Permeability Coefficient Values Research Articles

Permeability Coefficient Optimization Research Based on Structure Fractal

Based on fractal theory, the capacity dimension in the fractal dimension is taken as the basic feature quantity. The grid covering method was used to quantitatively evaluate the structural complexity of Donghuantuo Mine. Based on this method, the positive relationship was found between the structural complexity and permeability coefficient with using the fractal theory. And the value of permeability coefficient is optimized for empirical formula to be closer to the real situation. Thus, the prediction accuracy of water inflow is improved.

A STUDY ON NUMERICAL DETERMINATION OF PERMEABILITY AND INERTIA COEFFICIENT OF ALUMINUM FOAM USING X-RAY MICROTOMOGRAPHY TECHNIQUE: FOCUS ON INSPECTION METHODS FOR RELIABILITY (PERMEABILITY AND INERTIA COEFFICIENT BY TOMOGRAPHY)

The volume-averaged (i.e., macroscopic) transport properties such as permeability and inertia coefficient of two aluminum foams with 10 and 20 pores per inch (PPI) pore density are found using microtomography images. It is shown that a comparison between the numerical values and the experimental results may not be sufficient to prove the correctness of the obtained results. Hence, in addition to traditional validation methods such as grid independency and comparison with reported results in literature, further inspections such as (a) checking the development of flow, (b) inspection of Darcy and non-Darcy regions, (c) conservation of flow rate through the porous media, (d) sufficiency of number of voxels in the narrow throats, and (e) observation of transverse velocity gradients in pores for high and low Reynolds numbers can be performed to further validate the achieved results. These techniques have been discussed and explained in detail for the performed study. Moreover, the obtained permeability and inertia coefficient values are compared with 19 reported theoretical, numerical, and experimental studies. The maximum deviation between the present results and the reported studies for 10 PPI is below 25%, while for 20 PPI it is below 28%.

Analysis of Sluice Foundation Seepage Using Monitoring Data and Numerical Simulation

For sluices built on soil foundations, seepage safety of the foundation is one of the most concerns during operation of sluices. Monitoring data could reflect the real seepage behavior in the foundation, but of which the shortcoming is that generally only the local seepage states can be measured. The seepage field in the whole foundation can be analyzed by numerical simulation. The permeability coefficients of the foundation materials significantly affect the numerical simulation results; however, it is difficult to accurately determine the values of permeability coefficients. In this paper, an approach based on response surface method (RSM) for calibration of permeability coefficients was proposed, and the efficiency of parameter calibration is improved by constructing the response surface equation instead of time‐consuming finite element calculation of foundation seepage. The seepage in a sluice foundation was analyzed using monitoring data and numerical simulation. The monitoring data showed that the seepage pressure in the foundation periodically varies with high value in flood season and low value in dry season. After calibration of the permeability coefficients of the foundation materials using the measured seepage pressure, the seepage fields in the foundation for different water levels were numerically simulated to investigate the cause for the periodical variation of the seepage pressure and the seepage safety of the foundation was assessed with the calculated seepage gradients. The methods adopted in this study could be applied to seepage analysis for sluice foundations with similar geologic conditions and antiseepage measures.

Sorption and Nanofiltration Characteristics of PIM-1 Material in Polar and Non-Polar Solvents

The affinity of polar extractants (propylene carbonate, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamide, triethylene glycol and dimethylacetamide) and benzene, toluene, p-xylene and m-xylene (so-called BTX fraction) for PIM-1 material was evaluated. The mass-transfer coefficients of selected solvents were determined in organic solvent nanofiltration process. All solvents showed a good affinity toward PIM-1 polymer; while the large values of sorption and PIM-1 swelling degree were in the case of benzene (1.63 g/g, 192%), toluene (1.72 g/g, 186%) and xylenes (1.61–1.76 g/g, 147–170%); while these values for selected polar solvents were in the range of 1.09–1.48 g/g and 83–108%, respectively. The values of sorption and swelling degree were successfully correlated with Hansen’s solubility parameters. Values of permeability coefficients of nonpolar solvents through PIM-1 membranes were 1.5–5.5 times higher than those for polar solvents. With increasing affinity of the solvent toward polymer, the values of the permeability coefficients also increased.

