Goblet Cells Research Articles

The Role of Omentin-1 and Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 in Iraqi Patients with Prostate Cancer during Chemotherapy

Background: Omentin-1 is mainly expressed in stromal vascular cells of adipose tissue and can also be expressed in airway goblet cells, mesothelial cells, and vascular cells. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), generated by bone cells, regulates phosphate and vitamin D metabolism by regulating phosphate reabsorption in the kidneys and inhibiting vitamin D activation. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates calcium absorption, bone health, and immunological function. Prostate cancer is a significant health concern for men worldwide. Several studies demonstrated a link between these variables and cancer as they exert important anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-cancer functions. Objectives: To assess the impact of Omentin and FGF-23 biochemical functions, as well as the anti-cancer properties of vitamin D. Subjects and methods: This is a case-control study on serum samples collected from Iraqi prostate cancer patients after receiving chemotherapy at Al Amal Center in Imam Hussein Medical City in Karbala between November 2022 to May 2023. The serum samples were collected from two groups: control group consisted of 30 healthy males. Patient group consisted of 30 prostate cancer patients after receiving chemotherapy, both groups aged 45 – 80 years. The two groups were matched for body mass index. ELISA technology was used to estimate serum levels of the aforementioned biochemical parameters with vitamin D. Results: patient group had a significantly higher FGF-23 level than control group (309.5±41.65) versus (163.1±22.4) (p<0.001). On the other hand, Irisin, Omentin and Vitamin D mean serum concentrations were significantly lower in-patient group (15.2±4.24), (13.8±4.28) and (4.4±0.69) (p<0.001), respectively, compared to control group (60.8±3.5), (38.8±6.59), and (18.9±2.36), respectively. (ROC) curve analysis identified the best AUC values of FGF-23, Omentin, and Vitamin D (0.995, 0.959, 0.937), respectively, which suggests a high level of accuracy. Conclusions: These parameters may serve as critical indicators for prostate cancer patients and their disease progress. Vitamin D insufficiency is a risk factor for these individuals.

S3969 A Challenging Diagnosis of Goblet Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix in a Patient With Ulcerative Colitis

S3969 A Challenging Diagnosis of Goblet Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix in a Patient With Ulcerative Colitis

S2826 A Common Problem and Esoteric Entity: Adenocarcinoma of Colon and Goblet Cell Adenocarcinoma of Appendix

S2826 A Common Problem and Esoteric Entity: Adenocarcinoma of Colon and Goblet Cell Adenocarcinoma of Appendix

A two-front nutrient supply environment fuels small intestinal physiology through differential regulation of nutrient absorption and host defense

The small intestine contains a two-front nutrient supply environment created by luminal dietary and microbial metabolites (enteral side) and systemic metabolites from the host (serosal side). Yet, it is unknown how each side contributes differentially to the small intestinal physiology. Here, we generated a comprehensive, high-resolution map of the small intestinal two-front nutrient supply environment. Using invivo tracing of macronutrients and spatial metabolomics, we visualized the spatiotemporal dynamics and cell-type tropism in nutrient absorption and the region-specific metabolic heterogeneity within the villi. Specifically, glutamine from the enteral side fuels goblet cells to support mucus production, and the serosal side loosens the epithelial barrier by calibrating fungal metabolites. Disorganized feeding patterns, akin to the human lifestyle of skipping breakfast, increase the risk of metabolic diseases by inducing epithelial memory of lipid absorption. This study improves our understanding of how the small intestine is spatiotemporally regulated by its unique nutritional environment.

Two-dimensional nonlinear Brinkman and steady-state Navier–Stokes equations for fluid flow in PCL

indent To remove mucus from the human body, periciliary layer (PCL) is an important region found in the human respiratory system. When a human inhales strange particles along with air into the body, goblet cells inside the epithelial cells secrete mucus to catch those particles and form a mucus layer on the top of the PCL. Since the velocity of the fluid in the PCL and cilia residing in the PCL affect the movement of mucus, in this work, we apply two-dimensional nonlinear Brinkman and steady-state Navier–Stokes equations to find the velocity of the fluid in the PCL. In the equations, the velocity of cilia is also contributed in the mathematical model which perturbs the fluid movement instead of the pressure gradient. Because bundles of cilia are considered in this work rather than a single cilium, the governing equations are derived from the hybrid mixture theory (HMT) which are the equations in a macroscopic scale. The numerical solutions are obtained by using a mixed finite element method of Taylor-Hood type and Newton’s method. We focus on five different angles of cilia that make with the horizontal plane. The velocity of the PCL fluid is presented for each angle. The numerical solutions obtained in this study can be useful in finding the mucus velocity that can help physicians to treat patients who have massive mucus in their lungs.

