Intestinal Lactase Activity Research Articles

Unlocking the therapeutic potential of Huoxiang Zhengqi San in cold and high humidity-induced diarrhea: Insights into intestinal microbiota modulation and digestive enzyme activity

Huoxiang Zhengqi San (HXZQS), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, enjoys widespread use in Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea with cold-dampness trapped spleen syndrome (CDSS), which is induced by exposure to cold and high humidity stress. This study aimed to explore its therapeutic mechanisms in mice, particularly focusing on the intestinal microbiota. Forty male SPF-grade KM mice were allocated into two groups: the normal control group (H-Cc, n = 10) and the CDSS group (H-Mc, n = 30). After modeling, H-Mc was subdivided into H-Mc (n = 15) and HXZQS treatment (H–Tc, n = 15) groups. Intestinal samples were analyzed for enzyme activity and microbiota composition. Our findings demonstrated a notable reduction in intestinal lactase activity post-HXZQS treatment (P < 0.05). Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus murinus emerged as the main dominant species across most groups. However, in the H-Mc group, Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was identified as the exclusive dominant bacteria. LEfSe analysis highlighted Clostridiales vadinBB60 group and Corynebacterium as differential bacteria in the H–Tc group, and Cyanobacteria unidentified specie in the H-Mc group. Predicted microbiota functions aligned with changes in abundance, notably in cofactors and vitamins metabolism. The collinear results of the intestinal microbiota interaction network showed that HXZQS restored cooperative interactions among rare bacteria by mitigating their mutual promotion. The HXZQS decoction effectively alleviates diarrhea with CDSS by regulating intestinal microbiota, digestive enzyme activity, and microbiota interaction. Notably, it enhances Clostridium vadinBB60 and suppresses Cyanobacteria unidentified specie, warranting further study.

Effect of Quercetin on the Intestinal Carbohydrases Activity in the Offspring of the Lead Intoxicated Mother

Aim: This work aims to investigate the effect of quercetin on the development of small intestine disaccharidase activity in the offspring intoxicated with lead acetate. Material and Methods: The experiments were carried out on white outbred rats. Rats were divided into control and three experimental groups. In the control and 3rd experimental group, rats were nursed by intact mothers. In the 1st and 2nd experimental groups, rats were nursed by mothers who replaced drinking water with a 0.2% lead acetate solution. All experimental groups of rats were orally treated with quercetin (20 mg/kg/24 h) from the 3rd to 20th days of postnatal life. Body weight, small intestine weight as well as the activities of intestinal maltase and lactase were determined on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days after birth. Results: In rats nursed by mothers who used a solution of lead acetate instead of drinking water а body weight and the small intestine mucosa weight decreased, but intestinal maltase and lactase activity increased. Treatment of lead-intoxicated growing rats with quercetin restored the body weight, small intestine mucosa weight, and development rate of maltase and lactase activity. Conclusion: The effect of quercetin on the activity of intestinal maltase and sucrase in growing rats nursed by lead acetate consumed mother is mediated through the restoration of intoxication damage since treatment of intact growing rats with quercetin in the same way and at the same time did not affect on the intestinal disaccharidases activity.

Anti-hyperglycemic potential and chemical constituents of Aristolochia triangularis Cham. leaves − A medicinal species native to Brazilian forests

