Mesenteric Nodes Research Articles

CCR2-dependent CX3CR1+ colonic macrophages promote Enterococcus faecalis dissemination.

Enterococci are common commensal bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal tracts of most mammals, including humans. Importantly, these bacteria are one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections. This study examined the role of colonic macrophages in facilitating Enterococcus faecalis infections in mice. We determined that depletion of colonic phagocytes resulted in the reduction of E. faecalis dissemination to the gut-draining mesenteric lymph nodes. Furthermore, we established that trafficking of monocyte-derived CX3CR1-expressing macrophages contributed to E. faecalis dissemination in a manner that was not reliant on CCR7, the conventional receptor involved in lymphatic migration. Finally, we showed that E. faecalis mutants with impaired intracellular survival exhibited reduced dissemination, suggesting that E. faecalis can exploit host immune cell migration to disseminate systemically and cause disease. Our findings indicate that modulation of macrophage trafficking in the context of antibiotic therapy could serve as a novel approach for preventing or treating opportunistic infections by disseminating enteric pathobionts like E. faecalis.

Dimethyl fumarate modulates the regulatory T cell response in the mesenteric lymph nodes of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF, Tecfidera) is an oral drug utilized to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). DMF treatment reduces disease activity in MS. Gastrointestinal discomfort is a common adverse effect of the treatment with DMF. This study aimed to investigate the effect of DMF administration in the gut draining lymph nodes cells of C57BL6/J female mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. We have demonstrated that the treatment with DMF (7.5 mg/kg) significantly reduces the severity of EAE. This reduction of the severity is accompanied by the increase of both proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms at the beginning of the treatment. As the treatment progressed, we observed an increasing number of regulatory Foxp3 negative CD4 T cells (Tr1), and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-27, as well as the reduction of PGE2 level in the mesenteric lymph nodes of mice with EAE. We provide evidence that DMF induces a gradual anti-inflammatory response in the gut draining lymph nodes, which might contribute to the reduction of both intestinal discomfort and the inflammatory response of EAE. These findings indicate that the gut is the first microenvironment of action of DMF, which may contribute to its effects of reducing disease severity in MS patients.

Antigen-level resolution of commensal-specific B cell responses can be enabled by phage display screening coupled with B cell tetramers.

Induction of commensal-specific immunity contributes to tissue homeostasis, yet the mechanisms underlying induction of commensal-specific B cells remain poorly understood in part due to a lack of tools to identify these cells. Using phage display, we identified segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) antigens targeted by serum and intestinal antibodies and generated B cell tetramers to track SFB-specific B cells in gut-associated lymphoid tissues. We revealed a compartmentalized response in SFB-specific B cell activation, with a gradient of immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG1, and IgG2b isotype production along Peyer's patches contrasted by selective production of IgG2b within mesenteric lymph nodes. V(D)J sequencing and monoclonal antibody generation identified somatic hypermutation driven affinity maturation to SFB antigens under homeostatic conditions. Combining phage display and B cell tetramers will enable investigation of the ontogeny and function of commensal-specific B cell responses in tissue immunity, inflammation, and repair.

Differences in the effects and action modes of gut commensals against dextran sulfate sodium-induced intestinal inflammation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex relapsing inflammatory disease in the gut and is driven by complicated host-gut microbiome interactions. Gut commensals have shown different functions in IBD prevention and treatment. To gain a mechanistic understanding of how different commensals affect intestinal inflammation, we compared the protective effects of six probiotics (belonging to the genera <em>Akkermansia</em>, <em>Bifidobacterium</em>, <em>Clostridium</em>, and <em>Enterococcus</em>) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice with or without gut microbiota. Anti-inflammatory properties (ratio of IL-10 and IL-12) of these strains were also evaluated in an in vitro mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) co-culture system. Results showed that four probiotics (belonging to the species <em>B. breve</em>, <em>B. bifidum</em>, and <em>E. faecalis</em>) can alleviate colitis in normal mice. The probiotic strains differed in regulating the intestinal microbiota, cytokines (IL-10, IL-1β and IFN-γ), and tight junction function (Zonulin-1 and Occludin). By constrast, <em>A. muciniphila</em> AH39 and <em>C. butyricum</em> FHuNHHMY49T1 were not protective. Interestingly, <em>B. breve</em> JSNJJNM2 with high anti-inflammatory potential in the MLN model could relieve colitis symptoms in Abx-treated mice. Meanwhile, <em>E. faecalis</em> FJSWX25M1 induced low levels of cytokines in vitro and showed no beneficial effects. Therefore, we provided insight into the clinical application of probiotics in IBD treatment.