Quantitative Comparison of Bile Acid Distribution and Intestinal Transport from Native Cow-bezoar and Artificial and in vitro Cultured Substitutes using Caco-2 Cell Monolayer Model

ABSTRACT Objective This study was conducted to examine the absorption and translocation of conjugated bile acids (BAs) in Calculus bovis and its substitutes to detect differences in these materials. Methods A Caco-2 monolayer cell model was used to compare the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) value and efflux ratio (ER) of BAs in natural cow-bezoar (NCB), artificial cow-bezoar (ACB), and in vitro cultured cow-bezoar (Ivt-CCB). Papp and ER values were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Samples were separated on an analytical column. Results The distribution of BAs in NCB was significantly different from that in ACB and Ivt-CCB. The percentages of conjugated BAs were significantly higher in NCB than in the two substitutes. The distribution differences of conjugated and unconjugated BAs can be used to distinguish costly NCB from relatively inexpensive substitutes. Conclusion The transport characteristics of BAs in Ivt-CCB were more consistent with NCB than with ACB, even when the proportions of BAs in Ivt-CCB were closer to those of ACB.

Experimental Comparison of Construction Material Vapor Permeability in Case of Horizontal or Vertical Sample Position

The paper proposes a device for vapor permeability coefficient determination in case of vertical sample position. The device is a L-type section capacity with a window in upper part of long side of the capacity. A test sample of construction material is positioned vertically and sealed in the window. The capacity has built-in relative air humidity sensors distributed along capacity height. These sensors allow measuring height-average relative air humidity. Experimental vapor permeability coefficient values, obtained by means of the proposed device and by means of well-known wet cup method, have been compared. Rock wool has been used as a test material. As a result, wet cup method has been confirmed for vapor permeability coefficient determination for vertical enclosing structures.

The Performance of Earth Retention Pond Water Retain Capability Using Geotechnical Properties Evaluation

Development of a new modern housing areas has demand a retention pond for recreation activity and landscaping purposes. This study deals with the evaluation of water retain ability of a new retention pond from the soil condition perspective. Geotechnical laboratory testing was performed via particle size distribution, Atterberg limits and permeability to assess the retention pond soil condition. All the experiment was performed according to British Standard 1377 (1990). It was found that soil tested has been dominated by fine particles which ranged at 30.84 – 60.88 % compared to the coarse particles (sand and gravel). Atterberg limits results has found that all soil tested has a liquid limit (LL), plastic limit (PL) and plasticity index (PI) that was varied at 29 – 74 %, 16.9 – 33.6 % and 17 – 40.4 % respectively representing its promising water retain capability. Moreover, permeability result founds that all values of permeability coefficient, k was ranged at 3.11 x 10-4 – 5.65 x 10-7 cm/s thus conclude that all soil tested has low to very low degree of permeability. Finally, retention pond of a new development area has been evaluated directly according to its soil condition thus provide some valuable information to the responsible parties regarding the future planning and decision making of the sustainable catchment areas.

Supported liquid membrane transport studies of Pu(IV) using OTDA, a novel diamide

Liquid Membrane (LM) transport studies of Pu(IV) were investigated in detail using a novel rationally designed conformationally constrained oxatricyclodiamide (OTDA). Detailed parametric investigations were carried out to understand the transport mechanism and to optimize the transport conditions. Efforts were also made to investigate the effect of diluent on the extraction as well as transport of Pu(IV) across the membrane with OTDA. Mass transfer modeling of the transport process was performed and a good agreement between the experimental results and theoretically values was found. The optimized conditions for transport was found to be a PTFE membrane support of 0.45 μm, 4 M HNO3 as feed acidity, 0.1 M OTDA in 30% IDA/n-dodecane as carrier and in the strippant side a mixture of 0.2 M HAN + 0.3 M HNO3. Under the optimized conditions, the permeability co-efficient value was found to be (2.11 ± 0.08) × 10−3 cm/s. Diffusion coefficient value of 1.06 × 10-6 cm2/s was obtained for Pu(IV)-OTDA system.

Analisis Stabilitas pada Lereng Sungai yang Dipengaruhi Pasang Surut

The slopes on river banks close to the estuary can be affected by tides, so it can experience stability in the river bank. Therefore, this research is conducted to determine the stability of river bank due to tides with numerical analysis. The numerical analysis method was done by 2D Plaxis Software that using the Finite Element Method. The analysis was conducted on a homogeneous slope with 2 (two) different soil permeability coefficient values, there are low permeability and high permeability. The analysis is modeled by fully coupled analysis between deformation and ground water flow analysis. The results of the analysis indicate that a tidal are influence the stability of the slope based on the safety factor value. The highest of safety factor value are shown in high tide condition, and the lowest occur at low tide condition. This happens because the high tide condition occur the addition of hydraulic pressure from the water that will resist the sliding, while the low tide condition will reduce the hydraulic pressure. This can be a concern to the stability of river bank with tidal condition in order to avoid the erosion during the low tide conditions. The comparison of safety factors between two different types of soil permeability are not significant, the difference are only 3%.