Bile acid disorders and intestinal barrier dysfunction are involved in the development of fatty liver in laying hens

The pathogenesis of fatty liver is highly intricate. The role of the gut-liver axis in the development of fatty liver has gained increasing recognition in recent years. This study was conducted to explore the role of bile acid signaling and gut barrier in the pathogenesis of fatty liver. A total of 100 “Jing Tint 6” laying hens, 56-week-old, were used and fed basal diets until 60 weeks of age. At the end of the experiment, thirty individuals were selected based on the degree of hepatic steatosis. The hens with minimal hepatic steatosis (< 5 %) were chosen as healthy controls, while those with severe steatosis (> 33 %) in the liver were classified as the fatty liver group. Laying hens with fatty liver and healthy controls showed significant differences in body weight, liver index, abdominal fat ratio, feed conversion ratio (FCR), albumin height, Haugh unit, and biochemical indexes. The results of bile acid metabolomics revealed a clear separation in hepatic bile acid profiles between the fatty liver group and healthy controls, and multiple secondary bile acids were decreased in the fatty liver group, indicating disordered bile acid metabolism. Additionally, the mRNA levels of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and genes related to bile acid transport were significantly decreased in both the liver and terminal ileum of hens with fatty liver. Moreover, the laying hens with fatty liver exhibited significant decreases in ileal crypt depth, the number of goblet cells, and the mRNA expression of tight junction-related proteins, alongside a significant increase in ileal permeability. Collectively, these findings suggest that disordered bile acids, suppressed FXR-mediated signaling, and impaired intestinal barrier function are potential factors promoting the development of fatty liver. These insights indicate that regulating bile acids and enhancing intestinal barrier function may become new preventive and therapeutic strategies for fatty liver in the near future.

Protective effects of phenylethanol glycosides from Cistanche tubulosa against ALD through modulating gut microbiota homeostasis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCistanche tubulosa (Schenk) Wight, a Chinese herbal medicine (Rou Cong Rong) with Xinjiang characteristics, was recorded in many medical books in ancient China and often used as a tonic medicine. Supported by the traditional Chinese medicine theory of “homology of liver and kidney,” C. tubulosa (Schenk) Wight has many clinical applications in tonifying the kidney and protecting the liver. Modern pharmacological studies have also found that the protective effects of phenylethanol glycosides from C. tubulosa (Schenk) Wight (CPhGs) play an important role in ameliorating alcoholic liver injury. Aim of the studyWe aimed to investigate whether CPhGs can enhance the therapeutic outcome of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) by targeting the “gut–liver axis,” thus contributing to the knowledge of how Chinese herbs alleviate disease by influencing the gut microbiota. Materials and methodsAn ALD mouse model was established using the Lieber–DeCarli alcohol liquid diet, and the effects of CPhGs on the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota of ALD mice were investigated in a pseudo-sterile mouse model and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) mouse model. We fed female C57BL/6N mice with Lieber-DeCarli ethanol liquid diet, according to the NIAAA model. Animal experiment of long-term, ethanol diet intervention for 6W, and short-term for 11d. The FMT experiments were also performed. ResultsCPhGs significantly improved ALD manifestations. ALD mice demonstrated significant gut microbiota dysbiosis and significantly abnormal proliferation of Allobaculum compared with the control diet group in long-term NIAAA mouse model (L-Pair). In mice that received the long-term intervention, the improvement in gut barrier function in the CPhGs-treated group was accompanied by a significant decrease in the abundance of Allobaculum and a significant increase in the abundance of Akkermansia. Furthermore, compared with the mouse were gavaged fecal microbiota from the long-term NIAAA mouse donors (FMT-EtOH), the number of goblet cells, abundance of Akkermansia, and the intestinal short-chain fatty acid concentrations were significantly increased in the mouse were gavaged fecal microbiota from high (700 mg/kg) doses of CPhGs orally in long-term NIAAA model donors (FMT-EtOH-H). Network analysis and species distribution results demonstrated that Akkermansia and Allobaculum were the genera with the highest abundances in the gut microbiota and that their interaction was related to propionic acid metabolism. ConclusionsThe results suggest that CPhGs exert a protective effect against ALD by modulating the abundance and composition of Akkermansia and Allobaculum in the intestine, maintaining the intestinal mucus balance, and safeguarding intestinal barrier integrity.

