Mucin Content Research Articles

Mucus Structure, Viscoelastic Properties, and Composition in Chronic Respiratory Diseases.

The respiratory mucus, a viscoelastic gel, effectuates a primary line of the airway defense when operated by the mucociliary clearance. In chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis (CF), the mucus is overproduced and its solid content augments, changing its structure and viscoelastic properties and determining a derangement of essential defense mechanisms against opportunistic microbial (virus and bacteria) pathogens. This ensues in damaging of the airways, leading to a vicious cycle of obstruction and infection responsible for the harsh clinical evolution of these CRDs. Here, we review the essential features of normal and pathological mucus (i.e., sputum in CF, COPD, and asthma), i.e., mucin content, structure (mesh size), micro/macro-rheology, pH, and osmotic pressure, ending with the awareness that sputum biomarkers (mucins, inflammatory proteins and peptides, and metabolites) might serve to indicate acute exacerbation and response to therapies. There are some indications that old and novel treatments may change the structure, viscoelastic properties, and biomarker content of sputum; however, a wealth of work is still needed to embrace these measures as correlates of disease severity in association with (or even as substitutes of) pulmonary functional tests.

Preparation and structure characterization of a natural acetylated fructooligosaccharide from Polygonatum sibiricum and its alleviative effect on colitis by inhibiting NLRP3 pathway

This study aimed to isolate oligosaccharides from P. sibiricum, analyze its structure, and elucidate the pharmacological mechanism for colitis improvement. First, a homogeneous oligosaccharide PSO-A was isolated and its structure was characterized. Then, the colitis model was induced with 3 % dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and intervened with PSO-A. The results show that PSO-A was an agavin-type acetylated fructooligosaccharide with a molecular weight of 2.12 kDa. PSO-A consisted of (2 → 6)-β-D-Fruf residue backbone with an internal α-D-Glcp residue and (2 → 1)-β-D-Fruf residue side chains. Further, PSO-A increased mucin content, protected intestinal barrier integrity of colitis mice, and significantly inhibited the levels of inflammatory factors. Moreover, the protein expressions of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1 in colitis mice was statistically inhibited by PSO-A. In summary, PSO-A could alleviate colitis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, which provides a basis for the development and application of P. sibiricum oligosaccharides as drug or functional food to relieve colitis.

Extraction of Mucin from Rodent Feces and Determination of O-Linked Oligosaccharide Chain Equivalent Derived from Fecal Mucin.

Since the core protein of mucin in the digesta of the stomach and small intestine, which is less affected by bacteria, remains intact, mucin content can be measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, the mucin core protein in bacteria-rich colon digesta and feces is partially hydrolyzed by bacterial enzymes and not fully recognized by mucin antibodies, so mucin cannot be accurately quantified by ELISA. This method quantifies the glycan content linked to the mucin core protein and expresses mucin content in the colon digesta and feces as the equivalent of O-linked oligosaccharide chain. Although mucin glycans are also hydrolyzed by colonic bacteria, this method is a more accurate and simple way to measure mucin content in the digesta of the large intestine and feces than the ELISA method.

Extraction and Fractionation of Human Gastric Mucins from Gastric Juice.

Mucin, a major component of the mucus, is considered to be one of the principal factors in the physiological defense mechanism of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Measuring the mucin content of human gastric mucus is a useful tool for the assessment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication or the involvement of mucus secretion in various gastroduodenal diseases. Here, we describe a methodology for the isolation of the mucin fraction from human gastric juice and the quantification of mucin.

Low-dose Potassium bromate enhances ischemia-reperfusion-induced gastric ulcer healing in Thyroidectomised Rats.

