Serum Endotoxin Levels Research Articles

SEX DIFFERENCES IN SYSTEMIC INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE IN LOW HYPOXIA-RESISTANT RATS

OBSERVATION. Individual differences in hypoxia tolerance and expression of the hypoxia-inducible factor, HIF-1α, were found in humans and laboratory animals. This allowed us to distinguish groups of animals with low and high resistance to oxygen deficiency. It was shown that low hypoxia-resistant animals are characterized by a more severe course of the systemic inflammatory response (SIR). Sex differences in the severity of SIRS in animals with low hypoxia tolerance have not been studied. OBJECTIVE To characterize morphological and molecular-biological features of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced SIR in low hypoxia-resistant male and female Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Low hypoxia-resistant animals were distinguished by the time of “life” in a hypobaric barocamera at an altitude of 11500 m (less than 60 s). SWO was modeled by intraperitoneal injection of LPS at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg. One day later, morphologic changes in the lungs, liver, and thymus, as well as endotoxin levels, corticosterone, HIF1-α, and TGFβ concentrations in serum from low hypoxia-resistant female and male Wistar rats were evaluated. RESULTS. Differences were found in control groups in females and males of low hypoxia-resistant rats, characterized by higher HIF1-α, corticosterone and endotoxin levels in serum in females. Thus, in females 24 h after LPS injection the number of neutrophils in interalveolar septa of lungs was higher and acute accidental involution of thymus with narrowing of subcapsular zone without changes in volumetric fraction of cortical substance developed. Whereas in males widespread pathological changes in the liver and more pronounced manifestations of accidental involution accompanied by narrowing of the volume fraction of the thymus cortical substance were revealed. In the blood serum of females with SWO, the content of corticosterone increased, while in males the concentration of HIF1-α and the level of endotoxin increased, and the content of TGFβ decreased. CONCLUSIONS. Although female and male rats were characterized by low resistance to hypoxia, the course of LPS-induced SWO and the development of immune reactions in animals have sex differences.

The efficacy and active compounds of Chaihuang Qingyi Huoxue granule to Ameliorate intestinal mucosal barrier injury in rats with severe acute pancreatitis by suppressing the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Intestinal mucosal barrier injury represents a critical complication of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) without effective treatment. This study investigated the efficacy, underlying mechanism, and responsible active compounds of the traditional Chinese medicinal prescription Chaihuang Qingyi Huoxue granule (CHQY) in treating SAP-induced intestinal mucosal barrier injury. SAP was established in Sprague-Dawley rats via intra-pancreaticobiliary duct infusion of sodium taurocholate, followed by oral CHQY administration (3.15 g/kg every 6 h for 12 and 24 h). Blood and tissues were harvested to assess the severity of pancreatitis, intestinal mucosal barrier integrity, and extent of inflammatory injury. Intestine-absorbing compounds were identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Our results showed that CHQY treatment effectively mitigated SAP-induced intestinal mucosal injury, as evidenced by improved intestinal epithelial structure, decreased serum levels of intestinal injury markers (d-lactic acid, diamine oxidase, I-FABP, and Zonulin), restored expression of the tight junction protein ZO-1, and reduced serum endotoxin levels. Furthermore, CHQY administration suppressed the expression of proinflammatory mediator HMGB1, its receptor TLR4, and downstream NF-κB signaling in the intestine, leading to downregulated intestinal IL-1β expression and reduced circulating TNF-α and IL-6. UHPLC-HRMS analysis identified 15 intestine-absorbing compounds in CHQY, of which paeoniflorin sulfite and chrysin-7-O-glucuronide independently inhibited TNF-α-induced tight junction loss in IEC-6 cells and mitigated intestinal mucosal barrier injury in SAP rats through suppressing NF-κB signaling. In summary, CHQY ameliorates SAP-induced intestinal mucosal barrier injury by downregulating the proinflammatory HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling, with efficacy partially attributed to its active compounds paeoniflorin sulfite and chrysin-7-O-glucuronide.