Geotechnical properties of compacted biosolids for monofill design, As-Samra, Jordan

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive geotechnical laboratory testing for the assessment and design of a proposed biosolid monofill facility at the As-Samra Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Jordan. Previous landfill operations for biosolid materials typically involved co-disposal or lagooning of the dewatered biosolid slurry. However, it is proposed that the solar-dried As-Samra WWTP biosolid material will be placed in a new monofill facility at the site. This approach is suited to the As-Samra desert climate, since the material’s water content can be readily reduced to between 60 and 100% in evaporation lagoons. New insights were gained on the strength and compressibility of the non-inundated and saturated compacted biosolid materials, including their (a) very low normalised undrained strength ratio and effective angle of shearing resistance values for the saturated normally consolidated states of 0·14 and 15°, respectively; (b) very high strain rate dependency of strength; and (c) extremely low permeability coefficient values on the order of 10−12 m/s for compaction at approximately 100% water content. The paper concludes with recommendations on the appropriate water content range for compaction of the material in the proposed monofill and the selection of design strength values for geotechnical stability analysis.

Transdermal formulation of 4-benzylpiperidine for cocaine-use disorder

Cocaine-use disorder is a major public health problem, yet there is no FDA approved treatment. The distinguished preclinical efficacy of 4-benzylpiperidine as substitute agonist for cocaine-use-disorder along with the therapeutic benefits of transdermal delivery, make it an excellent candidate for transdermal delivery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the in vitro transdermal delivery of 4-benzylpiperidine across dermatomed human skin. Mathematical models were used to calculate the theoretical and experimental drug percutaneous absorption. Gels were formulated with varying amount of gelling agent and subjected to rheological analysis. Franz cells were used to investigate the in vitro permeation. Transdermal permeation of 4-benzylpiperidine from propylene glycol solution (1, 10, 20 and 50 mg/mL) corresponded to 16%–31% delivery (49.45 ± 11.60, 258.47 ± 48.50, 600.26 ± 74.18, 1945.20 ± 405.59 μg/cm2). The average cumulative amount of drug delivered from gel formulation was 1824.90 ± 425.12 μg/cm2. Thixotropic test demonstrated 2% hydroxyl propyl cellulose based gel to have the highest structure recovery ratio. The calculated theoretical permeability coefficient and theoretical flux value (32.637 μg/cm2/h) predicted high percutaneous absorption. This was further validated by the experimentally determined permeability coefficients and flux values (62.73 ± 12.14 μg/cm2/h), demonstrating proficient transdermal delivery of 4-benzylpiperidine.

Thermal characteristics analysis with local thermal non-equilibrium model during liquid nitrogen jet fracturing for HDR reservoirs

This paper presents a numerical analysis of thermal characteristics in bottom-hole rock during liquid nitrogen jet fracturing for hot dry rock (HDR) reservoirs. The standard κ-ε and Darcy models are employed to calculate the fluid flow in fluid region and porous-rock region respectively. The heat transfer between flowing fluid and rock matrix is simulated by the local thermal non-equilibrium model. The thermal stresses are evaluated based on thermo-elastic model. Furthermore, a sensitivity study is conducted to investigate the influences of different factors on heat transfer efficiency in porous rock. The results show that the fluid has a relatively high velocity in the rock region impacted by high-speed jet. The flow transport in porous rock can significantly improve the cooling performance of hot rock. The thermal stresses induced by temperature gradient are huge enough to create thermal cracks in formation. The parametric analysis indicates that increasing the values of ambient pressure, rock permeability and convection coefficient can promote the heat transfer in porous rock obviously, while the parameters of pressure drop and rock porosity have a slight impact on the cooling rate. The results in this study would offer guidance for the design of HDR fracturing with liquid nitrogen jet.