Lactobacillus paracasei JY062 and its exopolysaccharide enhance the intestinal barrier through macrophage polarization and Th17/Treg cell balance

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune-mediated intestinal disease without a comprehensive cure, and the alleviation of UC has become an urgent problem. The results showed that JY062 with its EPS group (JEC) alleviated the intestinal barrier damage caused by LPS. After JEC intervention on Caco-2 cells, resulted in upregulation of ZO-1, Claudin-1, Occludin and MUC2 transcript levels and decreased mRNA expression of Claudin-2 (p < 0.05). JEC effectively attenuated the inflammatory response in UC mice and restoration of immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM and IgA), which resulted in shortening and swelling of the colon, disappearance of goblet cells, infiltration of inflammatory cells and mucosal damage were alleviated in mice. Similarly, changes in the expression of MUC2 and tight junction proteins after JEC intervention also occurred in UC mice. Administration of JEC significantly inhibited the differentiation of pro-inflammatory Th17 cells in the thymus and peripheral blood, promoted the differentiation of CD4+ T cells to Treg cells, and effectively regulated DSS-induced macrophage imbalance, which was manifested by the polarization of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. This study clearly demonstrates that JEC could significantly prevent intestinal barrier on DSS-induced experimental colitis and could be applied as a potential symbiotic strategy to assist in the alleviation of UC.

Replacing sea fish with black soldier fly fermentation homogenate in diet for Pelodiscus sinensis: growth, intestinal development and hepatic health

Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal has the potential to partially replace fish meal in the diet of various aquatic animals. The fermentation treatment of BSFL can retain more nutrients and reduce processing and transportation costs. This study investigated the effects of partially replacing fish meal with Black Soldier Fly Fermentation Homogenate (BSFFH) on the growth performance and health of Chinese soft-shelled (Pelodiscus sinensis) turtle. The experiment was divided into 4 different groups of juvenile P. sinensis diets. The control diet included 60% compound feed and 40% sea fish. The 34%, 61%, and 82% substitution groups were fed mixtures, and varying percentages of sea fish were replaced with BSFFH. The results indicate that replacing 34% and 61% sea fish with BSFFH significantly improved growth (P &lt; 0.05). The 61% substitution significantly decreased the muscle fiber size while the 82% substitution significantly upregulated the expression of myogenic genes MYF5 and MRF4 (P &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, replacing sea fish with BSFFH significantly increased hepatic TG content (P &lt; 0.05) and induced mild liver fibrosis, while it reduced the TG content in skeletal (P &lt; 0.05). However, BSFFH did not affect subcutaneous fat weight (P &gt; 0.05). Lastly, the 34% substitution significantly increased the intestine villus height and the ratio of villus height/crypt depth, while higher substitution reduced both values. In addition, the 61% substitution increased the mucus secreted by the intestine goblet cells. In conclusion, partially replacing sea fish with BSFFH improves the growth performance and intestine structure of Chinese soft-shelled turtles. However, a high level of BSFFH could negatively affect growth performance, intestinal structure, and hepatic health.

Gastrointestinal Self-Adaptive and Nutrient Self-Sufficient Akkermansia muciniphila-Gelatin Porous Microgels for Synergistic Therapy of Ulcerative Colitis.

To realize effective and long-term synergistic therapy of ulcerative colitis (UC) with probiotics, we developed gastrointestinal self-adaptive and nutrient self-sufficient Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK)-gelatin porous microgels (AKK@GPMGs). In AKK@GPMGs, AKK was covered with sequential layers of proanthocyanidins (PAs), mucin (MUC), and phosphatidylcholine (PC) to obtain AKK@PAs-MUC-PC (AKK@PMP), and then encapsulated within the methacrylate-modified gelatin porous microgels. AKK@GPMGs provide sufficient mucus as a nutrition source for AKK and boost resistance to stomach acid by 30.49-fold, and colonization in the intestines is enhanced by 83.46 times. The microgels can be dissociated by matrix metalloproteinase at the inflammatory sites of the intestine, and release AKK@PMP, which acts as "band-aid" that adheres to the inflamed colon for a long time and offers improved synergistic therapy for UC. Compared to uncoated AKK, AKK@GPMGs increase reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity by 26.47 times, improve the intestinal mucus layer thickness by 5.63 times, increase the goblet cells abundance by 3.93 times, reduce intestinal permeability by 5.60 times and significantly enhance beneficial gut microbiota while repressing harmful microbiota. These results indicate that AKK@GPMGs can restore mucus layer and tight junction integrity, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, and regulate gut microbiota homeostasis to effectively treat intestinal inflammation.

