Plasma Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Research Articles

Interference With VIP to Distinguish Between Real and False VIPoma: National Study From the French Endocrine Tumors Group.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-secreting tumors (VIPomas) are digestive neuroendocrine tumors in which the hormonal secretion is life-threatening. Biological confirmation is obtained by demonstrating an elevation in plasma VIP, usually using radioimmunoassay (RIA). In some cases, analytical interference is suspected. We developed 3 different techniques to detect interference in VIP RIA. Three techniques were used: RIA after Sephadex column chromatography separation, RIA after polyethylene glycol precipitation, and 125I-labeled VIP binding test. We included patients with suspicion of false positive VIP (FPV) elevation. We then compared results with those of a group of "real," proven VIPoma (RV). A total of 15 patients with FPV elevation and 9 RV patients were included. Interference was detected in all FPV patients vs none in RV. Clinical and biochemical parameters did not differ between FPV and RV patients, but VIP concentration in RIA was significantly higher in FPV patients than in RV patients (228 pmol/L vs 66 pmol/L, P = .038). Using a 125I-labeled VIP binding test, median proportion of radioactivity in the pellet was significantly higher in FPV than in RV patients (53% vs 13%, P < .0001). A 20.5% threshold presented excellent performances (sensitivity 100% [79.6-100], specificity 100% [70.1-100]). We developed 3 different laboratory techniques to reveal interference in RIA VIP assays. The diagnostic performance of all 3 was excellent. These techniques must be employed in cases of discordance between VIP elevation and clinical presentation.

Effects of the Neuropeptides Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in Male Fertility.

Background and Objectives: The neuroendocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including reproduction, with evidence suggesting its significant involvement in male fertility and sperm development. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) are expressed in both male and female reproductive tissues, influencing penile erection and regulating steroidogenesis in males. Therefore, our study aimed to compare the protein levels of VIP and PACAP in seminal plasma between healthy controls and sub-fertile patients. Additionally, we sought to correlate the levels of these biomarkers with clinical, functional, and laboratory findings in the participants. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 163 male participants for analysis. The participants were further stratified into subgroups of fertile and sub-fertile men of four subgroups according to the 2021 WHO guidelines. Seminal plasma concentrations of the neuropeptides VIP and PACAP were measured using human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Results: The findings showed statistically significant differences in total sperm count, sperm concentration, total motility, and vitality (p < 0.001) between the fertile group and the sub-fertile group. Specifically, significant differences found between healthy males and oligoasthenospermic patients (p = 0.002), and between asthenospermic and oligoasthenospermic patients (p = 0.039). An ROC analysis showed associated sensitivity and specificity values of 62.2% and 55.6%, respectively, to PACAP seminal levels differentiated between sub-fertile patients from fertile males (p = 0.028). No significant difference in seminal levels of VIP was found between the sub-fertile and fertile groups. Conclusions: Previous research leads to the point of PACAP active involvement in spermatogenesis. In accordance to our study, in human semen samples, we have seen a significance change in PACAP levels amongst patients with low sperm count or with both low sperm count and low motility, hinting at its contribution and acting as a possible factor in this complex process. Thus, alterations in the levels or actions of these neuropeptides have been associated with certain reproductive disorders in males.

Electroacupuncture regulates gut microbiota to reduce depressive-like behavior in rats.