Protective Effects of Plum on Liver and Gut Injury in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), a persistent liver condition associated with metabolic syndrome, is primarily caused by excessive fructose intake and a typical Western diet. Because there is currently only one approved treatment, lifestyle and dietary interventions are crucial. This study assessed the effects of dietary intervention involving freeze-dried plum (FDP), a natural source of antioxidants containing diverse polyphenols. This study aimed to assess its potential as a protective agent against the gut-liver axis and its therapeutic effects on liver injury and gut permeability issues associated with MASLD. We indicate that 10% FDP intake restored gut barrier proteins and reduced serum endotoxin levels in the MASLD mouse models. Additionally, 10% FDP intake significantly reduced hepatic oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and fibrosis marker levels. Interestingly, FDP intake significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α and markers of liver damage, such as serum alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase and hepatic triglycerides. These results highlight that dietary intervention with FDP that acts as a natural antioxidant may be a significant protective and therapeutic agent against liver and gut damage caused by MASLD.

Alterations in the gut microbiota of Eimeria infected broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with varying levels of dietary calcium and phosphorus, along with 25-hydroxycholecalciferol

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of the reduced dietary calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) level and supplementation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OHD3) on the expression of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and antimicrobial peptides and gut microbiota of broiler chickens with/without Eimeria challenge. A total of 576 fourteen-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated according to a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design with main effects including Eimeria challenging (125,000 Eimeria acervulina, 25,000 Eimeria maxima, and 25,000 Eimeria tenella), dietary Ca and P levels (0.84% Ca and 0.42% available P or 0.64% Ca and 0.22% available P), and supplementation of 25-OHD3 (3,000 IU/kg) of 6 replicates. Three-way ANOVA was performed, and the effects of 3 main factors and their interactions were investigated. The reduced dietary Ca and P level downregulated cathelicidins 3 (CATH3) in the upper jejunum in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P < 0.05). The reduced dietary Ca and P level decreased the relative mRNA expression of jejunal avian beta defensin 5 (AvBD5) in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P < 0.05). The reduced dietary Ca and P level tended to decrease the relative mRNA expression of jejunal AvBD9 in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P = 0.051). The reduced dietary Ca and P level decreased observed features (alpha diversity parameter for richness) in the upper jejunal microbiota in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P < 0.05). The supplementation of 25-OHD3 decreased the relative abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05) and increased the relative abundance of the family Ruminococcaceae (P < 0.05) in the cecal digesta. The supplementation of 25-OHD3 decreased the serum endotoxin level in the Eimeria challenging condition (interaction; P < 0.05). Therefore, the reduced dietary Ca and P level modulated the upper jejunal microbiota via modulating the expression of antimicrobial peptides, and the supplementation of 25-OHD3 favorably modulated the cecal microbiota in broiler chickens with/without Eimeria challenge.

Effects of Sea-Buckthorn Flavonoids on Growth Performance, Serum Inflammation, Intestinal Barrier and Microbiota in LPS-Challenged Broilers.

The experiment investigated the effects of sea-buckthorn flavonoids (SF) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers. A total of 288 one-day-old male broilers were randomly assigned to 4 groups, with 6 replicates of 12 broilers each. The experiment lasted for 20 days. The diet included two levels of SF (0 or 1000 mg/kg) and broilers intraperitoneally injected with 500 μg/kg LPS on 16, 18, and 20 days, or an equal amount of saline. LPS challenge decreased final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake, increased feed-to-gain ratio, and elevated serum IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-α, D-LA, and endotoxin levels. Moreover, it resulted in a reduction in the IL-10 level. LPS impaired the intestinal morphology of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, down-regulated the mRNA relative expression of Occludin, ZO-1, and MUC-2 in the jejunum mucosa, up-regulated the mRNA relative expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and IL-1β, and increased the relative abundance of Erysipelatoclostridium in broilers (p < 0.05). However, SF supplementation mitigated the decrease in growth performance, reduced serum IL-1β, IL-2, and D-LA levels, increased IL-10 levels, alleviated intestinal morphological damage, up-regulated mRNA expression of Occludin and ZO-1, down-regulated the mRNA expression of TLR4, NF-κB, and IL-lβ in jejunum mucosal (p < 0.05), and SF supplementation presented a tendency to decrease the relative abundance of proteobacteria (0.05 < p < 0.1). Collectively, incorporating SF can enhance the growth performance, alleviate serum inflammation, and improve the intestinal health of broilers, effectively mitigating the damage triggered by LPS-challenges.