Flow cytometric analysis of immune cell populations in the bronchial and mesenteric lymph nodes of the dromedary camel

Dromedary camel is an important livestock species with special economic value in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Given the limited data on detailed immune cell composition and cell marker expression in the dromedary camel lymph node tissue, the present study was undertaken to investigate the immune cell composition of bronchial and mesenteric lymph nodes from healthy dromedary camels using flow cytometry. In this study, we applied flow cytometry and multicolor immuno-fluorescence to phenotype the main populations of immune cells in the bronchial and mesenteric camel lymph nodes and compared them with separated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and granulocytes. We used antibodies to detect several cell surface molecules associated with camel T cells (CD4, WC1), B cells (MHCII, BAQ44A), monocytes/macrophages (CD172a, CD14, CD163), in addition to the pan-leukocyte marker CD45 and the cell adhesion molecules CD44 and CD18. Compared to blood mononuclear cells, camel lymph node cells contained a higher percentage of lymphoid cells with only a minor fraction of myeloid cells. In addition, the lower expression of CD44 and CD18 on lymph node lymphocytes compared to lymphocytes from peripheral blood indicates higher frequency of naïve lymphocytes in the lymph nodes. The frequency of CD4+ T cells, B cells and γδ T cells within camel lymph node lymphocytes compared to blood indicates a similar tissue distribution pattern of lymphocyte subsets in camel and bovine and supports previous reports on the similarity between the camel immune system and the immune system of other ruminants. Lymph node neutrophils were identified as CD45++ CD172a++, CD14+, MHCIIlow, BAQ44A+, CD44++, CD18++ cells. In conclusion, the present study is describing the employment of flow cytometric single-cell analysis and immunostaining for the analysis of the immune cell composition in the camel lymph node.

MORPHOFUNCTIONAL CHANGES IN LYMPH NODES DURING INTRALYMPHATIC IMMUNOSTIMULATION WITH VARIOUS DRUGS IN A RAT MODEL

Using an experimental rat model, we analyzed the morphofunctional state of mesenteric lymph nodes after intralymphatic administration of various immunostimulants. Material and Methods: The effect of four drugs was studied on 100 male rats: acid peptidoglycan, azoximer bromide, hexapeptide (arginyl-alpha-aspartyl-lysyl-valyl-tyrosyl-arginine) and aminodihydrophthalazinedione sodium. We studied morphometrically the average size of lymph nodes, the size of germinal centers, the density of lymph nodes, and calculated the mitotic activity index and migratory activity index. Results: All experimental groups showed changes characterized by morphological restructuring of the lymph nodes, which was accompanied by an increase in their reactivity and provided an immunostimulating effect. In a dynamic study of the condition of the lymph nodes during the intralymphatic administration of various immunomodulators, it turned out that changes occur at different times. With the introduction of APG, the greatest structural changes occurred on the day 3 of the experiment. In the case of intralymphatic administration of AB, peak changes occurred on days 7-14 from the start of administration. In the third and fourth groups, using HP and ADPS, structural restructuring of the lymph nodes occurred on days 14-30. Conclusion: When extrapolating the data obtained to the clinical plane, we can conclude that intralymphatic administration of APG can be recommended in the acute period of the disease, intralymphatic administration of AB - in the case of subacute course of the disease, whereas the use of HP and ADPS will be effective during the period of convalescence.

