Mucosal Integrity Research Articles

Esophageal Baseline Impedance is Associated with Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Treatment Response.

To evaluate the efficacy of distal esophageal mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI), a general marker of esophageal mucosal barrier integrity, in predicting laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) and symptomatic response to acid reflux therapy. This retrospective study analyzed 173 patients who presented with symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux and underwent 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) testing. Mean nocturnal baseline impedance values were calculated and assessed for their association and ability to predict LPR symptoms, MII-pH results, treatment response, and other markers of LPR. Notably, 153 of the 173 patients were tested off acid suppression medication and included in statistical analysis. Based on the MII-pH probe data, 108 (71%) patients had LPR, 8 (5%) had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and 37 (24%) were without pathologic reflux. Distal esophageal MNBI of LPR patients was significantly lower in LPR patients than patients with negative studies (1332 ± 94.8 vs. 2158 ± 173.5, p = 0.001). Among 118 patients who trialed antireflux therapy, a distal esophageal MNBI cutoff value of <1580 Ω was an independent predictor of treatment response (OR = 4.148 [1.877-9.189]). This value better predicted improvement with antireflux therapy for LPR than other objective MII-pH probe data, which were not independent predictors of treatment response. Distal esophageal MNBI values may have value in the diagnosis of LPR and potentially predict medication responsiveness in LPR patients. 3 Laryngoscope, 134:4071-4077, 2024.

Periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans JP2 correlates with colonic leukocytes decrease and gut microbiome imbalance in mice.

Evidence suggests that translocation of oral pathogens through the oral-gut axis may induce intestinal dysbiosis. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a highly leukotoxic Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) strain on the gut microbiota, intestinal mucosal integrity and immune system in healthy mice. Eight-week-old male C57BL6 mice were divided into control (n = 16) and JP2 groups (n = 19), which received intragastric gavage with PBS and with a suspension of Aa JP2 (HK921), respectively, twice a week for 4 weeks. Colonic lamina propria, fecal material, serum, gingival tissues, and mandibles were obtained for analyses of leukocyte populations, inflammatory mediators, mucosal integrity, alveolar bone loss, and gut microbiota. Differences between groups for these parameters were examined by non-parametric tests. The gut microbial richness and the number of colonic macrophages, neutrophils, and monocytes were significantly lower in Aa JP2-infected mice than in controls (p < .05). In contrast, infected animals showed higher abundance of Clostridiaceae, Lactobacillus taiwanensis, Helicobacter rodentium, higher levels of IL-6 expression in colonic tissues, and higher splenic MPO activity than controls (p < .05). No differences in tight junction expression, serum endotoxin levels, and colonic inflammatory cytokines were observed between groups. Infected animals presented also slightly more alveolar bone loss and gingival IL-6 levels than controls (p < .05). Based on this model, intragastric administration of Aa JP2 is associated with changes in the gut ecosystem of healthy hosts, characterized by less live/recruited myeloid cells, enrichment of the gut microbiota with pathobionts and decrease in commensals. Negligible levels of colonic pro-inflammatory cytokines, and no signs of mucosal barrier disruption were related to these changes.

The effect of gut microbiota-derived carnosine on mucosal integrity and immunity in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria maxima

In the first study, an in vitro culture system was developed to investigate the effects of carnosine on macrophage proinflammatory cytokine response using an established chicken macrophage cell line (CMC), gut integrity using a chicken intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC), muscle differentiation in quail muscle cells (QMCs) and primary chicken embryonic muscle cells (PMCs), and direct anti-parasitic effect against Eimeria maxima sporozoites. Cells to be tested were seeded in 24-well plates and treated with carnosine at 4 different concentrations (0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 µg). After 18 h of incubation, cells were harvested to measure gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines in CMC, tight junction (TJ) proteins in IECs, and muscle cell growth markers in QMCs and PMCs. In vivo trials were conducted to investigate the effect of dietary carnosine on disease parameters in broiler chickens challenged with E. maxima. One hundred and twenty male broiler chickens (0-day-old) were allocated into four treatment groups: (1) basal diet without infection (NC), (2) basal diet with E. maxima infection (PC), (3) carnosine at 10.0 mg/kg feed with PC (HCS), and (4) carnosine at 1.0 mg/kg feed with PC (LCS). All groups except NC were orally infected with E. maxima on day 14. Jejunal samples were collected for lesion scoring and jejunum gut tissues were used for transcriptomic analysis of cytokines and TJ proteins. In vitro, carnosine treatment significantly decreased IL-1β gene expression in CMC following LPS stimulation. In vivo feeding studies showed that dietary carnosine increased BW and ADG of chickens in E. maxima-infected groups and reduced the jejunal lesion score and fecal oocyst shedding in HCS group. Jejunal IL-1β, IL-8, and IFN-γ expression were suppressed in the HCS group compared to PC. The expression levels of claudin-1 and occludin in IECs were also increased in HCS following carnosine treatment. In conclusion, these findings highlight the beneficial effects of dietary carnosine supplementation on intestinal immune responses and gut barrier function in broiler chickens exposed to E. maxima infection.

