted in decreased daily food intake, increased weight loss, and elevated disease activity index in rats. Conversely, treatment with cynaroside at 20 or 40 mg/kg ameliorated the reductions in body weight and daily food intake and suppressed the MTX-induced elevation in the disease activity index. Notably, cynaroside administration at 20 or 40 mg/kg attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration, augmented goblet cell numbers and lowered serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18, as well as the CD68-positive cell rate in the intestines of MTX-induced rats. Furthermore, cynaroside downregulated the expression levels of NLRP3, cleaved caspase 1, and cleaved IL-1β in MTX-induced rats.DiscussionCollectively, our findings indicated that cymaroside alleviates intestinal inflammatory injury by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in MTX-induced rats.

Cang-ai volatile oil alleviates nasal inflammation via Th1/Th2 cell imbalance regulation in a rat model of ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis

We previously revealed that Cang-ai volatile oil (CAVO) regulates T-cell activity, enhancing the immune response in people with chronic respiratory diseases. However, the effects of CAVO on allergic rhinitis (AR) have not been investigated. Herein, we established an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR rat model to determine these effects. Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to OVA for 3 weeks. CAVO or loratadine (positive control) was given orally once daily for 2 weeks to OVA-exposed rats. Behavior modeling nasal allergies was observed. Nasal mucosa, serum, and spleen samples of AR rats were analyzed. CAVO treatment significantly reduced the number of nose rubs and sneezes, and ameliorated several hallmarks of nasal mucosa tissue remodeling: inflammation, eosinophilic infiltration, goblet cell metaplasia, and mast cell hyperplasia. CAVO administration markedly upregulated expressions of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-12, and downregulated expressions of serum tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, immunoglobulin-E, and histamine. CAVO therapy also increased production of IFN-γ and T-helper type 1 (Th1)-specific T-box transcription factor (T-bet) of the cluster of differentiation-4+ T-cells in splenic lymphocytes, and protein and mRNA expressions of T-bet in nasal mucosa. In contrast, levels of the Th2 cytokine IL-4 and Th2-specific transcription factor GATA binding protein-3 were suppressed by CAVO. These cumulative findings demonstrate that CAVO therapy can alleviate AR by regulating the balance between Th1 and Th2 cells.

Alterations in the tear film and ocular surface in pediatric migraine patients.

To evaluate the ocular surface (OS) parameters in the pediatric migraine patients (PMPs). This prospective case-control study consisted of 51 PMPs (PMP group) and 55 healthy pediatric patients (HPP group). In all participants, tear function was evaluated subjectively using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, objectively using Schirmer tear test (STT) and tear film disintegration time (TBUT), and with clinical and laboratory examinations (conjunctival impression cytology). The PMP group was subdivided into two groups according to their aura. The mean age and gender distribution of the study groups were almost the same (P > 0.05 for both of them). In the PMP group, both the STT value and the TBUT value were significantly lower than those determined in the HPP group (P = 0.021 and P = 0.018, respectively). In the PMP group, the OSDI scores were higher than those in the HPP group (P = 0.032). In the PMP group, the goblet cell density values were lower than those in the HPP group (P = 0.01). With regard to the aura, the TBUT and STT values were nonsignificantly lower in the PMP aura-positive group than in the PMP aura-negative group (P > 0.05 for both of them). The OSDI assessment was similar in both the groups. With regard to the goblet cell count, it was observed to be less in the PMP aura-positive group than in the PMP aura-negative group (P = 0.01). Influence of OS in children with migraine was also demonstrated using the samples taken from the conjunctiva. These changes were also demonstrated by objective tests such as STT and TBUT. Both clinical objective evaluations and pathologic changes were more prominent in the migraine with aura group.

A Review of the Mechanisms of Bacterial Colonization of the Mammal Gut.