Gastric ulcer healing is impaired in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions. Thyroid hormones regulate growth, energy metabolism and mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. Xenobiotics have been documented to negatively impact the thyroid gland at high doses but the redox and cellular interactions at low doses during wound healing process remains unclear. Potassium bromate has been documented to be toxic at high doses but there is dearth of information on its activities at a low dose in varied thyroid states which was evaluated in this study. 60 male Wistar rats (g, n=10) were randomised into 2 conditions: Normal, ulcerated untreated, ulcerated treated with 12.5mg/kg p.o KBrO3 and thyroidectomised groups: thyroidectomised ulcerated, thyroidectomised ulcer treated with KBrO3 and thyroidectomised treated with thyroxine (100µg/kg) Total thyroidectomy was used to model hypothyroidism, and ischaemia-reperfusion-induced gastric ulcers were monitored for healing. Daily body weights, Levels of thyroxine, Gastric mucin content, redox and sodium pump activity were examined alongside other markers of hepatic and haematological toxicity by days 3 and 7 post ulceration. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA α 0.05. The bromate-exposed hypothyroid rats showed increased gastric ulcer healing potential with reduced gastric epithelial oedema and inflammation; hepatic steatosis, and periportal inflammation. Haematological variables and markers of hepatic functions were normal. There were reduced levels of gastric and hepatic malondialdehyde levels. Thyroxine and potassium bromate treatment resolved the redox and cellular toxicity possibly via increasing catalase and sulfhydryl levels and increased Na+ K+ pump activity. We conclude that potassium bromate enhanced gastric ulcer healing in hypothyroid state, similar to thyroxine treatment.

Modulating the gut microbiota is involved in the effect of low-molecular-weight Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide on immune function

ABSTRACT Low molecular weight (6.5 kDa) Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide (GP) exhibits good immunomodulatory activity, however, the mechanism underlying GP-mediated regulation of immunity and gut microbiota remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to reveal the mechanisms underlying GP-mediated regulation of immunity and gut microbiota using cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed and intestinal mucosal injury models. GP reversed CTX-induced intestinal structural damage and increased the number of goblet cells, CD4+, CD8+ T lymphocytes, and mucin content, particularly by maintaining the balance of helper T lymphocyte 1/helper T lymphocyte 2 (Th1/Th2). Moreover, GP alleviated immunosuppression by down-regulating extracellular regulated protein kinases/p38/nuclear factor kappa-Bp50 pathways and increasing short-chain fatty acids level and secretion of cytokines, including interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-2, IL-10, IL-22, and transforming growth factor-β3 and immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG and secretory immunoglobulin A. GP treatment increased the total species and diversity of the gut microbiota. Microbiota analysis showed that GP promoted the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, including Muribaculaceae_unclassified, Alistipes, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ligilactobacillus, and Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, and reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria and CTX-derived bacteria (Clostridiales_unclassified, Candidatus_Arthromitus, Firmicutes_unclassified, and Clostridium). The studies of fecal microbiota transplantation and the pseudo-aseptic model conformed that the gut microbiota is crucial in GP-mediated immunity regulation. GP shows great potential as an immune enhancer and a natural medicine for treating intestinal inflammatory diseases.

P14-05: Measuring mucin content and the ratio of goblet cells in three-dimensional cultures of normal human bronchial epithelial cells by confocal microscopy

P14-05: Measuring mucin content and the ratio of goblet cells in three-dimensional cultures of normal human bronchial epithelial cells by confocal microscopy

Influence of Microplastics on Morphological Manifestations of Experimental Acute Colitis.

Microplastic pollution poses a threat to human health. It is possible that the increase in the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease is associated with exposure to microplastics. We investigated the effect of the consumption of polystyrene microparticles with a diameter of 5 μm at a dose of 2.3 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks on morphological changes in the colons of healthy male C57BL/6 mice and of mice with acute colitis induced by a 1% dextran sulfate sodium solution (DSS). In healthy mice, microplastics caused an increase in the number of endocrine cells, an increase in the content of highly sulfated mucins in goblet cells, an increase in the number of cells in the lamina propria, and a decrease in the volume fraction of macrophages. Microplastic consumption caused more severe acute colitis, which is characterized by a greater prevalence of ulcers and inflammation and a decrease in the content of neutral mucins in goblet cells.