Growing studies show that gut microbiota is closely associated with depression. Acupuncture treatment could regulate the gut microbiota of many diseases. Here, we aim to observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on gut microbiota in rats that showed depressive-like behavior. The rats were randomly divided into normal group, chronic unpredictable mild stress model (CUMS) group, CUMS + electroacupuncture (EA) group, and CUMS + sham-electroacupuncture (Sham) group. The CUMS+EA rats were treated with EA stimulation at bilateral Zusanli (ST36) and Tianshu (ST25) acupoints for 2 weeks (0.7 mA, 2/100 Hz, 30 min/day). The rats in the sham EA group were treated with the same conditions without inserting needles and electrical stimulation. Behavioral tests were conducted by forced swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT), and sucrose preference test (SPT) to assess depression-like behavior in rats. The relative abundance of intestinal bacteria in rat feces was detected by 16S rRNA analysis. The expression of calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SST), and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in serum was detected by ELISA kit, and VIP, CGRP, and SST in the colon were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Chronic unpredictable mild stress model rats exhibited depressive-like behaviors and had differential abundance vs. control rats. CUMS significantly decreased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus at the genus level, CGRP in plasma (p < 0.05), and significantly increased the intestine propulsion rate, the mRNA and protein expression of VIP, SST, and mRNA in the colon, and ATCH in plasma (p < 0.05). EA rats with microbial profiles were distinct from CUMS rats. EA markedly reduced the depressive-like behaviors, significantly increased the intestine propulsion rate, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria at the phylum level, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus at the genus level, and VIP and CGRP in plasma (p < 0.05), and significantly decreased Firmicutes, the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes at the phylum level, ACTH and SST in plasma, and SST mRNA in the colon (p < 0.05). The antidepressant effect of EA at ST36 and ST25 is related to regulating intestinal flora and the neurotransmitter system. Our study suggests that EA contributes to the improvement of depression, and gut microbiota may be one of the mechanisms of EA effect.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide level in gastroesophageal reflux disease before and after surgical treatment

From year to year, wide spread of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is attracting greater attention of specialists in the field of this pathology diagnosis and treatment. In-depth studies on etiological and pathogenetic factors in the GERD development are being conducted. Of particular interest is the role of humoral factors, one of which is vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). There are currently no data on the dynamics of this hormone during surgical treatment of GERD. The aim of the study was to examine the dynamics of plasma VIP during surgical treatment of GERD and its influence on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function. Materials and methods. Surgical treatment in the Nissen modification was performed for 35 patients with GERD. There were 26 women (74.3 %), men – 9 (25.7 %). mean age – 55.3 ± 11.3 years. Comparison group – 20 apparently healthy individuals: women – 14 (70.0 %); men – 6 (30.0 %), mean age – 56.7 ± 10.6 years. VIP was measured in venous blood plasma by an enzyme immunoassay (Vasoactive intestinal peptide ELISA, S-1201, BCM Diagnostics) using an immunoenzyme complex ImmunoChem-2100 (USA). The sampling of the studied samples in the main group was carried out before the operation and 2–3 months post-surgery. Results. In the main group before the surgery, the level of VIP was 3.1 ± 1.1 ng/ml, after the surgery – 2.2 ± 1.0 ng/ml. In the comparison group, VIP was determined at the level of 2.1 ± 1.1 ng/ml. In GERD before the surgery, the VIP level was statistically different from the indicators in the comparison group and from postoperative values. After surgical treatment, VIP values were decreased to the level of apparently healthy individuals. There was a positive correlation between the VIP level and acid exposure time (AET), the total number of refluxes, the number of reflux events longer than 5 minutes, the maximum duration of refluxes and the degree of esophageal inflammation. Conclusions. In the surgical treatment of GERD, the statistically significant decrease in the VIP level to that of apparently healthy individuals is determined. The moderate positive correlation between the levels of VIP, AET, the average number of refluxes, the number of reflux events longer than 5 minutes, and the maximum duration of refluxes confirms the inhibitory effect of VIP on LES tone. The relationship between the degree of esophageal inflammation and the VIP level confirms the indirect, through the action of VIP, inhibitory effect of the esophagitis severity on the LES tone.

Plasma levels of VIP are not elevated during PACAP- and VIP-induced cluster headache attacks: an exploratory study.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) provoked cluster headache attacks in individuals with episodic cluster headache during their active phase and individuals with chronic cluster headache. In this study, we investigated whether infusions of PACAP and VIP caused alterations in plasma levels of VIP and their potential contribution to induced cluster headache attacks. Participants received either PACAP or VIP infusion for 20 min on 2 separate days with an interval of at least 7 days in between. Blood collection was performed at T0, T20, T30, and T90. Plasma levels of VIP were measured using a validated radioimmunoassay method. Blood samples were collected from participants with episodic cluster headache in the active phase (eCHA, n = 14), remission (eCHR, n = 15), and from participants with chronic cluster headache (cCH, n = 15). Baseline levels of VIP did not differ among the three groups (p = 0.1161). During PACAP infusion, mixed-effects analysis revealed a significant increase in plasma levels of VIP in eCHA (p = 0.0300) and eCHR (p = 0.0058) but not in cCH (p = 0.2930). We found no difference in the increase of plasma VIP levels between patients who developed PACAP38- or VIP-induced attacks. Cluster headache attacks induced by PACAP38 or VIP infusion are not associated with changes in plasma levels of VIP. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of VIP and the parasympathetic system in cluster headache. The parent study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03814226).