Artemisia argyi polysaccharide alleviates osmotic diarrhea by enhancing intestinal barrier protection and anti-inflammation

Artemisia argyi polysaccharide (AAP) is a homogeneous polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 16 kDa, displaying anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumorigenic properties, and potential protective effects on intestinal barrier function. It is anticipated to serve as an efficient component in diarrhea treatment. This study aims to examine the impact of AAP on diarrhea severity, intestinal barrier function, and inflammation in diarrhea-induced rats. The results demonstrated that AAP treatment notably decreased the incidence of diarrhea, reduced its severity, and lowered the disease activity score in rats, while also increasing body weight. Oral administration of AAP augmented goblet cell counts and elevated mucin-2 expression, aiding in the restoration of the mucus barrier. Additionally, AAP treatment enhanced colonic microbial diversity by increasing the abundance of S24–7 and Lactobacillus, while decreasing the levels of Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Sutterella. Moreover, the AAP administration elevated the levels of steroid hormones, prostaglandins, and their derivatives. By inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, AAP mitigated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and increased the secretion of anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10). Overall, oral AAP administration effectively combats osmotic diarrhea by fortifying mucus barrier integrity and exerting anti-inflammatory effects, suggesting its potential use as an adjunctive agent in oral rehydration therapy.

Activated sympathetic nerve post stroke downregulates Toll-like receptor 5 and disrupts the gut mucosal barrier

The gut permeability significantly increases after ischemic stroke, partly due to disrupted mucosal barrier, but the mechanism remains elusive. Here, we found that the mucus disruption starts at 2h post stroke, whereas goblet cell functions remain intact. Meanwhile, the flagellated bacteria Helicobacter thrives and penetrates in the mucus layer. Elimination of the mucosal microbiota or transplantation of Helicobacter in germ-free mice reveals an important role of the mucosal microbiota in mucus disruption. The bacterial invasion is due to downregulated Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) and its downstream products flagellin-specific IgA and antimicrobial peptides. Knockdown of intestinal TLR5 increases the abundance of flagellated bacteria and exacerbates mucus injury. Intestinal TLR5 is downregulated by the activation of sympathetic nerve. Serum noradrenaline level is positively associated with flagellin level in patients with stroke and patients' prognosis. These findings reveal a neural pathway in which the sympathetic nerve disrupts the mucosal barrier, providing potential therapeutic targets for stroke injury.

Combination of Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum ELF051 and Astragalus Polysaccharides Improves Intestinal Barrier Function and Gut Microbiota Profiles in Mice with Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the improvement of the intestinal barrier and gut microbiota in mice with antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ELF051 combined with Astragalus polysaccharides. The amoxicillin, clindamycin, and streptomycin triple-mixed antibiotic-induced AAD models were administered with L. plantarum ELF051 or Astragalus polysaccharidesorL. plantarum ELF051 + Astragaluspolysaccharidesfor 14days. Our findings revealed that the combination of L. plantarum ELF051 and Astragalus polysaccharides elevated the number of goblet cells and enhanced the proportion of mucous within the colon tissue. Furthermore, the expression of sIgA and IgG were upregulated, while the levels of IL-17A, IL-4, DAO, D-LA, LPS, and TGF-β1 were downregulated. L. plantarum ELF051 combined with Astragalus polysaccharides elevated the expression of tight junction (TJ)proteins, facilitating intestinal mucosal repair via Smad signaling nodes. Furthermore, their combination effectively increased the relative abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Allobaculum, and decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Blautia. Spearman rank correlation analysis demonstrated that LAB were closely related to permeability factors, immune factors, and indicators of intestinal barrier function. In summary, the effect of combining L. plantarum ELF051 and Astragalus polysaccharides on AAD mice was achieved by enhancing intestinal barrier function and regulating the composition of the gut microbiota.

Secretory Cells in Halla parthenopeia (Oenonidae): Potential Implications for the Feeding and Defence Strategies of a Carnivorous Burrowing Polychaete.