MORPHOFUNCTIONAL CHANGES IN LYMPH NODES DURING INTRALYMPHATIC IMMUNOSTIMULATION WITH VARIOUS DRUGS IN A RAT MODEL

Using an experimental rat model, we analyzed the morphofunctional state of mesenteric lymph nodes after intralymphatic administration of various immunostimulants. Material and Methods: The effect of four drugs was studied on 100 male rats: acid peptidoglycan, azoximer bromide, hexapeptide (arginyl-alpha-aspartyl-lysyl-valyl-tyrosyl-arginine) and aminodihydrophthalazinedione sodium. We studied morphometrically the average size of lymph nodes, the size of germinal centers, the density of lymph nodes, and calculated the mitotic activity index and migratory activity index. Results: All experimental groups showed changes characterized by morphological restructuring of the lymph nodes, which was accompanied by an increase in their reactivity and provided an immunostimulating effect. In a dynamic study of the condition of the lymph nodes during the intralymphatic administration of various immunomodulators, it turned out that changes occur at different times. With the introduction of APG, the greatest structural changes occurred on the day 3 of the experiment. In the case of intralymphatic administration of AB, peak changes occurred on days 7-14 from the start of administration. In the third and fourth groups, using HP and ADPS, structural restructuring of the lymph nodes occurred on days 14-30. Conclusion: When extrapolating the data obtained to the clinical plane, we can conclude that intralymphatic administration of APG can be recommended in the acute period of the disease, intralymphatic administration of AB - in the case of subacute course of the disease, whereas the use of HP and ADPS will be effective during the period of convalescence.

Differential Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Functional Bowel Disorder in Children Based on Ultrasonography

Differential Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Functional Bowel Disorder in Children Based on Ultrasonography

Bergapten enhances mitophagy to regulate intestinal barrier and Th17/Treg balance in mice with Crohn's disease-like colitis via PPARγ/NF-κB signaling pathway.

This study aimed to investigate whether bergapten (BG), a furanocoumarin phytohormone, holds promise for Crohn's disease (CD)-like colitis treatment and to preliminarily explore its potential mechanisms. 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzenesufonic acid (TNBS)-treated mice were applied to establish an in vivo research model, and BG was administered with different concentrations. The status of mice in each group was evaluated by disease activity index (DAI), and the severity was evaluated by pathological sections. The intestinal barrier was assessed by measuring in vivo intestinal permeability, peripheral blood intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) levels, epithelial resistance values, and tight junction protein levels. Markers were then used to assess Th17/Treg levels, mitophagy, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ/ nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. BG significantly reduced colon tissue damage in a concentration-dependent manner. DAI scores showed that the loose feces, occult blood, and weight loss of mice in the BG treatment were significantly reduced, and pathological section results revealed reduced inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis. Reduced serum FITC-dextran and I-FABP and increased levels of epithelial resistance and tight junction proteins support that the intestinal barrier was protected upon BG. The proportion of Th17 in mesenteric lymph nodes increased while Treg decreased in the model group. BG treatment effectively reduced the conversion of Treg to Th17. Additionally, BG was found to enhance mitophagy and activate the PPARγ/NF-κB signaling. BG demonstrates promising effects in ameliorating intestinal barrier damage and Th17/Treg imbalance in a murine model of CD-like colitis, while also promoting intracellular mitophagy. The PPARγ/NF-κB signaling pathway may serve as a key mediator of BG's regulatory mechanisms.

Lack of mTORC2 signalling in CD11c+ myeloid cells inhibits their migration and ameliorates experimental colitis.

The Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a key role in determining immune cells function through modulation of their metabolic status. By specific deletion of Rictor in CD11c+ myeloid cells (referred to here as CD11cRicΔ/Δ), this study investigated the role of mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) signalling in dendritic cells (DCs) function in mice. We showed that upon DSS-induced colitis, lack of mTORC2 signalling CD11c+ cells diminishes colitis score, and abrogates dendritic cell (DC) migration to the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), thereby diminishing the infiltration of T helper (Th) 17 cells in the lamina propria (LP) and subsequent inflammation. These findings corroborate with abrogation of cytoskeleton organization and decreased activation of Rac1 and Cdc42 GTPases observed in CD11c+-mTORC2-deficient cells. Meta-analysis on colonic samples from ulcerative colitis (UC) patients revealed increased gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines which coincided with augmented expression of mTOR pathway, positive correlation between the DC marker ITGAX and IL-6, the expression of RICTOR, and CDC42. Together, this work proposes that targeting mTORC2 on DCs offers a key to hamper inflammatory responses and this way, ameliorates the progression and severity of intestinal inflammatory diseases.

Mycobacterium genavense granulomatous typhlocolitis in a horse.

A 23-y-old gelding was presented to a veterinary teaching hospital with a history of chronic, refractory diarrhea. Clinically, the horse was in poor body condition, with a thickened and corrugated large intestine identified by transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography. At postmortem examination following euthanasia, the large colon and cecum had segmental thickening of the intestinal wall with innumerable mucosal ulcers and prominent polypoid mucosal masses. Many mesenteric and hepatic lymph nodes were enlarged. Histology revealed granulomatous and ulcerative typhlocolitis and granulomatous lymphadenitis with myriad acid-fast, variably gram-positive, intrahistiocytic bacilli that stained by immunohistochemistry for mycobacteria. Molecular testing by PCR and sequencing identified the causative agent as Mycobacterium genavense, which is an unusual presentation of infection in a horse.

Beneficial Effects of Dietary Fiber in Young Barley Leaf on Gut Microbiota and Immunity in Mice.

The health benefits of young barley leaves, rich in dietary fiber, have been studied for several decades; however, their beneficial effects on the intestinal microenvironment remain to be elucidated. To investigate the effects of young barley leaf-derived dietary fiber (YB) on the gut microbiota and immunity, mice were fed an AIN-93G diet containing cellulose or YB and subjected to subsequent analysis. The population of MHC-II-positive conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) and CD86 expression in the cDCs of Peyer's patches were elevated in the YB-fed mice. MHC-II and CD86 expression was also elevated in the bone marrow-derived DCs treated with YB. 16S-based metagenomic analysis revealed that the gut microbiota composition was markedly altered by YB feeding. Among the gut microbiota, Lachnospiraceae, mainly comprising butyrate-producing NK4A136 spp., were overrepresented in the YB-fed mice. In fact, fecal butyrate concentration was also augmented in the YB-fed mice, which coincided with increased retinaldehyde dehydrogenase (RALDH) activity in the CD103+ cDCs of the mesenteric lymph nodes. Consistent with elevated RALDH activity, the population of colonic IgA+ plasma cells was higher in the YB-fed mice than in the parental control mice. In conclusion, YB has beneficial effects on the gut microbiota and intestinal immune system.

Transglutaminase-Cross-Linked Tofu Suppressed Soybean-Induced Allergic Reactions by Enhancing Intestinal Mucosa Immune Tolerance.

Currently, food allergies are closely related to intestinal health, and ensuring the integrity and health of intestinal mucosa could reduce the incidence of food allergies. In this study, a soybean-allergic mouse model was used to explore the mechanism of intestinal mucosa immune response induced by enzyme-cross-linked tofu. The effects of enzyme-cross-linked tofu on intestinal mucosal immunity in mice were determined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and flow cytometry. Our results reveled that the MTG-cross-linked tofu reduced the reactivity of the intestinal mucosal immune system, which mainly manifested as a decrease in the dendritic cell (DC) levels of mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), increasing the Th1 cells and Tregs in Peyer's patch (PP) nodes and MLNs, and inhibiting the Th2 cells. Compared with soy protein, enzyme-cross-linked tofu had less damage to the small intestinal tract of mice. Therefore, the above-mentioned results fully revealed that the enzyme-cross-linked tofu promoted the transformation of intestinal mucosal immune cells, shifted the Th1/Th2 balance toward Th1, and reduced its sensitization effect.