A healthy animal intestine hosts a diverse population of bacteria in a symbiotic relationship. These bacteria utilize nutrients in the host's intestinal environment for growth and reproduction. In return, they assist the host in digesting and metabolizing nutrients, fortifying the intestinal barrier, defending against potential pathogens, and maintaining gut health. Bacterial colonization is a crucial aspect of this interaction between bacteria and the intestine and involves the attachment of bacteria to intestinal mucus or epithelial cells through nonspecific or specific interactions. This process primarily relies on adhesins. The binding of bacterial adhesins to host receptors is a prerequisite for the long-term colonization of bacteria and serves as the foundation for the pathogenicity of pathogenic bacteria. Intervening in the adhesion and colonization of bacteria in animal intestines may offer an effective approach to treating gastrointestinal diseases and preventing pathogenic infections. Therefore, this paper reviews the situation and mechanisms of bacterial colonization, the colonization characteristics of various bacteria, and the factors influencing bacterial colonization. The aim of this study was to serve as a reference for further research on bacteria-gut interactions and improving animal gut health.

Association between the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers and oncologic outcomes of colorectal cancer.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) that confers metastatic capabilities to cancer cells. The present study aimed to assess the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression and impact of EMT markers, including E-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin, and SMAD4, on the oncologic outcomes of CRC. This was a retrospective review of 118 CRC patients. Tissue slides were retrieved from the slide archive and five tissue microarray construction blocks were constructed. IHC for E-cadherin, Vimentin, β-catenin, and SMAD4 was done. The main outcome was the association between abnormal marker expression and overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Adenocarcinomas accounted for 71.2% of tumors, whereas 25.4% and 3.4% were mucinous and signet ring cell carcinomas. The rates of lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion were 72.9% and 20.3%, respectively. There was a positive, significant correlation, and association between the four markers. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was associated with significantly lower OS (p < 0.0001) and similar DFS (p = 0.06). Abnormal Vimentin expression was associated with a significantly higher rate of distant metastasis (p = 0.005) and significantly lower OS and DFS (p < 0.0001). Abnormal expression of β-catenin was associated with significantly lower OS (p < 0.0001) and similar DFS (p = 0.15). Abnormal expression of SMAD4 was associated with significantly lower OS and DFS (p < 0.0001). Abnormal expression of all four markers was associated with a higher disease recurrence, lower OS, and lower DFS. Abnormal expression of each marker was associated with lower OS, whereas abnormal expression of Vimentin and SMAD4 only was associated with lower DFS.

Taurine Alleviates Experimental Colitis by Enhancing Intestinal Barrier Function and Inhibiting Inflammatory Response through TLR4/NF-κB Signaling.

Taurine (Tau) is a semiessential amino acid in mammals with preventive and therapeutic effects on several intestinal disorders. However, the exact function of taurine in ulcerative colitis (UC) is still largely unclear. In this study, we used two taurine-deficient mouse models (CSAD-/- and TauT-/- mice) to explore the influence of taurine on the progression of UC in both dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells. We found that cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD) and taurine transporter (TauT) expressions and taurine levels were markedly reduced in colonic tissues of mice treated with DSS. The CSAD and TauT knockouts exacerbated DSS-induced clinical symptoms and pathological damage and aggravated the intestinal barrier dysfunction and the colonic mucosal inflammatory response. Conversely, taurine pretreatment enhanced the intestinal barrier functions by increasing goblet cells and upregulating tight junction protein expression. Importantly, taurine bound with TLR4 and inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, ultimately reducing proinflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-6) and oxidative stress. Our findings highlight the essential role of taurine in maintaining the intestinal barrier integrity and inhibiting intestinal inflammation, indicating that taurine is a promising supplement for colitis treatment.

Effects of Hibernation on Colonic Epithelial Tissue and Gut Microbiota in Wild Chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus)