Evaluation of the Circadian Rhythm Neuropeptides and Hippocampus in Rat Model of Posttraumatic Stress

ABSTRACT We investigated hippocampus weight and the levels of circadian rhythm-related neuropeptides; Somatostatin (SST), Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), Neuropeptide Y (NPY), Melatonin (MLT), and Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH) in plasma (p) and hippocampus tissue (h) of rats with posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. Thirty four healthy Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and PTS groups. Single prolonged stress (SPS) model was used to mimic PTS. Elevated Plus Maze Test (EPMT) was used to assess anxiogenic behavior. Rats were sacrificed under anesthesia and hippocampus weight, SST, NPY, CRH, MLT, and VIP levels were measured by the Enzyme-Linked-Immuno-Sorbent-Assay method. Hippocampus weights in the PTS group were significantly lower compared to controls. NPYh and MLTh levels were significantly higher in the PTS group. NPYh and MLTh and MLTp were significantly higher in the PTS. CRH, VIP, and SST levels in hippocampus tissue and CRH, NPY, VIP, and SST in plasma did not differ between groups. A positive correlation was found between MLTh and VIPh tissue levels. There was a positive correlation between NPYh and VIPh levels, and a high degree of positive correlation between NPYp and VIPp levels. As far as we know, this is the first study in which 5 neuropeptides’ hippocampus tissue and plasma levels were evaluated together in a PTSD model. Hippocampus weights may tend to decrease in PTS. Especially, NPY and MLT from circadian rhythm neuropeptides play an important role in PTS etiology. After the 7th day of trauma exposure, the hippocampal NPY and MLT levels may increase as a stress-adaptive mechanism in PTS.

Chronic Diarrhea and Weight Loss in an 18-month-old Boy.

Chronic Diarrhea and Weight Loss in an 18-month-old Boy.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide concentrations in the sheep mammary gland, milk, and in the lamb blood plasma after suckling.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is involved in development and reproduction. We previously described elevated PACAP levels in the milk compared to the plasma, and the presence of its specific PAC1 receptor in the mammary gland. This study aimed to determine PACAP and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels in female suckling lambs compared to ewe plasma and mammary gland, as well as their age-dependent alterations. mRNA expressions of PACAP, VIP, PAC1 receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were quantified in the milk whey and mammary gland. PACAP38-like immunoreactivity (PACAP38-LI) was measured in plasma, milk whey and mammary gland by radioimmunoassay, VIP-LI by enzyme-linked immunoassay. PACAP38-LI was 5, 6 times higher in the milk compared to the plasma of lactating sheep. It significantly increased in the lamb plasma 1 h, but returned to basal level 2 h after suckling. However, VIP mRNA was not present in the mammary gland, we detected the VIP protein in the milk whey. BDNF mRNA significantly decreased with age to approximately 60% and 25% in the 3- and 10-year-old sheep respectively, compared to the 3-month-old lambs. No differences were found between mammary and jugular vein plasma PACAP and VIP concentrations, or during the daily cycle. We propose a rapid absorption of PACAP38 from the milk and/or its release in suckling lambs. PACAP accumulated in the milk might be synthesized in the mammary gland or secreted from the plasma of the mothers. PACAP is suggested to have differentiation/proliferation promoting and immunomodulatory effects in the newborns and/or a local function in the mammary gland.

Effect of Artemisia rupestris L. Extract on Gastrointestinal Hormones and Brain-Gut Peptides in Functional Dyspepsia Rats.