Inhibitory Effect of Lactococcus and Enterococcus faecalis on Citrobacter Colitis in Mice.

Probiotics are beneficial for intestinal diseases. Research shows that probiotics can regulate intestinal microbiota and alleviate inflammation. Little research has been done on the effects of probiotics on colitis in mice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of the strains isolated and screened from the feces of healthy piglets on the enteritis of rocitrobacter. The compound ratio of isolated Lactobacillus L9 and Enterococcus faecalis L16 was determined, and the optimal compound ratio was selected according to acid production tests and bacteriostatic tests in vitro. The results showed that when the ratio of Lactobacillus L9 to Enterococcus faecalis L16 was 4:1, the pH value was the lowest, and the antibacterial diameter was the largest. Then, in animal experiments, flow cytometry was used to detect the number of T lymphocytes in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes of mice immunized with complex lactic acid bacteria. The results showed that the number of T lymphocytes in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes of mice immunized with complex lactic acid bacteria significantly increased, which could improve the cellular immunity of mice. The microbiota in mouse feces were sequenced and analyzed, and the results showed that compound lactic acid bacteria could increase the diversity of mouse microbiota. It stabilized the intestinal microbiota structure of mice and resisted the damage of pathogenic bacteria. The combination of lactic acid bacteria was determined to inhibit the intestinal colitis induced by Citrobacter, improve the cellular immune response of the body, and promote the growth of animals.

Crohn's disease treatment and memory T-cell subset changes: insights from a case series.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with significant morbidity, affecting millions worldwide. The intricacies of immune responses in CD, especially post-treatment, remain a vital area of exploration. While memory T (Tm)-cell subsets play a pivotal role in adaptive immunity, their specific function in patients with CD after treatment is not well-understood. This study aims to investigate the effect and function of Tm-cell subsets in these patients, addressing a crucial knowledge gap in the context of CD therapeutics. A total of eight patients diagnosed with CD were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. All patients were treated with either anti-inflammatory agents, immunosuppressive drugs, or a combination of both. For comparison, healthy donors were enrolled based on exclusion of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and lymphocytes were isolated from blood and lymph node tissue respectively. The phenotype and cytokine production of T lymphocytes from both CD patients and healthy donors were analyzed using flow cytometry. Statistical comparisons of the outcomes between CD patients and healthy donors were made using Mann-Whitney test (two-tailed) and Student t-test. Post-treatment CD patients exhibited an altered T cell distribution with a notable increase in CD8+ T cells in PBMCs (P=0.0005), and altered frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs). Tm cells showed decreased interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production, with significant alterations in the frequency of IFN-γ-producing CD8+ stem cell-like Tm (Tscm) cells in lesions of the MLNs from patients with CD (CD-M-Lys) compared to healthy MLNs from patients with CD (N-M-Lys) (P=0.0152). Differences in tissue-resident Tm (Trm)-cell subset frequencies were observed between the MLNs and small intestinal mucosa in CD patients. The treatments with anti-inflammatory agents and/or immunosuppressive drugs have a significant effect on the frequency and function of Tm-cell subsets. Clinically, these findings suggest a potential therapeutic avenue in modulating Tm-cell responses, which might be particularly beneficial for conditions where immune response modulation is crucial. Further clinical studies are warranted to explore the full therapeutic implications of these findings.