Association of Circulating Markers of Microbial Translocation and Hepatic Inflammation with Liver Injury in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Virtually the entire spectrum of liver disease is observed in association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); indeed, T2DM is now the most common cause of liver disease in the U.S. We conducted a pilot study to investigate the relevance of increased microbial translocation and systemic inflammation in the development of liver injury in patients with T2DM. Patients with T2DM (n = 17) and non-diabetic controls (NDC; n = 11) aged 25-80 yrs. participated in this study. Serum levels of endotoxin, calprotectin, soluble CD14 and CD163, and several inflammatory cytokines were measured. In addition to standard liver injury markers, ALT and AST, novel serum markers of liver injury, keratin 18 (K-18) M30 (apoptosis-associated caspase-cleaved keratin 18), and M65 (soluble keratin 18) were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney test to assess differences between study groups. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to determine the strength of association between two variables using GraphPad Prism 9.5.0 software. Patients with T2DM had significantly higher levels of sCD14 in comparison to NDC, suggesting an increase in gut permeability, microbial translocation, and monocyte/macrophage activation. Importantly, relevant to the ensuing inflammatory responses, the increase in sCD14 in patients with T2DM was accompanied by a significant increase in sCD163, a marker of hepatic Kupffer cell activation and inflammation. Further, a positive correlation was observed between sCD163 and endotoxin and sCD14 in T2DM patients but not in NDC. In association with these changes, keratin 18 (K-18)-based serum markers (M65 and M30) that reflect hepatocyte death were significantly higher in the T2DM group indicating ongoing liver injury. Notably, both M65 and M30 levels correlated with sCD14 and sCD163, suggesting that immune cell activation and hepatic inflammation may be linked to the development of liver injury in T2DM. These findings suggest that the pathogenic changes in the gut-liver axis, marked by increased microbial translocation, may be a major component in the etiology of hepatocyte inflammation and injury in patients with T2DM. However, larger longitudinal studies, including histological evidence, are needed to confirm these observations.

#1683 Gut permeability, circulating bacterial fragments, and left ventricular strain in peritoneal dialysis

Abstract Background and Aims There are limited data on the association of gut permeability, circulating bacterial fragment load, left ventricular strain in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). We aimed to measure circulating bacterial fragments, NT-proBNP, calprotectin and zonulin levels, and to evaluate their association with gut permeability, circulating bacterial fragment load, left ventricular strain and clinical outcomes on PD patients. Method We performed a single-center prospective cohort study. Patients who were planned for peritoneal dialysis were recruited. Serum endotoxin, bacterial DNA, NT-proBNP, calprotectin and zonulin levels were measured. Primary outcomes were technical and patient survival, secondary outcomes were hospitalization data. Results One hundred and eight patients were recruited. No correlations between circulating bacterial fragments, NT-proBNP, calprotectin and zonulin levels in PD patients. Circulating bacterial fragments, calprotectin and zonulin levels are positively correlated with insulin resistance index (bacterial DNA: P = .002, calprotectin: P = .014, zonulin: P = .006), while NT-proBNP level is associated with volume overload in PD patients (volume of overhydration: P = .000, E:I ratio: P = .000), peritoneal characteristics (D/P4: P = .004, MTAC: P = .048). NT-proBNP level have a negative correlation with nutritional characteristics (albumin: P = .000, hemoglobin: P = .033) and residual GFR (P = .000). In univariate analysis of PD patient survival, NT-proBNP is associated with patient survival (P = .003), but this association become insignificant after multivariate analysis of clinical confounding factors. NT-proBNP is the strongest independent predictor of technical survival rate in PD patients (P = .005). Patients in the highest tertiles of NT-proBNP and calprotectin have lower technical survival rates, but only patients in the highest tertiles of NT-proBNP, not calprotectin, have lower patient survival. NT-proBNP is also correlated with the number of hospitalizations per year (P = .004) and total hospitalization time (P = .012) in PD patients. Endotoxin and bacterial DNA levels in PD patients have no predictive value for PD patient survival, technical survival, number of hospitalizations per year, and total hospitalization time. Conclusion There is no correlation between gut permeability, circulating bacterial fragments, and impairment of left ventricular function in PD patients. Circulating bacterial fragments levels and gut permeability are associated with insulin resistance, while impairment of left ventricular function is associated with solution overload. Bacterial fragment levels have no predictive value on survival rate, technical survival rate and hospitalizations data in PD patients. NT-proBNP is the strongest independent predictor of technical survival rate in PD patients.