Artemisia rupestris L. is the perennial herb of rupestris belonging to Artemisia (Compositae), which is wildly distributed in Xinjiang (China), middle Asia, and Europe. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, immune function regulation, and gastrointestinal function regulation effects. AR is used to treat digestive diseases, but the effects of AR on antifunctional dyspepsia (FD) activity have not yet been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of Artemisia rupestris L. extract (ARE) on gastrointestinal hormones and brain-gut peptide in functional dyspepsia (FD) rats. Sixty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. An FD rat model was established by irregular tail clamp stimulation for 14 days except the blank group. After FD rat models, the blank group and model group were given menstruum, and the medicated rats were given corresponding medicine for 14 days. The general observations, bodyweight, and food intake were observed, and the content of serum gastrin (GAS), plasma motilin (MTL), plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and plasma somatostatin (SS) by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was observed. The content of plasma VIP and plasma SS in the ARE group was significantly lower than in the model group, and the content of serum GAS and plasma MTL was increased in the ARE group; the GAS expression of antrum and hypothalamus was increased in the ARE group, and SS expression of antrum and hypothalamus was decreased in the ARE group by immunohistochemical detection; the results of semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) indicate that ARE inhibits the mRNA expression of VIP. Our results suggest that ARE can recover gastrointestinal hormone levels and regulation of the peripheral and central nervous system and alter gut peptide levels, which confirm the therapeutic effect of ARE on functional dyspepsia.

Associations between the severity of reflux esophagitis in children and changes in oxidative stress, serum inflammation, vasoactive intestinal peptide and motilin.

Changes in the levels of serum oxidative stress indexes, gastrointestinal hormones and inflammatory factors in children with different severity of reflux esophagitis (RE) were detected. Sixty child patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) via gastroscopy were selected and divided into non-erosive reflux disease group (NERD group, n=12) and RE group (n=48) according to whether there was esophageal mucosal injury. In RE group, the patients were further divided into grade I RE group (n=15), grade II RE group (n=18) and grade III RE group (n=15) based on the severity of mucosal injury. None of the child patients took PPI and domperidone within 2 weeks before enrollment. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in the esophageal mucosa was detected. The changes in the levels of serum vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), motilin, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined. The DeMeester score was the highest in grade III RE group, followed by grade II RE group, grade I RE group and NERD group (P<0.05). The content of MDA in the esophageal mucosa was higher in RE group than that in NERD group, and the T-SOD activity declined with the increased severity of injury (P<0.05). In the three RE groups, the level of plasma VIP was significantly higher, while the motilin level was remarkably lower than those in NERD group (P<0.05). With the increased severity of disease, the expression levels of serum IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in RE group were gradually raised (P<0.05). RE patients have strong oxidative stress and inflammatory response, an increased level of serum VIP, a regulator of gastrointestinal motility, and a decreased level of motilin. Controlling the changes in the above factors using effective treatment means can improve the development of GERD.

A17270 He neuroendocrine peculiarities of essential arterial hypertension development

Objectives: To investigate the potential role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the pathogenesis of essential arterial hypertension (EAH). Methods: 25 patients with I-III stages of EAH and 14 practically healthy volunteers aged from 22 to 70 years were examined. The content of VIP and NPY in the blood plasma was determined by immuno-enzymatic methods using the Bachem Peninsula Laboratories, Inc. sets. Results: We found a significant initial decrease in the levels of NPY in the plasma of all the examined patients with EAH. Depending on stage of the disease, it was shown that as EAH progressed, the plasma NPY level decreased from 1,532 ± 0,386 ng/ml to 1,054 ± 0,148 ng/ml. Level of activity of NPY was found to be inversely proportional to the degree of BP increase. Consequently, a decrease in the level of NPY stipulates higher figures of BP in patients with EAH, contributing to the further progression of the disease. However, the activity of this neuropeptide in plasma of patients with stage II was comparable to that of healthy volunteers and was 0,843 ± 0,191 ng/ml, which was significantly higher than in patients with stage III (0,404 ± 0,043 ng/ml). That is, in the course of hypertension, compensatory normalization of VIP activity was observed at the stage of development of lesions of target organs, with the depletion of which irreversible disturbances of their function develop. The content of VIP in patients with “moderate” arterial hypertension (0,393 ± 0,057 ng/ml) was significantly lower than in healthy volunteers. Conclusion: We detected a dynamic decrease in the activity of NPY and VIP in patients with EAH which indicates the involvement of these regulatory peptides in the development of arterial hypertension.