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAristolochia triangularis Cham. has been used in Brazilian traditional medicine for various therapeutic purposes, including as a leaf-based infusion for diabetes management. Aim of the study: This study was designed to chemically characterize an infusion of in natura A. triangularis leaves and evaluate the in vivo anti-hyperglycemic properties of this infusion. Materials and methods: Chemical composition was examined using liquid–liquid extraction procedure, chromatographic methods, NMR, and LC−MS/MS. The in vivo anti-hyperglycemic activity of the freeze-dried infusion of A. triangularis leaves (Inf-L-At) was assessed using oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Initially, normoglycemic male rats were pre-treated with orally administered Inf-L-At at doses of 62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg for two consecutive days. On the day of the OGTT, fasting animals received a glucose load (4 g/kg) 30 min after treatment with Inf-L-At, and the blood glucose levels were verified at 15, 30, 60, and 180 min. Intestinal maltase, lactase, and sucrase activities and muscle and liver glycogen contents were also assessed after the OGTT. Results: Inf-L-At extract led to glycemic reduction with no dose-response at 15, 30, and 60 min comparable to that of the antidiabetic drug glibenclamide and was accompanied by an increase in hepatic and muscle glycogen contents. Additionally, there was a significant statistically decrease in the in vitro activity of disaccharidases. Maltase and sucrase activities were inhibited at all doses, whereas lactase activity was inhibited only at 62.5 and 250 mg/kg. In total, 75 compounds were found in the infusion, including seven new ones, (7S*,8S*,7ꞌS*,8ꞌR*)-4,4ꞌ-dihydroxy-3,3ꞌ-dimethoxy-7,9ꞌ-epoxylignan-7ꞌ-ol; 4ꞌ-hydroxy-3ꞌ-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxy-7,9ꞌ-epoxylignan-9,7ꞌ-diol; triangularisines A, B, and C; N-ethyl-N-methyl-affineine; and N-methyl pachyconfine, and one previously not described as a natural product, epi-secoisolariciresinol monomethyl ether. Conclusion: The results demonstrated the anti-hyperglycemic activity of the infusion from A. triangularis leaves and showed that it is a rich source of lignoids, alkaloids, and glycosylated flavonoids, which are known to exhibit antidiabetic effects and other biological properties that can be beneficial for patients with chronic hyperglycemia, thus certifying the popular use of this herbal drink.

Effects of prebiotics in combination with probiotics on intestinal hydrolase activity, microbial population and immunological biomarkers in SD rats fed an AIN-93G diet

BackgroundGastrointestinal microbiota, which comprises hundreds of different types of microbes, biologically plays crucial roles in the host’s health. Probiotics (PRO) did not always have a positive benefit on the host, depending on strains of microbes and the physiochemical properties of prebiotics (PRE), indicating that the properties of PRE in combination with PRO might have different effects on the gut ecology. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of insoluble or soluble PRE with PRO on intestinal digestive hydrolase, the fecal microbes, and immunological biomarkers in SD rats fed an AIN-93G diet.ResultsForty, 8-week-old SD rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups with 10 replicates in each; cellulose (CELL), cellulose + probiotics (CELPRO), oatmeal (OATS), and oatmeal + probiotics (OATPRO) groups. After 4-week feeding trial, rats were treated with saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg/kg) to examine the alleviating effects of PRO and PRE on immunological responses. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in feed intake of rats fed the oatmeal supplemented diet without affecting growth performance. Blood triglyceride was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in rats fed the oatmeal diet, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in rats fed the PRO supplemented diet. Intestinal maltase, sucrose, and lactase activities were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in rats fed PRO compared with rats not fed PRO. Rats fed the oatmeal showed a significant (p < 0.01) increase in the fecal colony forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae compared with those fed cellulose. LPS-treated rats fed PRO showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in blood secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) compared with those not fed PRO. The LPS-treated rats fed PRO resulted in decreased (p < 0.05) blood IL-6 compared with those not fed PRO, indicating that a dietary PRO alleviated inflammatory response in LPS-treated rats.ConclusionsDietary oatmeal increased fecal microbes, and PRO supplement resulted in increased intestinal hydrolase and immune functions of the host, demonstrating that soluble PRE with supplemented with PRO could be a more bioactive combination of synbiotics in SD rats.

Polyphenols Sourced from Ilex latifolia Thunb. Relieve Intestinal Injury via Modulating Ferroptosis in Weanling Piglets under Oxidative Stress.