Role of serum endotoxin, FGF19, TLR2, TNF-α, IL-12 and IL-10 in NAFLD-associated T2DM pathogenesis: Insights into Th1 bias and protective mechanisms.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in non-obese patients is pathophysiologically distinct, exhibiting common immunological link with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aims to delineate the role of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-mediated immuno-modulation along with its association with fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) and its ligand fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) in the pathogenesis of NAFLD without or with T2DM. Blood samples were collected from patients with NAFLD (n = 90), NAFLD with T2DM (n = 90) and healthy cohorts (n = 90) with consent and clinical records. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELIZA) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were used to analyze messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), protein expression and gene polymorphism. The molecular genetic analysis revealed the prevalence of variant allele(A) in FGFR4 gene in both cases compared to controls. The mRNA expression of FGF19 and TLR2 exhibited significant upregulation in NAFLD without T2DM compared to NAFLD with T2DM. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) showed upregulation in both disease cohorts compared to control while IL-10 showed significant downregulation in NAFLD with T2DM compared to the other two cohorts. Correlation analysis between FGF19 and TLR2 revealed significant positive association in both NAFLD with and without T2DM. The Th1:Th2 ratio showed significant upregulation in NAFLD with T2DM compared to NAFLD without T2DM. In conclusion, elevated serum endotoxin levels appear to contribute to NAFLD and T2DM development. Upregulated FGF19 seems to be protective against developing T2DM in NAFLD patients. Higher TLR2, TNF-α and IL-12 expression in NAFLD without T2DM suggests a Th1 bias in its pathogenesis, while reduced IL-10 in NAFLD with T2DM implies a more skewed Th1 state in this condition.

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.

Inhibition of Pck1 in intestinal epithelial cells alleviates acute pancreatitis via modulating intestinal homeostasis.

Intestinal barrier dysfunction usually occurred in acute pancreatitis (AP) but the mechanism remains unclear. In this study, RNA sequencing of ileum in L-arginine-induced AP mice demonstrated that phosphoenolpyruvate kinase 1 (Pck1) was significantly up-regulated. Increased Pck1 expression in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) was further validated in ileum of AP mice and duodenum of AP patients. In AP mice, level of Pck1 was positively correlated with pancreatic and ileal histopathological scores, serum amylase activity, and intestinal permeability (serum diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactate, and endotoxin). In AP patients, level of Pck1 had a positive correlation with Ranson scores, white blood cell count and C-reactive protein. Inhibition of Pck1 by 3-Mercaptopicolinic acid hydrochloride (3-MPA) alleviated pancreatic and ileal injuries in AP mice. AP + 3-MPA mice showed improved intestinal permeability, including less epithelial apoptosis, increased tight junction proteins (TJPs) expression, decreased serum DAO, D-lactate, endotoxin, and FITC-Dextran levels, and reduced bacteria translocation. Lysozyme secreted by Paneth cells and mucin2 (MUC2) secretion in goblet cells were also partly restored in AP + 3-MPA mice. Meanwhile, inhibition of Pck1 improved intestinal immune response during AP, including elevation of M2/M1 macrophages ratio and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and reduction in neutrophils infiltration. Invitro, administration of 3-MPA dramatically ameliorated inflammation and injuries of epithelial cells in enteroids treated by LPS. In conclusion, inhibition of Pck1 in IECs might alleviate AP via modulating intestinal homeostasis.