Dual-energy CT in acute cholecystitis- features predicting culture-positive bile and outcome

PurposeLow mono-energetic CT has been shown to improve visualization of acute abdominal inflammatory processes. We aimed to determine its utility in patients with acute cholecystitis and potential added value in clinical decision making. MethodsSixty-seven consecutive patients with radiological signs of cholecystitis on contrast-enhanced dual-layer CT imaging were retrospectively identified over a four-year period (2/17–8/21). A ranked Likert scale was created for imaging findings present in acute cholecystitis, including gallbladder mucosal integrity and enhancement and pericholecystic liver parenchymal enhancement. These rankings were correlated with laboratory data, followed by sensitivity, specificity, and odds-ratios calculations. ResultsMucosal integrity and pericholecystic liver enhancement were better seen on low-energetic images by unanimous consensus. Presence of pericholecystic liver enhancement and poorer mucosal wall integrity correlated with positive bile cultures (sensitivity: 93.8 % and 96.9 %, specificity: 37.5 and 50.0 %; odds-ratio: 9.0[1.1–68.1 95 %CI] and 31.0 [2.7–350.7 95 %CI], p = 0.017 and p ≤ 0.001) in patients undergoing cholecystostomy (n = 40/67). Moreover, binary regression modeling showed that the strongest predictor variable for bile culture positivity was the score for pericholecystic liver enhancement (Exp(B) = 0.6, P = 0.022). By contrast, other laboratory markers and other imaging findings (such as GB wall thickness) showed lower sensitivities (76–82 %), specificities (16–21 %) and odds ratios (0.2–4.4) for the prediction of infected bile. ConclusionsPericholecystic liver enhancement and gallbladder wall integrity are better visualized on low-DECT images. These findings also potentially predict bile culture positivity in patients with cholecystitis, which may influence clinical management including the need for intervention.

Increased mucous cell population and modulation of Bax/Bcl-2 factors characterize in vivo gastroprotective activity of Cissampelos owariensis in rats

The physiological integrity of the gastric mucosa is dependent on the balance between the mucosal protective and aggressive factors. Medicinal plants or their derivatives generally exhibit gastroprotective effect by promoting the protective factors against the aggressive factors of the gastric mucosa. The study was conducted to elucidate the gastroprotective mechanism of the methanol extract of C. owariensis (MECo) in rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, which include control groups A and B – given distilled water – and treated groups C and D – animals given 100 and 300 mg/kg MECo respectively for 28 days. After the treatment period, gastric mucosal injury was induced for groups B-D by pyloric ligation method. The gastric tissue of animals was collected, processed for histology (haematoxylin and eosin technique), histochemistry (periodic acid-schiff technique) and immunohistochemical staining (for Bcl-2 &amp; Bax proteins). The results of the gastric histomorphology showed prominent and widespread mucosal erosion in positive control group B compared to normal control group A, while treated groups C and D showed only mild or focal mucosal erosion. Furthermore, the histochemical results showed significant increase in mucous cell population in treated groups C and D compared to positive control group B. The immunostaining results showed significant up-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein and down-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax protein in the treated groups C and D compared to the control groups A and B. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that the increased mucous cell population and modulation of apoptotic signaling highlights the mechanism of gastroprotective activity of MECo.