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the host’s metabolic processes. Many studies have shown significant changes in the gut microbiota of mammals during hibernation to adapt to the changes in the external environment, but there is limited research on the colonic epithelial tissue and gut microbiota of the wild chipmunks during hibernation. This study analyzed the diversity, composition, and function of the gut microbiota of the wild chipmunk during hibernation using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing technology, and further conducted histological analysis of the colon. Histological analysis of the colon showed an increase in goblet cells in the hibernation group, which was an adaptive change to long-term fasting during hibernation. The dominant gut microbial phyla were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, and the relative abundance of them changed significantly. The analysis of gut microbiota structural differences indicated that the relative abundance of Helicobacter typhlonius and Mucispirillum schaedleri increased significantly, while unclassified Prevotella-9, unclassified Prevotellaceae-UCG-001, unclassified Prevotellaceae-UCG-003 and other species of Prevotella decreased significantly at the species level. Alpha diversity analysis showed that hibernation increased the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota. Beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences in gut microbiota diversity between the hibernation group and the control group. PICRUSt2 functional prediction analysis of the gut microbiota showed that 15 pathways, such as lipid metabolism, xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, amino acid metabolism, environmental adaptation, and neurodegenerative diseases, were significantly enriched in the hibernation group, while 12 pathways, including carbohydrate metabolism, replication and repair, translation, and transcription, were significantly enriched in the control group. It can be seen that during hibernation, the gut microbiota of the wild chipmunk changes towards taxa that are beneficial for reducing carbohydrate consumption, increasing fat consumption, and adapting more strongly to environmental changes in order to better provide energy for the body and ensure normal life activities during hibernation.

Wuliangye strong aroma baijiu promotes intestinal homeostasis by improving gut microbiota and regulating intestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation.

Wuliangye strong aroma baijiu (hereafter, Wuliangye baijiu) is a traditional Chinese grain liquor containing short-chain fatty acids, ethyl caproate, ethyl lactate, other trace components, and a large proportion of ethanol. The effects of Wuliangye baijiu on intestinal stem cells and intestinal epithelial development have not been elucidated. Here, the role of Wuliangye baijiu in intestinal epithelial regeneration and gut microbiota modulation was investigated by administering a Lieber-DeCarli chronic ethanol liquid diet in a mouse model to mimic long-term (8 weeks') light/moderate alcohol consumption (1.6 g kg-1 day-1) in healthy human adults. Wuliangye baijiu promoted colonic crypt proliferation in mice. According to immunofluorescence and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses, compared with the ethanol-only treatment, Wuliangye baijiu increased the number of intestinal stem cells and goblet cells and the expression of enteroendocrine cell differentiation markers in the mouse colon. Furthermore, gut microbiota analysis showed an increase in the relative abundance of microbiota related to intestinal homeostasis following Wuliangye baijiu administration. Notably, increased abundance of Bacteroidota, Faecalibaculum, Lachnospiraceae, and Blautia may play an essential role in promoting stem-cell-mediated intestinal epithelial development and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. In summary, these findings suggest that Wuliangye baijiu can be used to regulate intestinal stem cell proliferation and differentiation in mice and to alter gut microbiota distributions, thereby promoting intestinal homeostasis. This research elucidates the mechanism by which Wuliangye baijiu promotes intestinal health. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Earthworm, Perionyx excavatus as an alternate protein source for Nile tilapia: Effects on growth performance, blood biochemistry, erythrocyte morphology and intestinal health

AbstractRecently, an increasing disparity has emerged in the need for raw fish meal (FM) and its supply, along with the environmental and financial obstacles associated with its use. Therefore, increasing and elevating the diversity of alternative protein sources for aquaculture nutrition is imperative. The study investigated the impact of substituting FM protein with EW meal on the growth, haemato-biochemical response and intestinal histomorphology of Nile tilapia. Up to 20% fishmeal replacement with EW meal had no adverse effects on fish growth performance. A quadratic analysis of the final body weight and EW meal level indicated the best growth performance at 17.5% replacement. Fish fed the 40% replacement level had significantly decreased height and width of intestinal folds and number of mucosal goblet cells compared to the control. Although red and white blood cell counts were found unchanged between the control, the 10% and 20% replacement groups, a significantly higher number of white blood cells and a lower number of red blood cells were found in the 40% group compared to the control. Blood glucose level was the highest, while haemoglobin level was the lowest in the 40% group. In the same group, significantly higher frequencies of erythrocyte cellular and nuclear abnormalities were noted. Lipid droplet accumulation in the liver was significantly higher in the 40% group, whilst the 10% and 20% groups showed no significant difference compared to the control.