Patterns And Outcomes In Pediatric Abdominal Tuberculosis: A Single Centre Cohort Study

IntroductionAbdominal tuberculosis presents in a variety of ways. Different testing modalities must be applied in addition to having a high clinical suspicion to diagnose and initiate therapy. Medications have a good response; however, morbidity has been seen following surgical management of complicated presentations like intestinal obstruction and perforation. There is a paucity of studies in the pediatric age group which evaluate response to the different treatment regimen and identify factors associated with poorer outcomes in children with abdominal tuberculosis. MethodsPatient records of 75 children with abdominal tuberculosis at a single center were evaluated using a questionnaire, covering a 14-year period from 2007 to 2021. Demographic features, presenting signs and symptoms, investigations and treatment details were studied. In- person or telephonic follow-up was conducted to identify treatment outcomes. ResultsIncidence of abdominal TB was 7%, of all TB children with a mean age of 10.1 years. Mesenteric lymph nodes were involved in 67% and small intestine in 33% cases. Surgery was required in 22 children. 85% children completed treatment. Small intestine involvement had higher probability of undergoing surgery. Of the 70 children with complete follow up, 64 were well and 6 children succumbed to the disease. Older age, small intestine involvement and surgery were independently associated with higher mortality. ConclusionIntestinal involvement is associated with greater need for surgical intervention and greater mortality. Adolescents have poorer outcomes. Further studies are required focusing on these individual subgroups to understand the patterns of presentation, causes for mortality and prevention. Level Of EvidenceLevel 5

Safety and efficacy of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging-guided laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy for left-sided colorectal cancer:A preliminary case-matched study

This study is aimed to explore the safety and feasibility of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging guidance in laparoscopic para-aortic lymph node (PALN) dissection for left-sided colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with clinically suspected PALN metastasis. A total of 151 patients who underwent primary tumor resection and laparoscopic PALN dissection for left-sided CRC were included, with 20 patients in the ICG group and 131 patients in the non-ICG group. The surgical outcomes, postoperative complications, and pathological results, such as the number of harvested and metastatic lymph nodes were compared between groups after propensity score matching. Following propensity score matching, the ICG group had 20 patients, and the non-ICG group had 53 patients, and the two groups were similar in baseline characteristics. No significant differences were observed in overall intraoperative and postoperative complications between groups, except for chylous leakage, where the ICG group had a longer time to a normal diet. The number of harvested pericolic/perirectal and intermediate lymph nodes were comparable between the two groups, while the ICG group had a significantly higher number of total harvested lymph nodes (39 [14-78] vs. 29 [11-70], P=0.001), inferior mesenteric artery lymph nodes (IMALN, 6 [0-17] vs. 3 [0-11], P=0.006), and PALNs (9 [3-29] vs. 5 [1-37], P=0.001). ICG fluorescence imaging could increase the retrieval of IMALN, PALN, and total lymph nodes, and potentially improve the completeness of laparoscopic PALN dissection in patients with left-sided CRC.

Tolerogenic dendritic cell-mediated regulatory T cell differentiation by Chinese herbal formulation attenuates colitis progression

IntroductionUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by loss of immune tolerance to luminal antigens and progressive intestinal tissue injury. Thus, the re-establishment of immune tolerance is crucial for suppressing aberrant immune responses and UC progression. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the action of CDD-2103 and its bioactive compounds in mediating immune regulation in mouse models of colitis. MethodsTwo experimental colitis models, chronic 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)- and T-cell transfer-induced Rag1-/- mice, were used to determine the effects of CDD-2103 on colitis progression. Single-cell transcriptome analysis was used to profile the immune landscape and its interactions after CDD-2103 treatment. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to analyze the major components interacting with lymphoid cells. A primary cell co-culture system was used to confirm the effects of bioactive component. ResultsCDD-2103 dose-dependently suppresses the progression of colitis induced by chemicals or T cell transplantation in Rag1-/- mice. The effect of CDD-2103 is primarily attributable to an increase in the de novo generation of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the lamina propria (LP). Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that CDD-2103 treatment increased the number of tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs). Mechanistically, CDD-2103 promoted tolerogenic DCs accumulation and function by upregulating several genes in the electron transport chain related to oxidative phosphorylation, leading to increased differentiation of Tregs. Further LC-MS analysis identified several compounds in CDD-2103, particularly those distributed within the mesenteric lymph nodes of mice. Subsequent studies revealed that palmatine and berberine promoted tolerogenic bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC)-mediated Treg differentiation. ConclusionOverall, our study demonstrated that the clinically beneficial effect of CDD-2103 in the treatment of UC is based on the induction of immune tolerance. In addition, this study supports berberine and palmatine as potential chemical entities in CDD-2103 that modulate immune tolerance.