Exploring the synergistic potential of probiotics and vitamin D to ameliorate acute TNBS-induced colitis in mice

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), either Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis, are diseases characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, disruption of mucosal barrier, gut dysbiosis and vitamin D deficiency. The use of probiotics or vitamin D supplements have been studied individually in different colitis models to determine their beneficial effects by increasing tight junction proteins such as occludin. However, the synergistic effects of combining these treatments to target tight junction expression are still unknown. Therefore, the objective of this research was to demonstrate the effcacy of probiotics and high dietary vitamin D to ameliorate colonic inflammation by increasing mucosal barrier integrity. We hypothesized that co-administration of a probiotic mixture with vitamin D would reduce colitis-induced inflammation by increasing tight junction expression. For the methodology, male and female C57BL/6 mice were divided into four treatment groups: Colitis+Vehicle (n=10), Colitis+Probiotic (n=10), Colitis+Vitamin D (n=11), Colitis+Probiotic+Vitamin D (n=7). Animals received seven days of pretreatment with Vivomixx probiotics in water, high vitamin D (5IU/g) in food, or both. On day 7, animals were anesthetized lightly, and colitis induction was done by intracolonic administration of 0.1mL of 4mg TNBS in 30% ethanol. Water, food, and body weight were monitored daily. Animals were sacrificed on day ten, the colonic tissue was removed and assessed for inflammation then stained for occludin expression by immunofluorescence, and probiotic colonization was confirmed within fecal samples by RT-PCR amplification of S. Thermophilus gene. Results indicate that all animals decreased weight after colitis induction, but only animals receiving probiotic had a slight recovery by day 10. Animals receiving the probiotic mixture had higher S. Thermophilus expression in fecal samples compared to vehicle (p&lt;0.001) indicating appropriate colonization. A significant reduction in macroscopic damage score (3.92 vs. 7.42, p&lt;0.05) and microscopic score (3.42 vs 7.20, p&lt;0.01) was found in animals with Probiotic+Vitamin D compared to vehicle. Although an increase in occludin expression was observed with probiotic administration it did not reach statistical significance. In conclusion, findings indicate a beneficial effect of combining probiotics and vitamin D on colonic tissue damage in an animal model of acute colitis but this did not impact the tight junction protein occludin. This work was supported by RISE (R25GM082406), G-RISE (T32GM144896), PRI MD Summer Program and Porter Physiology Development Fellowship. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Design of advanced buccal films with kiwiberry extract to prevent oral mucositis: From in vitro buccal models to ex vivo studies

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common side effect of cancer treatments characterized by disruption of the oral mucosa integrity, inflammation, and pain. The treatment strategies to prevent and treat OM are still unsatisfactory, leading to the search of new active compounds, particularly from natural sources, such as Actinidia arguta fruits. A. arguta is a perennial vine and its fruit, commonly known as kiwiberry, has been associated with different therapeutic properties and pro-healthy benefits, particularly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. These bioactive properties are due to the fruit outstanding content in phenolic compounds, vitamins, and organic acids, which attracted the researcher's attention for potential application in pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this study is to develop buccal films with A. arguta fruit extract as active ingredient to prevent OM symptoms. The films were prepared by solvent casting after placing 50 g of a buccal film mixture prepared with 1% of HPMC K100 LV EP, 2.5% glycerin, and 100 mL of A. arguta extract as solvent. Different films parameters were assessed, namely physical features (weight: 194.8 mg; thickness: 0.37 mm; disintegration time: 15.05 min; moisture content: 10.53%; swelling capacity: 55.95%), mechanical properties (resistance to extension: 10.11 N; percent of elongation: 36.10%; Young's modulus: 0.0034 MPa) and antioxidant/antiradical activities (TPC = 6.46 mg GAE/g film; FRAP = 49.45 μmol FSE/g film; ABTS = 3.74 mg AAE/g film; DPPH = 4.90 mg TE/g film). In vitro cell assays attested the absence of negative effects on HSC-3 and TR146 oral cell lines. Most important, the compounds release profile were assessed through in vitro and ex vivo models coupled to LC/DAD-ESI-MS quantification and the results revealed high permeation of rutin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside and catechin. Overall, these results highlight the significant potential of buccal films with A. arguta fruit extract to prevent OM condition.

The Relationship Between Worm Infections and Selenium Intake In Children In The Working Area Of Tabaringan Health Center Makassar City

Background: Worm infection is one of the health problems in Indonesia. Worm infections can disrupt nutrient requirements, hinder growth, intellectual development, and affect the immune system, making the body susceptible to other diseases. Selenium is a micronutrient with great potential to influence the immune system. The mechanism of action of selenium includes antioxidant activity, protecting against oxidative damage, maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosa, and anti-apoptotic function in the large intestine. Selenium can enhance the host's immune response by increasing the activity of Alternative Activated Macrophages (AAM), which are the main macrophages in fighting intestinal parasitic worms. Research Objective: To determine the relationship between worm infections and selenium intake. Research Method: Analytical research using a cross-sectional approach. Sampling was done using total sampling technique on elementary school children in the Tabaringan Health Center working area in Makassar City, aged 7-9 years. Research Results: The frequency distribution of positive worm infections was 22.2%, equivalent to 8 samples, and negative worm infections were 77.8%, equivalent to 28 samples. Adequacy of selenium intake in the samples showed 16.7% inadequacy, equivalent to 6 samples, and 83.3% adequacy, equivalent to 30 samples. The analysis of the relationship between worm infections and selenium intake yielded a P-value = 0.151. Conclusion: There is no relationship between worm infections and selenium intake in children in the Tabaringan Health Center working area in Makassar City.