Geostatistical Analysis of the Permeability Coefficient in Different Soil Textures

Summary Estimating soil hydraulic properties are so important for hydrological modeling, designing irrigation-drainage systems and soil transmission of soluble salts and pollutants, although measurements of such parameters have been found costly and time-consuming. Owing to a high spatial variability of soil hydraulic characteristics, a large number of soil samples are required for proper analysis. Nowadays, geostatistical methods are used to estimate soil parameters on the basis of limited data. The purpose of this research is to investigate the spatial variability of the permeability coefficient in different soil textures (26 soil samples) found in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The parameter values obtained indicated a normal trend in particle size distribution, whereas the values of permeability coefficient showed aberrant distribution patterns. Geostatistical analysis results indicated the best fitted theoretical model was Gaussian model and the proportion of sill/(sill + nugget) was 0.17 indicated strong spatial dependency of soil permeability. Furthermore, the optimal distance for estimating the soil permeability coefficient was 109,119 meters. A comparison of the kriging and IDW interpolation methods showed that both methods can estimate soil permeability with high accuracy and less error. The prediction maps of the applied methods indicated that high soil permeability rates were recorded in the south-east of the Kurdistan region of Iraq compared to low soil permeability rates recorded in the remainder of this region. It is recommended other interpolation methods such as co-kriging and indicator or simple kriging methods could be used to simulate data in large scale areas as well.

Intestinal absorption of S-nitrosothiols: Permeability and transport mechanisms

S-Nitrosothiols, a class of NO donors, demonstrate potential benefits for cardiovascular diseases. Drugs for such chronic diseases require long term administration preferentially through the oral route. However, the absorption of S-nitrosothiols by the intestine, which is the first limiting barrier for their vascular bioavailability, is rarely evaluated. Using an in vitro model of intestinal barrier, based on human cells, the present work aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of intestinal transport (passive or active, paracellular or transcellular pathway) and at predicting the absorption site of three S-nitrosothiols: S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), S-nitroso-N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NACNO) and S-nitroso-N-acetyl-d-penicillamine (SNAP). These S-nitrosothiols include different skeletons carrying the nitroso group, which confer different physico-chemical characteristics and biological activities (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory). According to the values of apparent permeability coefficient, the three S-nitrosothiols belong to the medium class of permeability. The evaluation of the bidirectional apparent permeability demonstrated a passive diffusion of the three S-nitrosothiols. GSNO and NACNO preferentially cross the intestinal barrier though the transcellular pathway, while SNAP followed both the trans- and paracellular pathways. Finally, the permeability of NACNO was favoured at pH 6.4, which is close to the pH of the jejunal part of the intestine. Through this study, we determined the absorption mechanisms of S-nitrosothiols and postulated that they can be administrated through the oral route.

Fabrication of a Corneal Model Composed of Corneal Epithelial and Endothelial Cells via a Collagen Vitrigel Membrane Functioned as an Acellular Stroma and Its Application to the Corneal Permeability Test of Chemicals.

A collagen vitrigel membrane (CVM) we developed can function as both a scaffold for cells and a pathway for chemicals. To extrapolate the corneal permeability of chemicals in vivo, we proposed six corneal models using the CVM. Thin and thick CVMs were used as models for Bowman's membrane (BM) and an acellular stroma (AS), respectively. Models for a corneal epithelium (CEpi), a CEpi-AS, a CEpi-endothelium (Endo), and a CEpi-AS-Endo were fabricated by culturing corneal epithelial cells and/or corneal endothelial cells on the surface of CVMs. Subsequently, the permeability coefficient (Papp) value of each model was calculated using five chemicals with different molecular radii; cyanocobalamin and four fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextrans (FD) (FD-4, FD-10, FD-20, and FD-40). The slopes of Papp versus molecular radii of those chemicals in the both BM and AS models were almost similar to data using an excised rabbit corneal stroma. The ratios of Papp values in models for BM, CEpi, and CEpi-Endo against those in data using an excised rabbit cornea were calculated as 75.4-fold, 6.4-fold, and 4.5-fold for FD-4, and 38.7-fold, 10.0-fold, and 4.2-fold for FD-10, respectively. Similarly, those in models for AS, CEpi-AS, and CEpi-AS-Endo were calculated as 26.1-fold, 2.5-fold, and 0.6-fold for FD-4, and 26.1-fold, 1.5-fold, and 0.6-fold for FD-10, respectively. These results suggest that the CEpi-AS-Endo model with both the barrier function of corneal cell layers and the diffusion capacity of chemicals in thick CVM is most appropriate for extrapolating the corneal permeability of chemicals in vivo.