Effect of Shenling-Baizhu powder on gastrointestinal hormone, digestive enzyme and inflammatory factors in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome rats

Objective To investigate the effect of Shenling-Baizhu powder on gastrointestinal hormone, digestive enzyme and inflammatory factors in D-IBS rats. Methods A total of 50 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the normal group, the model group, the Shenling-Baizhu powder large dose group, medium dose group and small dose group, 10 rats in each group. D-IBS rat model was induced by high lactose diet and restraint stress except normal group. At the same time, the Shenling-Baizhu powder groups received Shenling-Baizhu powder (large dose group: 9 g/kg, medium dose group: 3 g/kg, small dose group: 1 g/kg), normal group and model group received equal volume of normal saline. Malate dehydrogenase (MDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and disaccharidase activities were detected from small intestine of rats in each group. Plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P (SP) activities were measured by radioimmunoassay. TNF-α and IL-10 levels in serum were determined by ELISA. Results Compared with the model group, the model group, the ratio of serum TNF-α/IL-10 (0.31 ± 0.15, 0.34 ± 0.21, 0.41 ± 0.15 vs. 0.74 ± 0.19) significantly decreased in large, medium and low dose groups (P<0.05). The disaccharidase activities in the small intestinal mucosa (38.44 ± 11.30 U/mg, 44.77 ± 16.46 U/mg, 42.58 ± 13.02 U/mg vs. 23.23 ± 6.85 U/mg) significantly increased in the large, medium and low dose groups (P<0.05). LDH activities in the small intestinal mucosa (1 863.61 ± 1 019.28 U/mg, 1 136.13 ± 631.89 U/mg vs. 416.50 ± 223.94U/mg) significantly increased in large, medium dose groups (P<0.05). Plasma SP level (22.88 ± 10.17 pg/mg vs. 31.86 ± 7.81 pg/mg) significantly decreased in large dose group (P<0.05). Conclusions Shenling-Baizhu powder may increase the activities of LDH, MDH and disaccharidase, inhibit the abnormal secretion of SP and regulate of Th1/Th2 immune imbalance to relieve diarrhea. Key words: Irritable bowel syndrome; Shen Ling Bai Zhu San; Gastrointestinal hormones; Digestive enzyme; Inflammation; Rats

Exploring the mechanisms of Yinlai Decoction intervening the mice model of FM1 virus infected compound with high-fat and protein-diet

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Yinlai Decoction (YD) intervening the mice model of FM1 influenza virus compound with high-fat and protein-diet by detecting the survival rate, lung injury, the expression of inflammatory cytokines. MethodsA high-fat and protein-diet mouse model was built. Mice were randomly divided to groups of blank control, normal diet, high-fat and protein-diet (HPD), the Ribavirin, the Shuanghuanglian, the Xiaoer huashi Pill and the YD, all infected with FM1 virus via nose after four days' high-fat and protein-diet. The electrogastrography (EGG) was recorded, as well as the serum levels of the gastrin and plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were observed. Mice in the blank control group were shame-infected with 0.05 mL saline, while the mice in other groups were infected by 0.05 mL mouse lung-adapted FM1 virus. Interventions were performed by stomach perfusion for next seven days. Same dose saline was given in the blank control, normal diet and HPD groups. The life protection and mean survival days were calculated. The lung injuries were observed by H&E method. The expression of gastrin and VIP were detected by radioimmunoassay. The serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. ResultsCompared with normal diet group, EGG dominant frequency, EGG swing, instability coefficient increased in HPD group. Compared with HPD group, Ribavirin group and YD group showed significantly higher survival rate and IL-10 and IFN-γ levels significantly increased while the IL-6 and TNF-α levels significantly decreased. Compared with blank control group, severe lung cirrhosis injuries were found in HPD group, and mild injuries were found in YD group and Ribavirin group. ConclusionsThe YD can regulate the level of cytokines, and improve the pathological damages of lung tissue, and then protect the mice with high-fat and protein-diet from being injured from the FM1 virus.