Do enteric glial cells play a role in the pathophysiology of major depression?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder associated with significant suffering and disability. Recent evidence has highlighted the role of the gut-brain axis in the pathogenesis of MDD. Enteric glial cells are a structurally and functionally diverse population that plays a key role in regulating enteric nervous function and maintaining intestinal mucosal integrity. These cells may be implicated in the origin of several digestive and extra-digestive disorders, known as enteric neuro-gliopathies (ENG). This paper reviews the evidence that MDD may also belong to the category of ENG. Animal models suggest that environmental adversity can lead to enteric glial dysfunction and depressive-like behaviors. Conditions that are highly comorbid with MDD, both intestinal and extra-intestinal, have been linked to enteric glial alterations. Peripheral blood markers linked to glial integrity and function are altered in patients with MDD, and certain treatments for MDD may have beneficial effects on enteric glial functioning. Though much of this evidence is indirect and provisional, it suggests that MDD may belong to the group of ENG. Further investigation of enteric glial functioning in MDD may yield valuable insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of this disorder.

Mucosal impedance as a diagnostic tool for gastroesophageal reflux disease: an update for clinicians.

Mucosal impedance is a marker of esophageal mucosal integrity and a novel technique for assessing esophageal function and pathology. This article highlights its development and clinical application for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's esophagus, and eosinophilic esophagitis. A narrative review of key publications describing the development and use of mucosal impedance in clinical practice was conducted. A low mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) has been shown to be an independent predictor of response to anti-reflux therapy. MNBI predicts medication-responsive heartburn better than distal esophageal acid exposure time. Patients with equivocal evidence of GERD using conventional methods, with a low MNBI, had an improvement in symptoms following the initiation of PPI therapy compared to those with a normal MNBI. A similar trend was seen in a post fundoplication cohort. Strong clinical utility for the use of mucosal impedance in assessing eosinophilic esophagitis has been repeatedly demonstrated; however, there is minimal direction for application in Barrett's esophagus. The authors conclude that mucosal impedance has potential clinical utility for the assessment and diagnosis of GERD, particularly when conventional investigations have yielded equivocal results.

Dissecting the Effects of Cephenemyia stimulator on the Olfactory Turbinates and Nasopharynx of Roe Deers (Capreolus capreolus).

Nasopharyngeal myiasis in European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is a pathological condition caused by the larval stages of Cephenemyia stimulator, a fly from the Oestridae family. These larvae reside in the host's upper respiratory tract for months, inducing significant tissue damage and clinical symptoms. The lifecycle of Cephenemyia stimulator is complex, involving three larval stages before maturation into adult flies, with each stage contributing to the progressive pathology observed in the host. Despite their prevalence, the histopathological effects of these larvae in the nasal and nasopharyngeal cavities have been understudied. Our study fills this knowledge gap by providing a detailed histopathological analysis of the affected tissues, using various staining techniques to reveal the extent and nature of the damage caused by these parasitic larvae. This histopathological examination reveals significant alterations within the nasopharyngeal mucosa and nasal cavity, including erythematous changes, mucosal metaplasia, fibrosis, and tissue necrosis. Parasitic cysts and eosinophilic infiltration further characterize the impact of the infestation, compromising not only the mucosal integrity but also potentially the olfactory function of the affected animals. This research is crucial for understanding the impact of myiasis on both the health and olfactory capabilities of roe deer populations and could have significant implications for wildlife management and conservation.

Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Improves Obesity by Reducing Appetite and Enhancing Mucosal Homeostasis via the Gut Microbiota-Brain-Liver Axis in HFD-Induced Leptin-Resistant Rats.