Investigating the Protective Effect of Leaves of Calotropis procera (Aiton) for In-vivo Anti-oxidant and Antiulcer Activity using Pylorus Ligation Method

Background: Calotropis procera (Aiton) (Apocynaceae) is a traditional Indian medicinal plant and used in folk medicine for the past decade for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore the current investigation was undertaken to explore the gastroprotective effect of C. procera (Aiton) leaves extract using pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Methods: The crude powder material was successively extracted with different solvents and concentrated at reduced pressure in a rotary evaporator. The current investigation was carried out by a pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Omeprazole, 20 mg/kg and 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg ethanol extract of C. procera (Aiton) leaves were administered orally for 15 consecutive days, on the last day six hours after pylorus ligation animals were sacrificed and the amount of gastric juice, pH, total and free acidity, ulcer index, and pro-inflammatory cytokines along with antioxidant parameters and total protein were also studied. Results: Pretreatment of C. procera (Aiton) leaf extract at the doses 250 and 500 mg/kg, significantly (p < 0.001) decrease the volume of gastric juice, free and total acidity as well as gastric lesions, and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine. On the other hand, the pH of gastric juice, mucin content, and total protein was also significantly decreased. Moreover, pretreatment of C. procera (Aiton) significantly (p < 0.001) boost the enzymatic activity and level of different antioxidant markers and attenuated the pylorus ligation-induced level of MDA (p < 0.05) in experimental animals. Conclusion: From this study, it is concluded that the ethanol leaf extract of C. procera (Aiton) extract possess considerable antiulcer and antioxidant potential. For further research findings, it is necessary to explore the mechanism of action for anti-ulcer activity.

In vivo and In silico evidence of the protective properties of carvacrol against experimentally-induced gastric ulcer: Implication of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms

Gastric ulcer is a serious disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Alcohol consumption is a major contributor to the disease pathogenesis and ethanol-induced ulcer in rats closely recapitulates the clinical pathology of ulcer. In this study, rats were pretreated with carvacrol (CAR,50 and 100 mg/kg, orally) 1 h before absolute ethanol administration to induce gastric ulcer. CAR prevented ethanol-induced increases in gastric volume and acidity while restored mucin content. The gastro-protective activity of CAR, particularly the higher dose (100 mg/kg), was further supported by histopathological examination, as manifested by reduced gastric lesions. Interestingly, oxidative stress is linked to early stages of ulcer development and progression. In this study, ethanol administration upregulated the levels of ROS-producing enzymes, NADPH oxidase homologs 1 and 4 (Nox1 and Nox4) and lipid peroxides while depleting the antioxidant defense mechanisms, including GSH, Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) and catalase. Interestingly, these alterations were significantly ameliorated by CAR pretreatment. Additionally, CAR possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. Pretreatment with CAR blunted ethanol-induced increases in inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB and TNF-α) and rectified the apoptosis regulator (Bax/Bcl2 ratio) in gastric tissue. Moreover, the docking simulation of CAR illustrated good fitting and interactions with GPX, Nox1 and TNF-α through the formation of hydrogen and hydrophobic (pi-H) bonds with conservative amino acids, thus, further supporting the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects underlying the gastroprotective effects of CAR. In conclusion, this study elucidates, using in silico and in vivo models, that the gastroprotective activity of CAR is attributed, at least in part, to its mucin-secretagogue, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

Altered Secretion, Constitution, and Functional Properties of the Gastrointestinal Mucus in a Rat Model of Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease.