Polyphenols sourced from Ilex latifolia Thunb. (PIT) contain high levels of phenolic acids, tannic acids, triterpenoids and so on, which play important roles in antioxidant function. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of PIT against intestinal injury in piglets under oxidative stress. Thirty-two weanling piglets were arranged by a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with diets (basal diet vs. PIT diet) and oxidative stress (saline vs. diquat). All piglets were injected with saline or diquat on d 21, respectively. After 7 days, all pigs were slaughtered and intestinal samples were collected. PIT enhanced jejunal villus heights and crypt depth in the piglets under oxidative stress. PIT increased the activities of intestinal mucosal lactase, sucrase and maltase in the challenged piglets. PIT also increased the jejunal ratio of protein to DNA and ileal protein content. PIT increased the jejunal activities of GSH-PX and GSH content and reduced the ileal MDA amounts. Furthermore, PIT regulated the expression of ferroptosis mediators, such as TFR1, HSPB1, SLC7A11 and GPX4. These results indicate that dietary PIT supplementation enhances the histological structure and function of the intestinal mucosa, which is involved in modulating antioxidant capacity and ferroptosis.

Relationship between diarrhea and intestinal lactase activity

Relationship between diarrhea and intestinal lactase activity

Characteristics of intestinal microbiota and enzyme activities in mice fed with lily bulb.

The aim was to investigate the effect of lily bulbs on the microecological characteristics of intestinal microbiota and enzyme activities in normal mice. Thirty SPF Kunming mice were randomly divided into the control group, Lilium lancifolium (LL) group and Lilium davidii var. unicolor (LDU) group. Mice of the latter two groups were given 0.15g·mL-1 lily bulb solution, respectively, by gavage twice a day, while the control group was given the same volume of sterilized water. After 49days, intestinal contents and mucosa of all mice were collected and the characteristics of intestinal microbiota and enzyme activities were analyzed. Results showed that the number of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria spp. in the LL group was significantly higher than that in the control group (t = 2.68 × 107, P = 0.000; t = 5.96 × 107; P = 0.000) and the LDU group (t = 6.12 × 107, P = 0.000; t = 2.71 × 107, P = 0.000), while the number of total bacteria was significantly lower (P = 0.040). Microbial activity in intestinal contents and mucosa of the LDU group (t = 0.43, P = 0.001; t = 0.69, P = 0.000) decreased, and microbial activity in intestinal mucosa of the LL group decreased significantly (t = 0.89, P = 0.000) but increased significantly in intestinal contents of the LL group (t = 0.81, P = 0.000). The activities of amylase (t = 455.73, P = 0.000; t = 206.56, P = 0.000) and protease (t = 52.32, P = 0.000) increased but the activities of lactase (t = 443.51, P = 0.000; t = 15.71, P = 0.000) and sucrase (t = 5.82, P = 0.000; t = 366.82, P = 0.000) decreased significantly in contents from the LL group and LDU group. Except for the sucrase activity, enzyme activities in mucosa of the LL group were completely opposite to those in contents (t = 44.15, P = 0.000; t = 1.25, P = 0.007; t = 14.64, P = 0.011). In conclusion, dietary lily bulbs increased intestinal contents amylase activities and mucosa lactase activity significantly. Lily bulbs, especially Lilium lancifolium, can promote the growth of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria spp., and inhibit the growth of total bacteria in the intestines of normal mice. Lilium lancifolium bulbs have the potential to be a functional food.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Khaya grandifoliola C. DC. Stem Bark on some Disaccharidases Activity in Iron-Deficient Weanling Rats