The impact of leptin resistance on intestinal mucosal barrier integrity, appetite regulation, and hepatic lipid metabolism through the microbiota-gut-brain-liver axis has yet to be determined. Water extract of Phyllanthus emblica L. fruit (WEPE) and its bioactive compound gallic acid (GA) effectively alleviated methylglyoxal (MG)-triggered leptin resistance in vitro. Therefore, this study investigated how WEPE and GA intervention relieve leptin resistance-associated dysfunction in the intestinal mucosa, appetite, and lipid accumulation through the microbiota-gut-brain-liver axis in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats. The results showed that WEPE and GA significantly reduced tissues (jejunum, brain, and liver) MG-evoked leptin resistance, malondialdehyde (MDA), proinflammatory cytokines, SOCS3, orexigenic neuropeptides, and lipid accumulation through increasing leptin receptor, tight junction proteins, antimicrobial peptides, anorexigenic neuropeptides, excretion of fecal triglyceride (TG), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) via a positive correlation with the Allobaculum and Bifidobacterium microbiota. These novel findings suggest that WEPE holds the potential as a functional food ingredient for alleviating obesity and its complications.

PIM1–HDAC2 axis modulates intestinal homeostasis through epigenetic modification

The mucosal barrier is crucial for intestinal homeostasis, and goblet cells are essential for maintaining the mucosal barrier integrity. The proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus-1 (PIM1) kinase regulates multiple cellular functions, but its role in intestinal homeostasis during colitis is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that PIM1 is prominently elevated in the colonic epithelia of both ulcerative colitis patients and murine models, in the presence of intestinal microbiota. Epithelial PIM1 leads to decreased goblet cells, thus impairing resistance to colitis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) in mice. Mechanistically, PIM1 modulates goblet cell differentiation through the Wnt and Notch signaling pathways. Interestingly, PIM1 interacts with histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) and downregulates its level via phosphorylation, thereby altering the epigenetic profiles of Wnt signaling pathway genes. Collectively, these findings investigate the unknown function of the PIM1–HDAC2 axis in goblet cell differentiation and ulcerative colitis/CAC pathogenesis, which points to the potential for PIM1-targeted therapies of ulcerative colitis and CAC.

Role of mucositis in predicting gut microbiota composition in people with cancer.

Disruption of the precious ecosystem of micro-organisms that reside in the gut - the gut microbiota - is rapidly emerging as a key driver of the adverse side effects/toxicities caused by numerous anti-cancer agents. Although the contribution of the gut microbiota to these toxicities is understood with ever increasing precision, the cause of microbial disruption (dysbiosis) remains poorly understood. Here, we discuss current evidence on the cause(s) of dysbiosis after cancer therapy, positioning breakdown of the intestinal mucosa (mucositis) as a central cause. Dysbiosis in people with cancer has historically been attributed to extensive antibiotic use. However, evidence now suggests that certain antibiotics have minimal impacts on the microbiota. Indeed, recent evidence shows that the type of cancer therapy predicts microbiota composition independently of antibiotics. Given most anti-cancer drugs have modest effects on microbes directly, this suggests that their impact on the gut microenvironment, in particular the mucosa, which is highly vulnerable to cytotoxicity, is a likely cause of dysbiosis. Here, we outline evidence that support this hypothesis, and discuss the associated clinical implications/opportunities. The concept that mucositis dictates microbiota compositions provides two important implications for clinical practice. Firstly, it reiterates the importance of prioritising the development of novel mucoprotectants that preserve mucosal integrity, and indirectly support microbial stability. Secondly, it provides an opportunity to identify dysbiotic events and associated consequences using readily accessible, minimally invasive biomarkers of mucositis such as plasma citrulline.

Status of salivary human beta defensin-2 in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer: Quest for a novel non-invasive biomarker