Alleviating effect of vagus nerve cutting in Salmonella-induced gut infections and anxiety-like behavior via enhancing microbiota-derived GABA

The vagus nerve, a pivotal link within the gut-brain axis, plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis and mediating communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. It has been reported that gastrointestinal infection by Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) triggers gut inflammation and manifests as anxiety-like behaviors, yet the mechanistic involvement of the vagus nerve remains to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that unilateral cervical vagotomy markedly attenuated anxiety-like behaviors induced by S. typhimurium SL1344 infection in C57BL/6 mice, as evidenced by the open field test and marble burying experiment. Furthermore, vagotomy significantly diminished neuronal activation within the nucleus of the solitary tract and amygdala, alongside mitigating aberrant glial cell activation in the hippocampus and amygdala. Additionally, vagotomy notably decreases serum endotoxin levels, counters the increase in splenic Salmonella concentration, and modulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines—including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α—in both the gastrointestinal tract and brain, with a concurrent reduction in IL-22 and CXCL1 expression. This intervention also fostered the enrichment of beneficial gut microbiota, including Alistipes and Lactobacillus species, and augmented the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the gut. Administration of GABA replicated the vagotomy’s beneficial effects on reducing gut inflammation and anxiety-like behavior in infected mice. However, blockade of GABA receptors with picrotoxin abrogated the vagotomy’s protective effects against gut inflammation, without influencing its impact on anxiety-like behaviors. Collectively, these findings suggest that vagotomy exerts a protective effect against infection by promoting GABA synthesis in the colon and alleviating anxiety-like behavior. This study underscores the critical role of the vagus nerve in relaying signals of gut infection to the brain and posits that targeting the gut-brain axis may offer a novel and efficacious approach to preventing gastrointestinal infections and associated behavioral abnormalities.

Altered Expression of Intestinal Tight Junctions in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Pathogenetic Mechanism of Intestinal Hyperpermeability.

Systemic inflammation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated (as a cause or effect) with intestinal barrier dysfunction and increased gut permeability, with mechanisms not yet fully understood. This study investigated different parameters of the intestinal barrier in CKD patients, especially tight junction (TJ) proteins and their possible association with systemic endotoxemia and inflammation. Thirty-three patients with stage I-IV CKD (n = 17) or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) (n = 16) and 11 healthy controls underwent duodenal biopsy. Samples were examined histologically, the presence of CD3+ T-lymphocytes and the expression of occludin and claudin-1 in the intestinal epithelium was evaluated by means of immunohistochemistry, circulating endotoxin concentrations were determined by means of ELISA and the concentrations of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and TNF-α in serum were measured using flow cytometry. Patients with stage I-IV CKD or ESKD had significantly higher serum endotoxin, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 levels compared to controls. Intestinal occludin and claudin-1 were significantly decreased, and their expression was inversely correlated with systemic endotoxemia. Regarding occludin, a specific expression pattern was observed, with a gradually increasing loss of its expression from the crypt to the tip of the villi. The expression of occludin and claudin-1 in enterocytes is significantly reduced in patients with CKD, contributing to systemic endotoxemia and inflammatory responses in these patients.

Randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of synbiotic supplementation on serum endotoxin and trimethylamine N-oxide levels in patients with dyslipidaemia.

Elevated serum endotoxin and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) are associated with metabolic disorders including dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 12-week treatment with a synbiotic supplement on serum endotoxin and TMAO levels in patients diagnosed with dyslipidaemia. A total of 56 patients who met the study inclusion criteria were recruited in this randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups and received either synbiotic or placebo sachets twice a day for 12 weeks. The sociodemographic data, food intake, physical activity, and anthropometric indices of participants were assessed before and after intervention. Serum endotoxin, TMAO, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were measured at the baseline and end of the study. No significant difference in the baseline characteristics of participants in the 2 groups was observed. After the 12 weeks of intervention, the mean of serum endotoxin (p < 0.0001), TMAO (p < 0.0001), and FBG (p < 0.0001) was decreased in patients who received synbiotic supplements while no significant change was observed in the control group. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between changes in endotoxin (r = 0.41, p = 0.041) and TMAO (r = 0.40, p = 0.047) with FBG changes was observed. A significant reduction in serum endotoxin and TMAO levels, as well as improvements in FBG, following 12 weeks of supplementation with synbiotics, may offer a potential approach for improving metabolic status in patients with dyslipidaemia.