Plant- and Animal-Derived Dietary Sources of Phosphatidylcholine Have Differential Effects on Immune Function in The Context of A High-Fat Diet in Male Wistar Rats

BackgroundPhosphatidylcholine (PC) derived from eggs has been shown to beneficially modulate T cell response and intestinal permeability under the context of a high-fat diet. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine whether there is a differential effect of plant and animal-derived sources of PC on immune function. MethodsFour-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to consume 1 of 4 diets (n = 10/group) for 12 wk, all containing 1.5 g of total choline/kg of diet but differing in choline forms: 1—Control Low-Fat [CLF, 20% fat, 100% free choline (FC)]; 2—Control High-Fat (CHF, 50% fat, 100% FC); 3—High-Fat Egg-derived PC (EPC, 50% fat, 100% Egg-PC); 4—High-Fat Soy-derived PC (SPC, 50% fat, 100% Soy-PC). Immune cell functions and phenotypes were measured in splenocytes by ex vivo cytokine production after mitogen stimulation and flow cytometry, respectively. ResultsThe SPC diet increased splenocyte IL-2 production after PMA+I stimulation compared with the CHF diet. However, the SPC group had a lower proportion of splenocytes expressing the IL-2 receptor (CD25+, P < 0.05). After PMA+I stimulation, feeding EPC normalized splenocyte production of IL-10 relative to the CLF diet, whereas SPC did not (P < 0.05). In mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes, the SPC diet group produced more IL-2 and TNF-α after PMA+I stimulation than the CHF diet, whereas the EPC diet group did not. ConclusionsOur results suggest that both egg- and soy-derived PC may attenuate high-fat diet-induced T cell dysfunction. However, egg-PC enhances, to a greater extent, IL-10, a cytokine involved in promoting the resolution phase of inflammation, whereas soy-PC appears to elicit a greater effect on gut-associated immune responses.

CT and MR Enterography in the Evaluation of Celiac Disease.

Celiac disease is a common inflammatory disease of the small bowel that induces mucosal intestinal lesions. The disease is mediated by an immune response and triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Gluten contains gliadin, a component found mostly in wheat, barley, and rye. This process leads to gastrointestinal malabsorption with symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and distention. It has a prevalence of 1%-2% in the general adult population, who present with symptoms at any age, but is more frequently found in adult women in the 3rd or 4th decade of life. Recognition of the disease has increased, but it remains a challenge to diagnose. CT and MR enterography are noninvasive studies used for evaluation of small bowel neoplasms and inflammatory small bowel pathologic conditions such as celiac disease. The authors review the spectrum of intestinal and extraintestinal findings of celiac disease at CT and MR enterography, as well as its complications, and the importance of recognizing certain imaging features that help in the diagnosis of celiac disease. More common and specific findings of celiac disease such as inversion of the jejunoileal fold pattern and mesenteric lymphadenopathy are reviewed. More uncommon entities that are more frequently associated with refractory or untreated celiac disease, such as ulcerative jejunoileitis, cavitary mesenteric lymph node syndrome, and malignancies including small bowel adenocarcinoma and lymphoma, are described. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material. The slide presentation from the RSNA Annual Meeting is available for this article.