Background: Oral cancer ranks sixth among all the types of cancers globally and contributes to significant mortality and morbidity. Inflammation is known to play an important role in tumorigenesis. Human Beta Defensins are a type of AMP that play a role as chemo attractive, antimicrobial, and antitumor agents and also act as immunomodulators. They have also been demonstrated in cancer cell lines. Beta defensins act as tumor suppressor genes by manipulating the tumor microenvironment. The existing literature on human beta defensin-2 activity is scarce. There exists no literature on the comparison of the level of salivary human beta defensin-2 between subjects with oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer. Saliva contains constituents that reflect the physiologic state of the body. This can be utilized for rapid and atraumatic diagnosis of diseases owing to its non-invasive nature of collection. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the level of human beta defensin-2 in the saliva of subjects with oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer and compare them with levels in healthy subjects. Materials and methods: The study sample included 75 subjects who were divided into three groups consisting of healthy subjects, subjects with oral potentially premalignant disorders and subjects with oral cancer. Results: The mean salivary Human beta defensin-2 level in subjects with oral cancer was significantly higher than in healthy controls and subjects with oral potentially malignant disorders. The level was highest in the oral cancer group and least in the control group. This difference among the 3 groups was statistically significant. In the group with premalignant disorders, the variation in the level of salivary human beta defensin-2 according to the type of lesion was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study highlights the diagnostic role of hBD-2 in saliva. The presence of Human beta defensin-2 in the saliva of healthy controls points to its role in the maintenance of mucosal integrity. Elevation in the level of hBD-2 in oral potentially malignant disorders and a further increase in oral cancer indicate the potential use of hBD-2 as a biomarker in early diagnosis of oral cancer. Use of saliva as the diagnostic fluid aids in establishing a non-invasive and atraumatic means of diagnosis.

The Roles of Polyamines in Intestinal Development and Function in Piglets.

The gastrointestinal tract plays crucial roles in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as in maintenance of a functional barrier. The development and maturation of the intestine is important for piglets to maintain optimal growth and health. Polyamines are necessary for the proliferation and growth of enterocytes, which play a key role in differentiation, migration, remodeling and integrity of the intestinal mucosa after injury. This review elaborates the development of the structure and function of the intestine of piglets during embryonic, suckling and weaning periods, the utilization and metabolism of polyamines in the intestine, as well as the role of polyamines in intestinal development and mucosal repair. The nutritional intervention to improve intestinal development and functions by modulating polyamine metabolism in piglets is also put forward. These results may help to promote the adaption to weaning in pigs and provide useful information for the development and health of piglets.

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.

Nutritional strategies to reduce intestinal cell apoptosis by alleviating oxidative stress

Abstract The gut barrier is the first line of defense against harmful substances and pathogens in the intestinal tract. The balance of proliferation and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and its function. However, oxidative stress and inflammation can cause DNA damage and abnormal apoptosis of the IECs, leading to the disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier. This, in turn, can directly or indirectly cause various acute and chronic intestinal diseases. In recent years, there has been a growing understanding of the vital role of dietary ingredients in gut health. Studies have shown that certain amino acids, fibers, vitamins, and polyphenols in the diet can protect IECs from excessive apoptosis caused by oxidative stress, and limit intestinal inflammation. This review aims to describe the molecular mechanism of apoptosis and its relationship with intestinal function, and to discuss the modulation of IECs' physiological function, the intestinal epithelial barrier, and gut health by various nutrients. The findings of this review may provide a theoretical basis for the use of nutritional interventions in clinical intestinal disease research and animal production, ultimately leading to improved human and animal intestinal health.

Pathophysiological microenvironments in oral candidiasis.

Oral candidiasis (OC), a prevalent opportunistic infection of the oral mucosa, presents a considerable health challenge, particularly in individuals with compromised immune responses, advanced age, and local predisposing conditions. A considerable part of the population carries Candida in the oral cavity, but only few develop OC. Therefore, the pathogenesis of OC may depend on factors other than the attributes of the fungus, such as host factors and other predisposing factors. Mucosal trauma and inflammation compromise epithelial integrity, fostering a conducive environment for fungal invasion. Molecular insights into the immunocompromised state reveal dysregulation in innate and adaptive immunity, creating a permissive environment for Candida proliferation. Detailed examination of Candida species (spp.) and their virulence factors uncovers a nuanced understanding beyond traditional C. albicans focus, which embrace diverse Candida spp. and their strategies, influencing adhesion, invasion, immune evasion, and biofilm formation. Understanding the pathophysiological microenvironments in OC is crucial for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. This review aims to unravel the diverse pathophysiological microenvironments influencing OC development focusing on microbial, host, and predisposing factors, and considers Candida resistance to antifungal therapy. The comprehensive approach offers a refined perspective on OC, seeking briefly to identify potential therapeutic targets for future effective management.

Actinomyces-associated Calcification in a Nasopalatine Cyst

Actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Actinomyces species. Actinomyces are commensals of the human oropharynx and can invade local structures when mucosal integrity is breached. Within an actinomycosis lesion chronically inflamed and necrotic tissue may undergo dystrophic calcification. This case report documents the assessment, diagnosis, and management of Actinomyces-associated calcification within a nasopalatine cyst, a previously unreported situation. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Actinomycosis lesions of the jaws may present with radiographically detectable calcification(s).