There is no association between serum endotoxin levels and inflammation in asthma

Backround Endotoxin, in lipopolysaccharide structure (LPS), is the main component of the outer membrane of gram negative bacteria. LPS levels were associated with inflammatory disease. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease involving many different cell types and cellular elements. The association between LPS serum levels and the asthma is not well known. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the LPS serum levels and the severity of asthma, demographic data and laboratory parameters. Methodology The study included 67 patients aged >18 years with a diagnosis of asthma, and 15 healthy volunteers with no history of chronic disease as a control group. The Asthma Control Test (ACT), Respiratory Function Tests (RFTs), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and endotoxin levels were measured and compared between the groups. The endotoxin measurements were performed using the ELISA method. Results The mild-moderate asthma group included 33 patients and the severe asthma group, 34 patients. The endotoxin level was measured as 17.78 (range 3.59 to 304.55) EU/ml in the patient group and 15 (range 4.01 to 74.06) EU/ml in the control group with no statistically significant difference determined between the groups. In the subgroups, the endotoxin level was measured as 15.21 (range 3.69 to 304.55) EU/ml in the mild-moderate group and 14.46 (range 3.59 to 278.86) EU/ml in the severe asthma group with no statistically significant difference determined between the groups. Conclusion The results of this study showed no relationship between serum endotoxin level and asthma or asthma severity.

Bacillus halotolerans attenuates inflammation induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection in vivo and in vitro based on its metabolite soyasaponin I regulating the p105-Tpl2-ERK pathway.

Soyasaponins, recognized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, have not yet been fully explored for their role in combating enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections. Recent findings identified them in small-molecule metabolites of Bacillus, suggesting their broader biological relevance. This research screened 88 strains of B. halotolerans, identifying the strain BH M20221856 as significantly inhibitory against ETEC growth in vitro. It also reduced cellular damage and inflammatory response in IPEC-J2 cells. The antimicrobial activity of BH M20221856 was attributed to its small-molecule metabolites rather than secretory proteins. A total of 69 small molecules were identified from the metabolites of BH M20221856 using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Among these, soyasaponin I (SoSa I) represented the largest multiple change in the enrichment analysis of differential metabolites and exhibited potent anti-ETEC effects in vivo. It significantly reduced the bacterial load of E. coli in mouse intestines, decreased serum endotoxin, D-lactic acid, and oxidative stress levels and alleviated intestinal pathological damage and inflammation. SoSa I enhanced immune regulation by mediating the p105-Tpl2-ERK signaling pathway. Further evaluations using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and cell permeability assays showed that SoSa I alleviated ETEC-induced damage to epithelial barrier function. These results suggest that BH M20221856 and SoSa I may serve as preventative biologics against ETEC infections, providing new insights for developing strategies to prevent and control this disease.

Dietary Malondialdehyde Damage to the Growth Performance and Digestive Function of Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatu♂).

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is the dominant component of lipid peroxidation products. Improper storage and transportation can elevate the lipid deterioration MDA content of diets to values that are unsafe for aquatic animals and even hazardous to human health. The study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary MDA on growth performance and digestive function of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatu♂). Six isoproteic and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain 0.03, 1.11, 2.21, 4.43, 8.86 and 17.72 mg/kg MDA, respectively. The study shows that the increased dietary MDA content linearly reduced the growth rate, feed utilization, body index and body lipid content of hybrid grouper, while the low dose of dietary MDA (≤2.21 mg/kg) created no difference. Similarly, dietary MDA inclusion linearly depressed the activities of intestinal digestive and absorptive enzymes as well as antioxidant enzymes, enhanced the serum diamine oxidase activity, endotoxin level and intestinal MDA content. A high dose of MDA (≥4.43 mg/kg) generally impaired the gastric and intestinal mucosa, up-regulated the relative expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 but down-regulated the relative expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in hindgut. In conclusion, the effect of MDA on hybrid grouper showed a dose-dependent effect in this study. A low dose of dietary MDA had limited effects on growth performance and intestinal health of hybrid grouper, while a high concentration damaged the gastrointestinal structure, depressed the intestinal digestive and antioxidant functions, and thereby impaired the growth and health of hybrid grouper.