This study was aimed at investigating the effect of the aqueous extracts of Khaya grandifoliola stem bark on some disaccharidases (lactase and sucrase) in diet-induced anemia in weanling rats. Weanling rats of 21 days old were maintained on iron-deficient diets for four weeks to induce anemia before treatment. A total of 35 weanling rats were used, grouped into five rats per group of iron-deficient diet/distilled water, iron-sufficient diet/distilled water, change of iron-deficient diet after four weeks to iron-sufficient diet, iron-deficient diet/ Standard drug, iron-deficient diet/25 mg/kg body weight of aqueous plant extract, iron-deficient diet/50 mg/kg body weight of aqueous plant extract, and iron-deficient diet/100 mg/kg body weight of aqueous plant extract. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, anthraquinones and flavonoids. The extract administered orally produced significant increase in the activity of intestinal mucosa sucrase and lactase (P &lt; .05). The change of diet from iron deficient diet to iron sufficient diet increased disaccharidases activities in the intestinal mucosa. However, the aqueous extract of Khaya grandifoliola showed a higher disaccharidases activity when compared to the group of rats that were fed iron-sufficient diet. This study revealed that plant extract administered increased disaccharidases activity in the intestinal mucosa in diet-induced anemic group of weanling rats and thus lends credence to Khaya grandifoliola use in folklore medicine in the management of anemia.

Simultaneous assessment of intestinal permeability and lactase activity in human-milk-fed preterm infants by sugar absorption test: Clinical implementation and analytical method

Experimental (nutritional) interventions in preterm infants frequently focus on intestinal maturation, as improving tolerance to enteral nutrition is a major goal. Intestinal permeability and lactase activity serve as markers for intestinal maturation. We aimed to develop a protocol for the simultaneous assessment of both markers in human-milk-fed preterm infants by a sugar absorption test. In addition, we developed a new gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the analysis of lactulose, lactose, and mannitol in urine and milk collected during the sugar absorption test. The sugar absorption test was performed on days 4, 7, and 14 postpartum in 12 preterm infants (gestational age of 26-32 weeks). Human milk was collected, pooled, and divided into equal portions to provide a stable lactose intake for 24h. Urine was collected in the last 6h of this 24h period, after administration of a bolus test sugar solution. Samples were analyzed by GC-MS after derivatization by oxime formation combined with acetylation. The GC-MS method was validated and used for the accurate measurement of lactulose, lactose, and mannitol concentrations. The urinary lactulose/mannitol ratio declined with time, suggesting a decreased intestinal permeability. The urine-to-milk-lactulose/lactose ratio increased as a result of increased lactase activity with time. The developed protocol for simultaneous assessment of intestinal permeability and lactase activity can be used to monitor the effect of experimental (nutritional) interventions in human-milk-fed preterm infants. Urine and milk samples obtained during the sugar absorption test can be accurately analyzed by GC-MS.

Effects of nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation from mid-to-late gestation on maternal and fetal small intestinal carbohydrase activities in sheep

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation during mid-to-late gestation on maternal and fetal small intestinal carbohydrase activities in sheep. Ewes were randomly assigned to one of 4 dietary treatments arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Ewes were fed to provide 100% (adequate; ADQ) or 60% (restricted; RES) of nutrient recommendations, and diets were supplemented with either no melatonin (control; CON) or 5 mg melatonin/d (melatonin; MEL). This resulted in 4 treatment groups: CON-ADQ (n = 7), CON-RES (n = 8), MEL-ADQ (n = 8), MEL-RES (n = 8). Treatments began on day 50 of gestation, and ewes were euthanized on day 130 for tissue collection. The maternal and fetal small intestine were collected and assayed for small intestinal carbohydrase activities. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS with fetal sex, melatonin, nutrition, and the melatonin by nutrition interaction included in the model statement. There were no melatonin by nutrition interactions for maternal or fetal small intestinal protein concentration or carbohydrase activities (P ≥ 0.11). Dietary melatonin supplementation decreased (P = 0.03) maternal small intestinal protein concentration by 22.7% and increased (P = 0.03) maternal small intestinal glucoamylase, isomaltase, and maltase activity per gram protein by 45.5%, 41.3%, and 40.6%, respectively. Nutrient restriction from mid-to-late gestation did not influence (P ≥ 0.46) maternal small intestinal protein concentration, or maltase, isomaltase, and lactase activity. Maternal glucoamylase activity per gram intestine increased (P = 0.05) with nutrient restriction by 49.1%. Melatonin supplementation and maternal nutrient restriction did not influence (P ≥ 0.15) fetal small intestinal protein concentration, or glucoamylase, isomaltase, and lactase activity. Maternal nutrient restriction from mid-to-late gestation decreased (P = 0.05) fetal maltase activity per gram intestine by 20.5% but did not influence fetal maltase activity per gram protein. These data indicate that some maternal and fetal carbohydrases are influenced by nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation in sheep. More information is needed to understand how nutritional and hormonal factors regulate digestive enzyme activity in ruminants to design improved maternal nutrition programs to optimize fetal growth and development while maintaining maternal productivity.