Unremitting watery diarrhoea in early childhood period

Chronic watery diarrhoea can be a presentation of gastrointestinal disease itself or a less-evident systemic disease. A 17-month-old boy presented with intractable diarrhoea, failure to gain weight, refractory tachycardia and...

Association between neuroendocrine tumors biomarkers and primary tumor site and disease type based on total 68Ga-DOTATATE-Avid tumor volume measurements.

To determine the association between neuroendocrine tumor (NET) biomarker levels and the extent of disease as assessed by 68Ga DOTATATE PET/CT imaging. A retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients with NETs. Fasting plasma chromogranin A (CgA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), gastrin, glucagon, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP), and 24-h urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels were measured. Correlation between biomarkers and total 68Ga-DOTATATE-avid tumor volume (TV) was analyzed. The analysis included 232 patients. In patients with pancreatic NETs (n = 112), 68Ga-DOTATATE TV correlated with CgA (r = 0.6, P = 0.001, Spearman). In patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (n = 39), 68Ga-DOTATATE TV correlated with glucagon (r = 0.5, P = 0.01) and PP levels (r = 0.5, P = 0.049). In patients with von Hippel-Lindau (n = 24), plasma VIP (r = 0.5, P = 0.02) and PP levels (r = 0.7, P < 0.001) correlated with 68Ga-DOTATATE TV. In patients with small intestine NET (SINET, n = 74), 68Ga-DOTATATE TV correlated with CgA (r = 0.5, P = 0.02) and 5-HIAA levels (r = 0.7, P < 0.001), with 5-HIAA ≥8.1 mg/24 h associated with metastatic disease with high positive (81.8%) and negative (85.7%) predictive values (P = 0.001). 68Ga-DOTATATE TV in patients with NET of unknown primary (n = 16) and those with NET of other primary location (n = 30) correlated with 5-HIAA levels (r = 0.8, P = 0.002 and r = 0.7, P = 0.02 respectively). Our data supports the use of specific NET biomarkers based on the site of the primary NET and the presence of hereditary syndrome-associated NET. High urinary 5-HIAA levels indicate the presence of metastatic disease in patients with SINET.

Expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide in peripheral blood of children with hand, foot and mouth disease

To investigate the expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in peripheral blood of children with hand, foot and mouth disease and its significance. According to the condition of the disease, 86 children with hand, foot and mouth disease were classified into phase 1 group (19 children) and phase 2 group (67 children). ELISA was used to measure the concentrations of plasma VIP, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in peripheral blood. Flow cytometry was used to measure CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets. RT-PCR was used for qualitative detection of enterovirus 71 (EV71) RNA in stool. Compared with the phase 1 group, the phase 2 group had a significantly higher positive rate of EV71-RNA (P<0.05) and significantly higher serum levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, and C3 (P<0.05). The phase 2 group had significantly lower proportions of peripheral CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T lymphocyte subsets than the phase 1 group (P<0.05), as well as significantly lower proportion of peripheral B cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio than the phase 1 group (P<0.05). The phase 2 group also had a significantly lower concentration of VIP in peripheral blood than the phase 1 group (P<0.05). In the 86 children with hand, foot and mouth disease, the concentration of VIP in peripheral blood was positively correlated with the proportion of CD4+ T lymphocyte subset and CD4+/CD8+ ratio (r=0.533 and 0.532 respectively; P<0.05). VIP may be an important marker of the severity of hand, foot and mouth disease.