The gastrointestinal (GI) system is affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD); however, it is currently unknown whether GI alterations arise as a consequence of central nervous system (CNS) pathology or play a causal role in the pathogenesis. GI mucus is a possible mediator of GI dyshomeostasis in neurological disorders as the CNS controls mucus production and secretion via the efferent arm of the brain-gut axis. The aim was to use a brain-first model of sporadic AD induced by intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (STZ-icv; 3 mg/kg) to dissect the efferent (i.e., brain-to-gut) effects of isolated central neuropathology on the GI mucus. Morphometric analysis of goblet cell mucigen granules revealed altered GI mucus secretion in the AD model, possibly mediated by the insensitivity of AD goblet cells to neurally evoked mucosal secretion confirmed by ex vivo cholinergic stimulation of isolated duodenal rings. The dysfunctional efferent control of the GI mucus secretion results in altered biochemical composition of the mucus associated with reduced mucin glycoprotein content, aggregation, and binding capacity in vitro. Finally, functional consequences of the reduced barrier-forming capacity of the mucin-deficient AD mucus are demonstrated using the in vitro two-compartment caffeine diffusion interference model. Isolated central AD-like neuropathology results in the loss of efferent control of GI homeostasis via the brain-gut axis and is characterized by the insensitivity to neurally evoked mucosal secretion, altered mucus constitution with reduced mucin content, and reduced barrier-forming capacity, potentially increasing the susceptibility of the STZ-icv rat model of AD to GI and systemic inflammation induced by intraluminal toxins, microorganisms, and drugs.

Spatially Resolved Proteomic and Transcriptomic Profiling of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase-Rearranged Pulmonary Adenocarcinomas Reveals Key Players in Inter- and Intratumoral Heterogeneity.

Pulmonary adenocarcinomas (pADCs) with an ALK rearrangement are a rare cancer subtype, necessitating comprehensive molecular investigations to unravel their heterogeneity and improve therapeutic strategies. In this pilot study, we employed spatial transcriptomic (NanoString GeoMx) and proteomic profiling to investigate seven treatment-naïve pADCs with an ALK rearrangement. On each FFPE tumor slide, 12 smaller and 2-6 larger histopathologically annotated regions were selected for transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, respectively. The correlation between proteomics and transcriptomics was modest (average Pearson's r = 0.43 at the gene level). Intertumoral heterogeneity was more pronounced than intratumoral heterogeneity, and normal adjacent tissue exhibited distinct molecular characteristics. We identified potential markers and dysregulated pathways associated with tumors, with a varying extent of immune infiltration, as well as with mucin and stroma content. Notably, some markers appeared to be specific to the ALK-driven subset of pADCs. Our data showed that within tumors, elements of the extracellular matrix, including FN1, exhibited substantial variability. Additionally, we mapped the co-localization patterns of tumor microenvironment elements. This study represents the first spatially resolved profiling of ALK-driven pADCs at both the gene and protein expression levels. Our findings may contribute to a better understanding of this cancer type prior to treatment with ALK inhibitors.

Mirabegron alleviates acetic acid-induced colitis in rats: Role of adiponectin and GSTM1/GSH detoxification pathway

The prevalence of the debilitating chronic disease ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing significantly. Mirabegron is a selective beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β-3 AR) agonist used to treat an overactive bladder. Previous reports have demonstrated the antidiarrheal effect of β-3AR agonists. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the potential symptomatic effects of mirabegron on an experimental colitis model. The effects of oral administration of mirabegron (10 mg/kg) for seven days on rats receiving intra-rectal acetic acid instillation on the sixth day were examined using adult male Wistar rats. Sulfasalazine was utilized as a reference medication. Gross, microscopic, and biochemical observations of the experimental colitis were performed. The quantity and mucin content of goblet cells were found to have significantly decreased in the colitis group. In the colons of rats administered mirabegron, the number of goblet cells and the optical density of its mucin content increased. Mirabegron’s ability to increase adiponectin in serum and decrease glutathione, GSTM1, and catalase in the colon may account for its protective effects. In addition, mirabegron decreased the expression of the proteins caspase-3 and NF-κB p65. It also prevented the activation of their upstream signaling receptors TLR4 and p-AKT by acetic acid administration. In conclusion, mirabegron prevented acetic acid-induced colitis in rats, possibly due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.