The effects of sodium propionate on intestinal barrier function of genetically improved farmed tilapia in a high-lipid formulation

Sodium propionate has long been used as a feed additive in fish diets for its remarkable anti-mold properties. In this study, two-month old genetically improved farmed (GIF) tilapia (initial weight 0.55 ± 0.0004 g/fish) were fed with five isonitrogenous diets, including a low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD), 0.25% sodium propionate-supplemented HFD (HFSP0.25), 0.5% sodium propionate-supplemented HFD (HFSP0.5) and 1.0% sodium propionate-supplemented HFD (HFSP1.0). This study investigated the effects of sodium propionate on fish growth performance, intestinal epithelium integrity and permeability, intestinal “physiological hypoxia” and gut microbiota composition of GIF tilapia fed with the HFD. After a four-week feeding trial, sodium propionate supplementation (0.25%, 0.5% and 1.0%) had no effects on survival rate, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of GIF tilapia. However, feeding the HFSP0.5 and HFSP1.0 impaired tight junctions and lamina propria compared to feeding the HFD (P < 0.05). Serum fluorescence intensities of fish fed the HFSP0.5 and HFSP1.0 were higher than that fed the HFD after an oral gavage of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled carboxymethylated dextran (P < 0.05). Besides, the level of serum endotoxin was higher in fish fed the HFSP1.0 (P < 0.05). The expressions of genes encoding tight junction-related proteins including occludin and claudin-1 were remarkably decreased by feeding the HFSP0.5 and HFSP1.0 (P < 0.05). Moreover, intestinal pimonidazole retention was significantly reduced by HFSP1.0 feeding (P < 0.05). Furthermore, feeding the HFSP0.5 significantly increased the relative abundance of Cetobacterium somerae (P < 0.05) while feeding the HFSP1.0 significantly increased the relative abundance of Plesiomonas shigelloides (P < 0.05) in the gut. Consistently, the presence of Cetobacterium somerae was observed in the liver and muscle of fish fed the HFSP0.5 as well as in the muscle of fish fed the HFSP1.0. Presence of Plesiomonas shigelloides was observed in the liver of fish fed the HFSP1.0. In conclusion, higher levels of sodium propionate (0.5% and 1.0%) disrupt intestinal epithelium integrity and increase intestinal permeability of GIF tilapia when fed a HFD. Besides, sodium propionate at 1.0% additive amount abolishes intestinal “physiological hypoxia”. Sodium propionate supplementation alters the species diversity and composition of gut microbial community.

Effects of two strains of Lactobacillus isolated from the feces of calves after fecal microbiota transplantation on growth performance, immune capacity, and intestinal barrier function of weaned calves.

Weaning stress seriously affects the welfare of calves and causes huge economic losses to the cattle breeding industry. Probiotics play an important role in improving animal growth performance, enhancing immune function, and improving gut microbiota. The newly isolated strains of Lactobacillus reuteri L81 and Lactobacillus johnsonii L29 have shown potential as probiotics. Here, we studied the probiotic properties of these two strains on weaned calves. Forty calves were randomly assigned to four groups before weaning, with 10 calves in each group, control group (Ctrl group), L. reuteri L81 supplementation group (2 g per day per calf), L. johnsonii L29 supplementation group (2 g per day per calf), L. reuteri L81 and L. johnsonii L29 composite group (2 g per day per calf), and the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri L81 and Lactobacillus johnsonii L29 supplementation on growth performance, immune status, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal barrier function of weaned calves were evaluated. The results showed that probiotics supplementation increased the average daily weight gain of calves after weaning, reduced weaning diarrhea index (p < 0.05), and increased serum IgA, IgM, and IgG levels (p < 0.05). L. reuteri L81 supplementation significantly decreased IL-6, increased IL-10 and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels at 21 d after weaning (p < 0.05). Moreover, probiotics supplementation significantly decreased serum endotoxin (ET), diamine oxidase (DAO), and D-lactic acid (D-LA) levels at different time points (p < 0.05). In addition, supplementation with L. reuteri L81 significantly reduced the crypt depth and increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (p < 0.05) in the ileum, increased gene expression of tight junction protein ZO-1, Claudin-1 and Occludin in jejunum and ileum mucosa, reduced the gene expression of INF- γ in ileum mucosa and IL-8 in jejunum mucosa, and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Oscillospira, etc. verall, these results showed that the two strains isolated from cattle feces after low concentration fecal microbiota transplantation improved the growth performance, immune performance, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal barrier function of weaned calves, indicating their potential as supplements to alleviate weaning diarrhea in calves.