Theoretical Insights into the Retinal Dynamics of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients Treated with Ranibizumab, Based on an Ocular Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Model.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) results from the pathological angiogenesis of choroidal capillaries, which leak fluid within or below the macular region of the retina. The current standard of care for treating wet AMD utilizes intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF antibodies or antibody fragments to suppress ocular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. While VEGF suppression has been demonstrated in wet AMD patients by serial measurements of free-VEGF concentrations in aqueous humor samples, it is presumed that anti-VEGF molecules also permeate across the inner limiting membrane (ILM) of the retina as well as the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and suppress VEGF levels in the retina and/or choroidal regions. The latter effects are inferred from serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements of fluid in the retinal and sub-retinal spaces. In order to gain theoretical insights to the dynamics of retinal levels of free-VEGF following intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF molecules, we have extended our previous two-compartment pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) model of ranibizumab-VEGF suppression in vitreous and aqueous humors to a three-compartment model that includes the retinal compartment. In the new model, reference values for the macromolecular permeability coefficients between retina and vitreous ( pILM) and between retina and choroid ( pRPE) were estimated from PK data obtained in rabbit. With these values, the three-compartment model was used to re-analyze the aqueous humor levels of free-VEGF obtained in wet AMD patients treated with ranibizumab and to compare them to the simulated retinal levels of free-VEGF, including the observed variability in PK and PD. We have also used the model to explore the impact of varying pILM and pRPE to assess the case in which an anti-VEGF molecule is impermeable to the ILM and to assess the potential effects of AMD pathology on the RPE barrier. Our simulations show that, for the reference values of pILM and pRPE, the simulated duration of VEGF suppression in the retina is approximately 50% shorter than the observed duration of VEGF suppression in the aqueous humor, a finding that may explain the short duration of suppressed disease activity in the "high anti-VEGF demand" patients reported by Fauser and Muether ( Br. J. Ophthalmol. 2016, 100, 1494-1498 ). At 10-fold lower values of pRPE, the durations of VEGF suppression in the retina and aqueous humor are comparable. Lastly we have used the model to explore the impact of dose and binding parameters on the duration and depth of VEGF suppression in the aqueous and retinal compartments. Our simulations with the three-compartment PK/PD model provide new insights into inter-patient variability in response to anti-VEGF therapy and offer a mechanistic framework for developing treatment regimens and molecules that may prolong the duration of retinal VEGF suppression.

Hydrogeologic Conditions of Mulussa Aquifer Between Rutba and Dhabaa in Al-Anbar Governorate

Rutba area is located in Al-Anbar Governorate - West of Iraq. Hydrogeological investigation calculation of Mulussa aquifer between Rutba and Dhabaa is carried out. The groundwater moves in directions of (NE, E and SE) influenced by depletion process in the amount of hydraulic gradient ranged between (0.0000416 - 0.008036). The groundwater flux (V) and groundwater pore velocity (U) are reached (0.00451) m/day and (25.02) m/day, respectively. Mulussa aquifer is carbonate beds, where represents confined aquifer conditions. The values of transmissivity, permeability and storage coefficient are ranged between (0.507 – 250) m 2 /day, (0.00547 - 3.05) m/day and (9.65 x 10 -5 - 2.64 x 10 -4 ) respectively. While the estimated of transmissivities which are obtained from specific capacity ranged (208.041 – 862.166) m 2 /day. This variation in the values revealing the great variations in the aquifer lithology, which was affected by intensity and the number of fractures and joints.

Influence of cellulose nanocrystal on strength and properties of low density polyethylene and thermoplastic starch composites

Starch is a renewable and readily available material. Adding starch to low density polyethylene (LDPE) is a sustainable way to reduce the dependency on petroleum based polymers. In this study we investigated the strength and barrier performance of low density polyethylene (LDPE)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). In order to assure well dispersion of CNC in nanocomposites, initially CNC was added to TPS and then reinforced TPS were blended in extruder with LDPE at various loading levels. Mechanical properties, glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting point (Tm), moisture absorption and barrier properties of the nanocomposites were studied. All mechanical properties, including tensile strength, modulus of elasticity (MOE) and hardness were considerably improved by CNC. Tg and Tm of the nanocomposites were higher in comparison to CNC free nanocomposites. Water absorption showed a significant decrease as a result of addition of CNC to LDPE/TPS blends. The values of water vapor permeability coefficient (WVP) and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) were reduced by adding CNC, meaning that CNC considerably improved barrier properties of LDPE/TPS composites. Adding 1% CNC to LDPE/TPS blends was the optimal level of CNC loading leading to the highest improvement in the strength and barrier performance of LDPE/TPS blends and satisfied very well required standard tensile strength for extruded and molded LDPE.