Gastro-protective Effect of Corn Diet against Indomethacin Induced Ulceration in Experimental Rats

Introduction: One of the most prevalent gastrointestinal ailments is gastric ulcer, which is caused by an imbalance between protective and aggressive factors. Zea mays Corn is a significant cereal crop containing natural phytochemical substances that are sources of nourishment. The methanolic extract of Corn, according to a previous study, lowers stomach acidity and inhibits the percentage of gastric ulceration with no knowledge on the mechanisms involved.
 Aim: This study investigated the underlying gastroprotective mechanisms of the Corn diet (ZD).
 Materials and Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were used, randomly grouped into 6; 1(Normal control), 2(Ulcerated control), 3, 4, 5 (prefed with ZD -55%, 65%, 75%) and 6 (cimetidine- 25mg/kg) for 28 days. Gastric ulcer was induced by oral administration of indomethacin (40mg/kg) and animals were sacrificed after 4 hours. The stomach was excised and cleaned, it was then homogenized and centrifuged for biochemical assays.
 Results: There is a significant reduction in gastric ulcer area in all treated groups. Significant increase in gastric tissue mucin content and gastric mucosal SOD, NO and PGE2 levels and significant reduction in the MDA was observed in the ZD and cimetidine group. Histological evaluation showed tubular glands closely packed and separated from each other by laminar propia, however there is mild presence of inflammatory cells within the laminar propia in the ZD groups compared to ulcerated control group that showed moderate oedema with infiltration of inflammatory cells with mild vascular congestion in the mucosa. There is significant reduction in the macroscopic gastric mucosal lesions with percentage inhibition of 90%, 92%, 90% and 92% in the ZD (55%, 65% and 75%) and cimetidine group respectively.
 Conclusion: Results obtained from this study suggests that Zm diet may have anti-ulcerogenic properties by enhancing antioxidant enzymes as well as, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 mechanisms.

Artificial intelligence and radiomics in magnetic resonance imaging of rectal cancer: a review.

Rectal cancer (RC) is one of the most common tumours worldwide in both males and females, with significant morbidity and mortality rates, and it accounts for approximately one-third of colorectal cancers (CRCs). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been demonstrated to be accurate in evaluating the tumour location and stage, mucin content, invasion depth, lymph node (LN) metastasis, extramural vascular invasion (EMVI), and involvement of the mesorectal fascia (MRF). However, these features alone remain insufficient to precisely guide treatment decisions. Therefore, new imaging biomarkers are necessary to define tumour characteristics for staging and restaging patients with RC. During the last decades, RC evaluation via MRI-based radiomics and artificial intelligence (AI) tools has been a research hotspot. The aim of this review was to summarise the achievement of MRI-based radiomics and AI for the evaluation of staging, response to therapy, genotyping, prediction of high-risk factors, and prognosis in the field of RC. Moreover, future challenges and limitations of these tools that need to be solved to favour the transition from academic research to the clinical setting will be discussed.

Mucinous Degeneration on MRI After Neoadjuvant Therapy in Patients With Rectal Adenocarcinoma: Frequency and Association With Clinical Outcomes.