Lactobacillus Reuteri 6475 Prevents Bone Loss in a Clinically Relevant Oral Model of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis in Male CD-1 Mice.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are commonly used anti-inflammatory medications with significant side effects, including glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO). We have previously demonstrated that chronic subcutaneous GC treatment in mice leads to gut barrier dysfunction and trabecular bone loss. We further showed that treating with probiotics or barrier enhancers improves gut barrier function and prevents GIO. The overall goal of this study was to test if probiotics could prevent GC-induced gut barrier dysfunction and bone loss in a clinically relevant oral-GC model of GIO. Eight-week-old male CD-1 mice were treated with vehicle or corticosterone in the drinking water for 4 weeks and administered probiotics Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC 6475 (LR 6475) or VSL#3 thrice weekly via oral gavage. As expected, GC treatment led to significant gut barrier dysfunction (assessed by measuring serum endotoxin levels) and bone loss after 4 weeks. Serum endotoxin levels significantly and negatively correlated with bone volume. Importantly, LR 6475 treatment effectively prevented both GC-induced increase in serum endotoxin and trabecular bone loss. VSL#3 had intermediate results, not differing from either control or GC-treated animals. GC-induced reductions in femur length, cortical thickness, and cortical area were not affected by probiotic treatment. Taken together, these results are the first to demonstrate that LR 6475 effectively prevents the detrimental effects of GC treatment on gut barrier, which correlates with enhanced trabecular bone health in an oral mouse model of GIO. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Poria cocos polysaccharide improves intestinal barrier function and maintains intestinal homeostasis in mice

The function of the intestinal tract is critical to human health. Poria cocos is a widely used functional edible fungus in Asia and has been reported to modulate gastrointestinal function. However, the effects of polysaccharides, the main active constituents of Poria cocos, on the intestinal tract remains unclear and is the focus of the study. Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP) were extracted, characterized, and administered to mice by gavage. The results show that PCP used in this study has a typical polysaccharide peak with a molecular weight of 11.583 kDa and is composed primarily of mannose, D-glucosamine hydrochloride, glucose, galactose, and fucose with a molar ratio of 15.308: 0.967: 28.723: 31.631: 23.371. The methylation results suggest that the PCP backbone may be t-Gal(p), 6-Gal(p) and 2,6-Gal(p). The effects of PCP on the mucosal barrier function of the mouse intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) were examined in terms of intestinal physiological status, physical barrier, biochemical barrier, immune barrier, and microbial barrier. The results showed that PCP significantly improved the physiological state of mouse intestine. Moreover, PCP strengthened the intestinal physical barrier by upregulating the expression of intestinal Occludin and ZO-1 and downregulating the levels of serum endotoxin, DAO, D-lactate, and intestinal MPO. Regarding biochemical barrier, PCP could upregulate the expression of MUC2, β-defensin, and SIgA in intestinal tissues. In addition, PCP modulated the immune barrier by increasing IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, and IFN-γ expression. Besides, PCP increased the level of SCFAs in small intestinal contents. PCP modulates intestinal barrier function by altering the microbial composition of the gut. We also found that PCP could maintain intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of Wnt/β-Catenin and Lrp5 proteins. Generally, our findings suggested that PCP may be used as a functional food to regulate intestinal mucosal function, thereby enhancing the health of the intestinal and host.