Carnivorous polychaetes are known to bear diversified and often unique anatomical and behavioural adaptations for predation and defence. Halla parthenopeia, a species known to be a specialized predator of clams, thrives in the soft bottoms of the Mediterranean Sea, holding potential for polyculture and biotechnology due to the secretion of bioactive compounds. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive description of H. parthenopeia's anatomy and microanatomy, shedding light on the relation between morphology and habitat, chemical defences, and feeding behaviour. The pharynx, housing maxillae and mandibles connected to an extensive mucus gland, occupies a considerable portion of the worm's length, reaching beyond the oesophagus. This unique gland is responsible for secreting the feeding mucus, which immobilizes and aids in the digestion of clams probably acting as a vehicle of bioactive compounds synthesized by specialized serous cells in the mouth. Moreover, H. parthenopeia combines behavioural tactics, such as burrowing, and anatomical defences to evade predators. Examination of its epidermis revealed a thick cuticle layer and abundant mucocytes secreting locomotion mucus, both of which save the worm from mechanical harm during movement. When it is preyed upon, the worm can release a substantial amount of Hallachrome, a toxic anthraquinone produced by specific cells in its distal region. This pigment, with its known antimicrobial properties, likely acts as a chemical shield in case of injury. The results suggest that the ability of H. parthenopeia to prey on bivalves and to provide mechanical protection plus defence against pathogens rely on its ability to secrete distinct types of mucus. The interplay between highly specialized microanatomical features and complex behaviours underscores its adaptation as a predator in marine benthic environments.

Histological and Histochemical Detection for the Gastric gland in Neonatal Wild Rabbit (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) in Iraq

The aim of this study to determine the histological structure of stomach in neonatal wild rabbit in Iraqi. Ten neonatal wild rabbit are collected from the Wasit city markets which divide into two group, first group include five animals in 5day, second group include 5 animals in 10 day. Animals were deeply anesthetized with intramuscular injections of ketamine and xylazine, then slaughter were done. uptake 10 tissue specimens from stomach then cut into 3 parts cardiac, fundus, and pyloric, routine histological procedure to prepare histological slides. This study showed the stomach wall in neonatal was consist of tunics; mucosa, sub mucosa, muscularis &amp; serosa. Mucosa surface lining by simple columnar (S.C) epithelium .it showed increase in thickness tunics of wall stomach with the progressive of age. Three types of stomach glands appears in wall of stomach and raise with the old progress. As bifurcated tubular spiral short gland in the first and third glands zone while in second glands zone they appear as simple bifurcated tubular long straight over most of their length and spiral at base portion, The cardiac glands zone revealed as composed of the prominent cells mucous secreting cells and few number of oxyntic cells which not obviously raise in numbers with age progress. The fundic glands consist of various kinds of cells but the two major cells are oxyntic &amp; peptic cells which very mild raise in numbers with the old. Pylorus glands appear consist of mucous secreting cells which are the prominent cells with less numerals of oxyntic cells which not obviously raise in number with old progress.

Extremely Rare Coexistence of Peripherally Located Mucous Gland Adenoma and Pulmonary Chondroid Hamartoma.

Pulmonary mucous gland adenomas (MGAs) originating in mucous-secreting cells in the bronchi are extremely rare benign tumours. Pulmonary chondroid hamartomas (PCHs) are the most common benign neoplasms of mesenchymal origin of the lung. This study reports an unusual case where MGA and PCH coexisted in a peripheral intra-parenchymal location. A patient with a 1-cm non-specific nodule in the left lung on a computed tomography scan underwent wedge resection. Microscopically, mesenchymal elements consisting of fat and cartilage tissue were observed. Mucous glands were present around these mesenchymal elements. No cellular atypia or mitosis was observed. This allowed for complete treatment without the need for a segmentectomy.

Assessing the Impact of Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum) Extract on Intestinal and Hepatic Histological Alterations in Broiler Chickens Infected with Salmonella typhimurium

This study investigated effects of aqueous and ethanolic clove extracts in small intestine and liver of chickens exposed to Salmonella typhimurium. Two hundred fifty-day-old chicks were divided into five groups. Group 1 served as the control and received a basic diet.Group 2 was orally infected with Salmonella typhimurium. Group 3 received same infection but was treated with Ciprofloxacin. Groups 4 and 5 were infected but received treatments of aqueous and ethanolic clove extracts, respectively. The findings revealed that Group 1 exhibited normal small intestine, while Group 2 displayed severe abnormalities, including flattened mucosa, damaged villi, and inflammation. Group 3 showed improvements, increased cell growth and goblet cells in the small intestine. Group 4 displayed nearly normal intestinal features. Group 5 had fully restored intestinal health. In the liver, Group 1 showed typical hepatic structure, whereas Group 2 exhibited signs of inflammation and hepatocyte necrosis. Group 3 displayed severe hepatocyte damage, while Group 4 demonstrated restored liver structure with slight sinusoidal dilation. Group 5 had a well-preserved hepatic architecture with minor inflammation. Administration of 2 mg/kg of aqueous and ethanolic clove extracts demonstrated alleviate histological alterations in small intestine and liver caused by Salmonella typhimurium infection. Notably, the aqueous extract is more effective than ethanolic extract in reducing liver and intestine damage.