Effect of glutamine on the intestinal function and health of broilers challenged with Salmonella pullorum

The influence of glutamine (Gln) on the intestinal function and health in broilers challenged with Salmonella pullorum was investigated. 240 one -day-old Arbor Acres broilers were divided into four groups in a completely randomized design, each of which included 6 replicates with 10 birds per replicate, for 21 days. The experimental groups were as follows: control group (CON), S. pullorum challenged control group (SCC), basal diet plus S. pullorum challenged plus 0.5 % Gln (Gln 1) or1.0 % Gln (Gln 2), The results showed that S. pullorum had significantly adverse effect on ADG, ADFI and feed to gain ratio (F: G) of broilers compared with the values measured for the CON during days 5 to 7. Moreover, compared with the characteristics of CON, S. pullorum showed significantly effects on the relative weight and length of small intestine at 7 d, the activities of sucrose, maltase and lactase in the jejunum mucosa at 4 d, or 7 d, the counts of Salmonella and Lactobacillus at 4, 7 and 21d and the molar proportion of isobutyric acid at 14 d. The inclusion of Gln significantly elevated the relative weight and length of small intestine, increased intestinal sucrose, maltase and lactase activities, decreased caecal Salmonella population and molar proportion of isobutyric acid at 14 d. These results suggested that Gln might exert a favorable effect on intestinal function and health in broilers.

The effect of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida on haematological parameters and intestinal ATPases, lactase activity and histopathology studies in lactose induced diarrhea in Wistar rats

Diarrhea remains a major health burden in developing society till date. Efforts aimed at ameliorating this condition is very imminent. In this study, the antidiarrheal effect of aqueous extracts (dried and fresh forms) of M. lucida leaves was evaluated in Wistar rats. 25% lactose enriched diet was used to induce diarrhea. 25 Wistar rats of an average weight of 150g were divided equally into five groups labeled A-E. The diet was admonished for 72 h to rats in groups B-E. Fresh aqueous extract of M. lucida, dried aqueous extract of M. lucida and loperamide were then administered to groups C-E respectively for the next seven days. The animals were then sacrificed and blood collected for lactase, intestinal ATPases, and some haematological parameters were assayed using standard laboratory procedures. Histopathological examination of the small intestine was also examined. Our results showed a significant increase in the intestinal lactase activity of diarrheic rats. However, the dried extract was able to restore parity with the control. We observed a significant increase in the activities of Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase while a decrease in the activity of Ca2+ATPase in lactose induced diarrheic rats when compared with the control. The extracts of M. lucida further increased significantly the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and Mg2+-ATPase when compared with the control and the untreated group. However, no significant effect of the extracts on Ca2+ATPase was observed. On haematological parameters, we observed increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin. Treatment with fresh extract and loperamide was able to reverse this increase. Furthermore results of the differential white blood cell count revealed higher lymphocyte count in the group given dried extract of M. lucida. The extracts were able to ameliorate the aberrations observed in the architecture of the intestinal lumen.