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor provides protection against cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats

AimsCardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a relatively common and detrimental complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Dysregulation of neuropeptides, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), are thought to play significant roles in diabetes-related cardiovascular disease. Accumulating evidence indicates the neuroprotective effects of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in different neurological disorders. The purpose of the study is to investigate the role of CGRP and VIP and possible effects of G-CSF on CAN in type I DM model in rats. MethodsDiabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) for 14 rats. Seven rats served as controls and 6 rats were administered G-CSF alone. DM group was randomly divided into 2 groups and received either 1mL/kg saline (DM+saline group) or 100μg/kg/day G-CSF (DM+G-CSF group) for 4 weeks. Following electrocardiography (ECG), GCRP and VIP levels were measured in plasma samples. ResultsDiabetes promoted a significant prolongation in the corrected QT interval (cQT) (P<0.001) whereas G-CSF administration significantly shortened cQT interval (P<0.05). Plasma VIP and CGRP levels of saline treated DM group were significantly lower than those of control group (P<0.05). G-CSF treatment significantly prevented the reduction in plasma VIP and CGRP levels (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Also, correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between the cQT and neuropeptide levels. ConclusionsThis study suggests that G-CSF can be effective in CAN by means of neuroprotection, and plasma VIP and CGRP levels can be used for the assessment of autonomic and sensory functions in diabetes.

The effect of ice-slushy consumption on plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide during prolonged exercise in the heat

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of exercise in the heat on thermoregulatory responses and plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide concentration (VIP) and whether it is modulated by ice-slushy consumption. Ten male participants cycled at 62% V̇O2max for 90min in 32°C and 40% relative humidity. A thermoneutral (37°C) or ice-slushy (−1°C) sports drink was given at 3.5mlkg−1 body mass every 15min during exercise. VIP and rectal temperature increased during exercise (mean±standard deviation: 4.6±4.4pmolL−1, P=0.005; and 1.3±0.4°C, P<0.001 respectively) and were moderately associated (r=0.35, P=0.008). While rectal temperature and VIP were not different between trials, ice-slushy significantly reduced heat storage (P=0.010) and skin temperature (time×trial interaction P=0.038). It appears that VIP does not provide the signal linking cold beverage ingestion and lower skin temperature in the heat.

A Study of the acupuncture point embedding therapy on slow transit constipation along with colon transmission function,plasma SP and VIP

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of acupuncture point embedding therapy in the treatment of slow transit constipation （STC）and the influence on the colon transmission function,plasma substance P（SP）, vasoactive intestinal peptide（VIP）. Methods A total of 128 slow transit constipation patients were involved in the study and divided randomly into two groups by using stochastic indicator： a treatment group （treated with acupuncture point embedding therapy） and a control group （treated with lactulose oral liquid）. The clinical effects, colon transmission function, the influence of SP, and VIP were observed for STC patients. Results In the treatment group, CCS score was （13.52±3.93） before treatment and（8.15±3.77） after the treatment. In the control group CCS score was （14.11±4.24） and （9.01±2.93） respectively before and after the treatment, CCS score in both groups showed significantly improvement after the treatment （P〈0.01）, and there was no significant difference between groups （P〉0.05）. The plasma SP and VIP level of the two groups after the treatment [treatment group （46.73±1.50） ng/L,（206.10±12.14） ng/L, the control group（40.92±6.25）ng/L,（214.73± 7.62）ng/L] were also improved than before [treatment group was（26.66±0.88）ng/L, （332.68±17.84）ng/L, the control group was （23.32±1.75）ng/L,（306.22±20.01）ng/L], with statistically significant（P〈0.05）, and the difference between the two groups were also significant（P〈0.05）.Conclusion The acupuncture point embedding therapy is effective for STC, and it can regulate the level of SP and VIP. Key words: Acupuncture point embedding therapy; Slow transit constipation; Colon transmission function; SP; VIP

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in humans with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuroinflammatory disease of the central nervous system that leads to demyelination and neurodegeneration. VIP and PACAP are structurally related neuropeptides with neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory activities.To evaluate VIP and PACAP-38 in plasma and CSF in humans in correlation with IL-6, IL-10 and TNFα, we compared 20 MS individuals with 27 healthy controls. In MS, a decrease in PACAP-38 in CSF and a decrease in plasma IL-6 concentration were seen. A positive correlation between plasma VIP and plasma IL-6 was identified. We conclude that VIP and PACAP may influence the course of MS.