Isatidis Folium Represses Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis and Suppresses the Inflammatory Response by Inhibiting Inflammasome Activation

Background/Objectives: Isatidis Folium (IF) has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, and recent research highlights its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and detoxifying properties. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of a hydroethanolic extract of IF (EIF) on inflammasomes and colitis. Methods: Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model C57BL/6 mice were treated with DSS, mesalamine, or EIF (200 mg/kg). Parameters such as daily disease activity index (DAI), spleen weight, colon length, and histopathology were evaluated. Intestinal fibrosis, mucin, and tight junction proteins were assessed using Masson’s trichrome, periodic acid–Schiff, and immunohistochemistry staining. RAW264.7 and J774a.1 macrophages were treated with EIF and lipopolysaccharide, with cell viability assessed via the cell counting kit-8 assay, nitric oxide (NO) production with Griess reagent, and cytokine levels with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NF-κB inhibition was analyzed using the luciferase assay, and phytochemical analysis was performed using UPLC-MS/MS. Results: EIF mitigated weight loss, reduced DAI scores, prevented colon shortening, and attenuated mucosal damage, fibrosis, and goblet cell loss while enhancing the tight junction protein occludin. The anti-inflammatory effects of EIF in RAW264.7 cells included reduced NO production, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and NF-κB activity, along with inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome responses in J774a.1 cells. The key constituents identified were tryptanthrin, indigo, and indirubin. Conclusions: Animal studies demonstrated the efficacy of EIF in alleviating colitis, suggesting its potential for treating inflammatory diseases.

Effects of Green Tea and Java Pepper Mixture on Gut Microbiome and Colonic MicroRNA-221/222 in Mice with Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of a green tea and java pepper mixture (GTP) on the gut microbiome and microRNA (miR)-221/222 expression in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: DSS-, DSS+, GTP50, and GTP100. In the GTP50 and GTP100 groups, GTP was orally administered to mice at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, every day for 2 weeks, and colitis was induced in the DSS+, GTP50, and GTP100 groups by adding 3% DSS to their drinking water for 1 week. GTP was found to mitigate the severity of inflammation and the damage to goblet cells caused by DSS-induced colitis. The results showed that compared with the DSS- group, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was increased and that of Proteobacteria and Candidatus Melainabacteria was decreased in the GTP100 group. The ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes was also reduced in the GTP100 group. However, GTP administration did not modulate the microbial diversity. GTP administration upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of occludin and zonula occludens 1. In addition, GTP effectively downregulated the expression of miR-221 and miR-222. Overall, GTP altered the gut microbiota composition and downregulated colonic miR-221/222 expression in mice with DSS-induced colitis.

EFFECT OF ADDING BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM BROWN ALGAE (Sargassum sp.) IN FEED ON INTESTINE AND LIVER HISTOLOGY OF SIAM PATIN FISH (Pangasius hypopthalmus) SEEDS

Addition of Sargassum sp. into feed as a feed supplement is one effort that can be done to increase fish growth and immunity. This research aims to determine the effect of adding bioactive compounds from Sargassum sp. extract in feed on the health picture of Siamese catfish through structural changes that occur in the intestines and liver. Fish observations were carried out for 40 days. The results obtained regarding the survival rate (SR) value of Siamese catfish seeds show that there is no difference or has the same percentage, namely 100%. The results of observations on the histopathology of intestinal organs analyzed in a comparative descriptive manner showed that Siamese catfish fry were fed with Sargassum sp. extract experienced damage than fish seeds fed without the addition of Sargassum sp. extract (control). The damage that occurs includes leukocyte infiltration (IfL), necrosis (Ne), goblet cell proliferation (Psg), hyperplasia (Hpl), and hemorrhage, with a damage score analyzed using the semiquantitative scoring method, namely 1. Damage to the liver, namely experiencing congestion in the blood vessels.