Intestinal Permeability and Cellular Antioxidant Activity of Phenolic Compounds from Mango (Mangifera indica cv. Ataulfo) Peels.

Mango (Mangifera indica cv. Ataulfo) peel contains bound phenolics that may be released by alkaline or acid hydrolysis and may be converted into less complex molecules. Free phenolics from mango cv. Ataulfo peel were obtained using a methanolic extraction, and their cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) and permeability were compared to those obtained for bound phenolics released by alkaline or acid hydrolysis. Gallic acid was found as a simple phenolic acid after alkaline hydrolysis along with mangiferin isomers and quercetin as aglycone and glycosides. Only gallic acid, ethyl gallate, mangiferin, and quercetin were identified in the acid fraction. The acid and alkaline fractions showed the highest CAA (60.5% and 51.5%) when tested at 125 µg/mL. The value of the apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) across the Caco-2/HT-29 monolayer of gallic acid from the alkaline fraction was higher (2.61 × 10−6 cm/s) than in the other fractions and similar to that obtained when tested pure (2.48 × 10−6 cm/s). In conclusion, mango peels contain bound phenolic compounds that, after their release, have permeability similar to pure compounds and exert an important CAA. This finding can be applied in the development of nutraceuticals using this important by-product from the mango processing industry.

Shuganyin decoction improves the intestinal barrier function in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome induced by water-avoidance stress

BackgroundTo determine the effect of Shuganyin decoction (SGD) on the intestinal barrier function in an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) rat model induced by water-avoidance stress.MethodsForty male Wistar rats were divided into control, water-avoidance stress (WAS) group, WAS plus Shuganyin decoction (SGD) group and WAS plus dicetel (Dicetel) group. IBS was induced in rats by subjecting them to water-avoidance stress for 7 days. On day 4 of the WAS protocol, the rats were treated for 7 consecutive days (days 4–11) with SGD, dicetel or a negative control (saline). The number of feces granules, histopathological changes of the intestine and mast cell (MC) morphometry were determined. Intestinal permeability was approximated by measuring the absorption of FITC-dextran 4400 (FD-4) from the lumen into the bloodstream in vivo and in vitro experiments. Also, the expression of protease active receptor-2 (PAR-2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was estimated using immunohistochemical staining and ELISA, respectively. Tight junction (TJ) protein abundance was measured following a quantitative immunofluorescent analysis of intestinal sections and western blotting.ResultsIn vivo, WAS elicited a significantly increase in the transfer of FD-4 from the intestine to blood about threefold in 30 min compared with control group. After treated with SGD, the intestinal permeability to FD-4 of WAS-induced rats was significantly attenuated (P < 0.05). In vitro, the permeability coefficient (Papp) values were measured for FD-4 absorption across the excised intestine. WAS was shown to increase the intestinal permeability to (4.695 ± 0.3629) × 10−7 cm/s in 120 min, which was 2.6-fold higher than the control group. Rats treated with SGD showed a significant decrease in Papp values of FD-4 as compared to WAS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, by immunofluorescent detection we found that WAS elicited the irregular distribution of TJ proteins. Using the quantitative analysis software of the medical image, the average optical density and protein abundance of TJ proteins was shown to be lower in the WAS group as compared to control group, (P < 0.05). SGD could attenuate this response and improve TJ distribution (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis confirmed that TJ protein abundance was significantly decreased in WAS group and that they could be returned to control levels following an SGD treatment. WAS also induced an increase in number of MCs, their area and diameter as compared to controls. These observations were attenuated with an SGD or dicetel treatment. Similarly, the expression of PAR-2 and TNF-α exceeded control values in the WAS group and were shown to be successfully attenuated with an SGD treatment.ConclusionWAS-induced IBS rat model exhibited intestinal barrier dysfunction, which was manifested as tight junction damage and structural rearrangements that increased the intestinal permeability. Under these conditions, MCs were activated and degranulated in the intestinal mucosa leading to the activation of PAR-2. Our data showed that SGD could inhibit the activation of MCs and down-regulate the expression of both PAR-2 and TNF-α. In turn, this was shown to improve the expression and structural arrangement of TJ proteins in the intestinal mucosa, thereby regulating the intestinal permeability. It was concluded that Shuganyin could protect the intestinal barrier.