Yogurt and dietary recommendations for lactose intolerance

Malabsorption to lactose is caused by the inability to digest sugar due to the decrease in the activity of intestinal lactase. Malabsorption may be due to a primary or secondary disorder. Adult type primary hypolactasia is an autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by the progressive loss of lactase after weaning. The secondary hypolactasia is a transitory disorder, which will be corrected after the cure of the basic pathology. For lactose malabsorption diagnosis, the hydrogen and methane exhaled tests after lactose overload stand out and, in the case of the primary adult type, the molecular test of the simple nucleotide polymorphism (SNP C / T-13910). However, the diagnosis of lactose intolerance requires the presence of symptoms after consumption. The treatment of primary adult-type hypolactasia consists in decreasing the lactose in the diet below the trigger dose. A significant percentage of individuals with malabsorption tolerate habitual amounts of consumption. Practically 99% of them tolerate yogurt or fermented dairy products, thus allowing to cover the daily recommendations of calcium and vitamin D intake. In addition, nutritional strategies that reduce the lactose load, gastric emptying time and / or intestinal transit time or increase lactic activity and colonic compensation, will allow a greater tolerance.

Bioactive Whey Protein Concentrate and Lactose Stimulate Gut Function in Formula-fed Preterm Pigs.

Formula feeding is associated with compromised intestinal health in preterm neonates compared with maternal milk, but the mechanisms behind this are unclear. We hypothesized that the use of maltodextrin and whey protein concentrates (WPCs) with reduced bioactivity owing to thermal processing are important factors. Ninety-two cesarean-delivered preterm pigs were fed increasing doses of formulas for 5 days (24-120 mL · kg · day). In experiment 1, 4 groups of pigs (n = 15-16) were fed lactose- or maltodextrin-dominant formulas (lactose/maltodextrin ratios 3:1 or 1:3, respectively), containing WPC with either high or low levels of IgG (WPC1 or WPC2, respectively). In experiment 2, 2 groups of pigs (n = 15-16) were fed lactose-dominant formulas with either a bioactive WPC (BioWPC, produced by reduced thermal-processing) or a conventional WPC (ConWPC). In experiment 1, pigs fed formula with WPC1 had higher villi, hexose absorption, and lactase activity in small intestine, relative to WPC2, but predominantly with the lactose-dominant formula (all P < 0.05). In experiment 2, the BioWPC product had higher bioactivity, as indicated by higher IgG, lactoferrin, and TGF-β2 levels, and better enterocyte proliferation in vitro. Pigs fed the BioWPC formula showed better feeding tolerance and higher intestinal villi and lactase activity (all P < 0.05). The BioWPC formula-fed pigs also had greater physical activity (P < 0.05 on day 4) and tended to show improved hexose absorption and decreased gut permeability (both P ≤ 0.09). Infant formulas containing lactose as the main carbohydrate, and WPC with reduced thermal processing, may support gut maturation and health in sensitive, preterm neonates.

Comparing the intestinal transcriptome of Meishan and Large White piglets during late fetal development reveals genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism and immunity as valuable clues of intestinal maturity