BACKGROUND. Patients with nonmucinous rectal adenocarcinoma may develop mucinous changes after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, which are described as mucinous degeneration. The finding's significance in earlier studies has varied. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of mucinous degeneration on MRI after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal adenocarcinoma and to compare outcomes among patients with nonmucinous tumor, mucinous tumor, and mucinous degeneration on MRI. METHODS. This retrospective study included 201 patients (83 women, 118 men; mean age, 61.8 ± 2.2 [SD] years) with rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision from October 2011 to November 2015, underwent baseline and restaging rectal MRI examinations, and had at least 2 years of follow-up. Two radiologists independently evaluated MRI examinations for mucin content, which was defined as T2 hyperintensity in the tumor or tumor bed, and resolved differences by consensus. Patients were classified into three groups on the basis of mucin status: those with nonmucinous tumor (≤ 50% mucin content on baseline and restaging examinations), those with mucinous tumor (> 50% mucin content on baseline and restaging examinations), and those with mucinous degeneration (≤ 50% mucin content on baseline examination and > 50% content on restaging examination). The three groups were compared. RESULTS. Interreader agreement for mucin content, expressed as a kappa coefficient, was 0.893 on baseline MRI and 0.890 on restaging MRI. Of the 201 patients, 156 (77.6%) had nonmucinous tumor, 34 (16.9%) had mucinous tumor, and 11 (5.5%) had mucinous degeneration. Mucin status was not significantly associated with complete pathologic response (p = .41) or local or distant recurrence (both p > .05). The death rate during follow-up was not significantly different (p = .21) between patients with nonmucinous tumor (23.1%), those with mucinous tumor (29.4%), and those with mucinous degeneration (9.1%). In adjusted Cox regression analysis, with mucinous degeneration used as reference, the HR for the overall survival rate for the mucinous tumor group was 4.7 (95% CI, 0.6-38.3; p = .14), and that for the nonmucinous tumor group was 8.0 (95% CI, 0.9-59.9; p = .06). On histopathologic assessment, all 11 patients with mucinous degeneration showed acellular mucin, yet 10 of 11 patients showed viable tumor (i.e., in nonmucinous portions of the tumors). CONCLUSION. Mucinous degeneration on MRI is not significantly associated with pathologic complete response, recurrence, or survival. CLINICAL IMPACT. Mucinous degeneration on MRI is uncommon and should not be deemed an indicator of pathologic complete response.

Vitamin E ameliorates oxidative stress in the stomach of l-arginine induced acute pancreatitis rat model

Gut dysfunction is a major outcome during acute pancreatitis (AP). Some studies have reported a positive association between acute pancreatitis and peptic ulcer. The major cause of peptic ulcer is due to ischaemia reperfusion leading to oxidative stress. This study assessed the oxidative status of the stomach during AP and the role of vitamin (Vit.) E administration. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 4 groups; Control, Vit. E (500 mg/kg) only, AP and Vit. E + AP. Acute pancreatitis was induced by administering four doses of l-arginine (100 mg/100 g) intraperitoneally at 1-hour interval. The rats were sacrificed 72 hours later and stomach obtained for mucin content and biochemical assays (MDA, MPO, NO, CAT, GST, and GSH). Mucin content was depleted following AP induction while, vit. E significantly increase mucin content. AP resulted in significant reduction of antioxidant enzymes (GSH and GST) and increase in oxidative stress markers (MDA, MPO and NO). Vitamin E reverse these changes. In conclusion, the oxidative status of the stomach was greatly altered following AP induction with an increase in oxidative stress markers and decrease in antioxidants. Vitamin E was able to protect the stomach from the damaging effect of acute pancreatitis.

Investigation Into Antioxidant and Antinuclear Effect and Mechanism of Sesamum Indicum Leaves in a Rodent Model

Objective: An ethanolic extract of Sesamum indicum Linn was used to test for phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, and gastroprotective effects. Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study Place of Study: Rashid Latif Medical College Lahore. Duration of Study: July 2021 to March 2022 Materials and methods: This study ulcerated Wister albino rats using pylorus ligation and indomethacin-induced ulcer screening. Ulceration required pylorus ligation. These ulcer screening models were used. An ethanolic S. indicum leaves (EESIL) at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg (orally for 7 days) was compared against omeprazole, a common ulcer medication. The trial lasted seven days. Throughout the course of the experiment, readings were taken for the following variables: stomach content; pH; total acidity; pepsin activity ulcer score; free acidity; ulcer index (UI); percentage of inhibition of ulcers; mean mucin, pepsin, and total protein content; and ulcer index (UI). Results: In comparison to the control group, the pylorus ligation model resulted in a decrease in pepsin activity, free acidity, pepsin content, ulcer score, total protein content, and % ulcer inhibition. Moreover, the overall acidity level was lower (P< 0.05 and P< 0.01). EESIL-tested groups had higher mean mucin and stomach content pH (P 0.05 and P 0.01). Both findings are statistically significant. EESIL dosages (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg ) had dose-dependent gastroprotective effects. Compared to the control group, stomach metrics like UI and ulcer score dropped significantly (P< 0.05 and P<0.01), gastric pH increased, and ulcer percentage inhibition increased. Increased ulcer inhibition percentage. Moreover, stomach pH increased and ulcer percentage decreased. Conclusion: Antioxidant, anti-ulcer, EESIL, and EESIL compounds have antioxidant action depending on concentration. Antioxidant is connected. The study found that the EESIL's increased defensive and decreased offensive components increased its antiulcer potential. This was due to the study's revisions. The research's offensive and defensive design caused this. Keywords: Antioxidant, anti-ulcer, ethanolic extract of sesamum indicum leaves, indomethacin, pylorus ligation, ulcer index

Umbelliferone potentiates intestinal protective effect of Lactobacillus Acidophilus against methotrexate-induced intestinal injury: Biochemical and histological study

Intestinal injury is a common adverse effect of methotrexate (MTX) therapy, limiting its clinical use. Despite oxidative stress and inflammation being the most embedded mechanism of injury, pharmacological agents that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impacts could prevent such toxicities. This study aimed to assess the enteroprotective effect of lactobacillus acidophilus (LB) and/or umbelliferone (UMB) against MTX-induced intestinal injury. Histologically, pretreatment with LB, UMB, or their combinations preserve the intestinal histological structure and mucin content with superior effect in combination therapy. In addition, oral pretreatment with UMB, LB, or their combinations significantly restored oxidant/antioxidant status, as evidenced by the upregulation of Nrf2, SOD3, HO-1, GSH, and GST levels concurrent with a decline in MDA contents. Besides, they suppressed the inflammatory burden by inhibiting STAT3, MPO, TLR4, NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels. Moreover, LB, UMB, or their combinations significantly upregulated Wnt and β-catenin expression. Notably, pretreatment with the combination therapy is superior to monotherapy in protecting rats' small intestines from MTX-induced enteritis. In conclusion, combined pretreatment with LB and UMB could be a novel therapeutic regimen for conditions of intestinal injury induced by MTX via restoring oxidant/antioxidant balance and suppressing inflammatory burden.

Effects of zinc oxide and condensed tannins on the growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets in ETEC-challenged environment.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of zine oxide (ZnO) and condensed tannins (CT), independently or in combination, on the growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC-K88)-challenged environment. Randomly divided 72 weaned piglets into 4 groups. Dietary treatments included the following: basic diet group (CON), 1,500 mg/kg zinc oxide group (ZnO), 1,000 mg/kg condensed tannins group (CT), and 1,500 mg/kg zinc oxide +1,000 mg/kg condensed tannins group (ZnO + CT). Dietary ZnO supplementation decreased diarrhea rate from 0 to 14 days, 15 to 28 days, and 0 to 28 days (p < 0.05) and no significant on growth performance. The effect of CT on reducing diarrhea rate and diarrhea index was similar to the results of ZnO. Compared with the CON group, ZnO increased the ileum villus height and improved intestinal barrier function by increasing the content of mucin 2 (MUC-2) in jejunum and ileum mucosa and the mRNA expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) in jejunum (p < 0.05) and the expression of Occludin in duodenum and ileum (p < 0.05). The effects of CT on intestinal barrier function genes were similar to that of ZnO. Moreover, the mRNA expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in jejunum and ileum was reduced in ZnO group (p < 0.05). And CT was also capable of alleviating diarrhea by decreasing CFTR expression and promote water reabsorption by increasing AQP3 expression (p < 0.05). In addition, pigs receiving ZnO diet had higher abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes, and genera Prevotella, and lower phylum Firmicutes and genera Lactobacillus in colonic contents. These results indicated that ZnO and CT can alleviate diarrhea and improve intestinal barrier function of weaned pigs in ETEC-challenged environment. In addition, the application of ZnO combined with CT did not show synergistic effects on piglet intestinal health and overall performance. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of ZnO in weaning piglet production practices, we also explored effects of CT on the growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets in ETEC-challenged environment.