BackgroundMaturity of intestinal functions is critical for neonatal health and survival, but comprehensive description of mechanisms underlying intestinal maturation that occur during late gestation still remain poorly characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate biological processes specifically involved in intestinal maturation by comparing fetal jejunal transcriptomes of two representative porcine breeds (Large White, LW; Meishan, MS) with contrasting neonatal vitality and maturity, at two key time points during late gestation (gestational days 90 and 110). MS and LW sows inseminated with mixed semen (from breed LW and MS) gave birth to both purebred and crossbred fetuses. We hypothesized that part of the differences in neonatal maturity between the two breeds results from distinct developmental profiles of the fetal intestine during late gestation. Reciprocal crossed fetuses were used to analyze the effect of parental genome. Transcriptomic data and 23 phenotypic variables known to be associated with maturity trait were integrated using multivariate analysis with expectation of identifying relevant genes-phenotypic variable relationships involved in intestinal maturation.ResultsA moderate maternal genotype effect, but no paternal genotype effect, was observed on offspring intestinal maturation. Four hundred and four differentially expressed probes, corresponding to 274 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), more specifically involved in the maturation process were further studied. In day 110-MS fetuses, Ingenuity® functional enrichment analysis revealed that 46% of DEGs were involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, cell proliferation, vasculogenesis and hormone synthesis compared to day 90-MS fetuses. Expression of genes involved in immune pathways including phagocytosis, inflammation and defense processes was changed in day 110-LW compared to day 90-LW fetuses (corresponding to 13% of DEGs). The transcriptional regulator PPARGC1A was predicted to be an important regulator of differentially expressed genes in MS. Fetal blood fructose level, intestinal lactase activity and villous height were the best predicted phenotypic variables with probes mostly involved in lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and cellular movement biological pathways.ConclusionsCollectively, our findings indicate that the neonatal maturity of pig intestine may rely on functional development of glucose and lipid metabolisms, immune phagocyte differentiation and inflammatory pathways. This process may partially be governed by PPARGC1A.

Effect of Oral Insulin on the Development of Small Intestine Carbohydrate Hydrolysis and Absorption in Suckling Rats

The study is conducted to reveal the effect of oral insulin on the development of carbohydrate hydrolysis and transport in the small intestine in suckling rats. Oral insulin administration (5 U/kg/day) from the 1st to the 21st day of postnatal life resulted in induction of the carbohydrate assimilation in the small intestine of growing rats. Oral insulin increased intestinal maltase, sucrase and lactase activity as well as absorption of free and hydrolysis-dependent glucose from maltose in the small intestine of suckling rats. The effect was age-dependent and was clearly expressed during the second half of the milk nutrition period. After weaning oral insulin effect on the intestinal carbohydrate digestion and absorption was absent. These data show oral insulin keeps its biological activity in the intestinal cavity and they suggest involvement of milk insulin in the hydrolysis and absorption of carbohydrates in the small intestine.

Objawy hipolaktazji występujące wśród dzieci, młodzieży i studentów szkół szczecińskich

IntroductionAdult-type hypolactasia is a physiological and genetically conditioned process, which is manifested by a regular decrease of the intestinal lactase activity from childhood to adulthood. It results in an incomplete digestion process in the small intestine, which can lead to intestinal disorders, and is diagnosed as lactose intolerance (LI). ObjectivesThe purpose of the study is to determine the type, frequency, and time of intestinal symptoms in patients with hypolactasia. Material and methodsThe study covered 200 patients aged 10–23 years, who were divided into the following three age groups: 10–14 years old (36 children), 15–19 years old (77 teenagers), and 20–23 years old (87 university students). The protocol included a hydrogen breath test (HBT) with lactose and the monitoring of patient's complaints during the test. ResultsIn the group of 48 patients with hypolactasia, in 31 (65%) patients, some intestinal problems were reported, and they comprised 47% of teenagers and 85% of university students. Symptoms were most frequently observed in the 60th and 90th minute after lactose had been administered, mainly in the form of abdominal pain and flatulence (19% and 16%, respectively) and – less frequently – as nausea and loose stools (4% and 2%). ConclusionsIn patients with hypolactasia, the administration of the aqueous lactase solution leads to adverse reactions – abdominal pain and/or flatulence rather than nausea and loose stools. The proportion of people with hypolactasia in whom the symptoms of lactose intolerance manifest themselves is growing as the patients grow older. Symptoms were diagnosed among half of the teenager population and in the majority of university students.

Development of a new method for d-xylose detection and quantification in urine, based on the use of recombinant xylose dehydrogenase from Caulobacter crescentus

The gene xylB from Caulobacter crescentus has been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli providing a high yield of xylose dehydrogenase (XylB) production and excellent purity (97%). Purified recombinant XylB showed an absolute dependence on the cofactor NAD+ and a strong preference for d-xylose against other assayed mono and disaccharides. Additionally, XylB showed strong stability when stored as freeze-dried powder at least 250days both at 4°C and room temperature. In addition, more than 80% of the initial activity of rehydrated freeze-dried enzyme remained after 150days of incubation at 4°C. Based on these characteristics, the capability of XylB in d-xylose detection and quantification was studied. The linearity of the method was maintained up to concentrations of d-xylose of 10mg/dL and the calculated limits of detection (LoD) and quantification (LoQ) of xylose in buffer were 0.568mg/dL and 1.89mg/dL respectively. Thus, enzymatic detection was found to be an excellent method for quantification of d-xylose in both buffer and urine samples. This method can easily be incorporated in a new test for the diagnosis of hypolactasia through the measurement of intestinal lactase activity.

CZĘSTOŚĆ I OBRAZ KLINICZNY HYPOLAKTAZJI U DZIECI, MŁODZIEŻY I STUDENTÓW ZE SZCZECINA

Adult type hypolactasia is the most common non allergic abnormal reaction to food. Its frequency increases with age. Hypolactasia creates the risk of decreased milk consumption, which could be the cause of lowered bone density, osteoporosis and fractures. The aim of the research was to estimate the frequency of hypolactasia among Szczecin's citizens. 200 randomly chosen people aged between 10-23, divided into three groups: 10-14 years old (36 children), 15-19 years old (77 adolescents) as well as 20-23 (87 students) were examined. The study protocol included the completion of a questionnaire, a breath hydrogen test, as well as the evaluation of the occurrence of intestinal ailments during the test. Hypolactasia was diagnosed in 48 (24%) subjects, regardless of sex, including 11% of the children, 22% of the adolescents, and 31% of the students (p = 0.055). Lactose intolerance was observed in 65% of the subjects with hypolactasia, including over 47% of the adolescents and 85% of the students. During BHT, hydrogen concentration in the expired air was the highest in the group of students and the lowest in the children, indicating an age-dependent decline in intestinal lactase activity among people with hypolactasia, which explains the increasing proportions of subjects with lactose intolerance increasing with age.

Effect of Polysaccharides from Acanthopanax senticosus on Intestinal Mucosal Barrier of Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide Challenged Mice.

To investigate the role of polysaccharide from Acanthopanax senticosus (ASPS) in preventing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal injury, 18 mice (at 5 wk of age) were assigned to three groups with 6 replicates of one mouse each. Mice were administrated by oral gavage with or without ASPS (300 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days and were injected with saline or LPS at 15 days. Intestinal samples were collected at 4 h post-challenge. The results showed that ASPS ameliorated LPS-induced deterioration of digestive ability of LPS-challenged mice, indicated by an increase in intestinal lactase activity (45%, p<0.05), and the intestinal morphology, as proved by improved villus height (20.84%, p<0.05) and villus height:crypt depth ratio (42%, p<0.05), and lower crypt depth in jejunum (15.55%, p<0.05), as well as enhanced intestinal tight junction proteins expression involving occludin-1 (71.43%, p<0.05). ASPS also prevented intestinal inflammation response, supported by decrease in intestinal inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor α (22.28%, p<0.05) and heat shock protein (HSP70) (77.42%, p<0.05). In addition, intestinal mucus layers were also improved by ASPS, as indicated by the increase in number of goblet cells (24.89%, p<0.05) and intestinal trefoil peptide (17.75%, p<0.05). Finally, ASPS facilitated mRNA expression of epidermal growth factor (100%, p<0.05) and its receptor (200%, p<0.05) gene. These results indicate that ASPS can prevent intestinal mucosal barrier injury under inflammatory conditions, which may be associated with up-regulating gene mRNA expression of epidermal growth factor and its receptor.