scholarly journals In VivoandIn VitroAntinociceptive Effect ofFagopyrum cymosum(Trev.) Meisn Extracts: A Possible Action by Recovering Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Liu ◽  
Xueting Cai ◽  
Jing Yan ◽  
Yi Luo ◽  
Ming Shao ◽  
...  

Fagopyrum cymosum(Trev.) Meisn (Fag) is a herb rhizome which has been widely used to treat diseases. To investigate the effects and mechanisms of the Fag on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),in vivoneonatal pups maternal separation (NMS) combined with intracolonic infusion of acetic acid (AA) was employed to establish IBS rat models. Fag reduced their visceral hyperalgesia and the whole gut permeability, ameliorated colonic mucosa inflammation and injury, and upregulated the expression of decreased tight junction proteins (TJs) of claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1 (except ZO-2) in colonic epithelium. Caco-2 monolayer cells were incubated with TNF-αand IFN-γ  in vitroto establish an epithelial barrier dysfunction model whose transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) depended more on dose of Fag than that of the controls, and whose TJs levels were lower than those of the controls. Fag upregulated the NP-40 insoluble and soluble components of the four TJs markedly in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggest that Fag alleviated the hyperalgesia of IBS rats by reducing intestinal inflammation and enhancing mucosal epithelial function after regulating the structure and function of TJs.

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongying Fan ◽  
Ruqin Lin ◽  
Zhenhui Chen ◽  
Xingyu Leng ◽  
Xianbo Wu ◽  
...  

AbstractCronobacter sakazakii (CS), an important pathogen, is associated with the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), infant sepsis, and meningitis. Several randomized prospective clinical trials demonstrated that oral probiotics could decrease the incidence of NEC. Previously, we isolated and characterized a novel probiotic, B. fragilis strain ZY-312. However, it remains unclear how ZY-312 protects the host from the effects of CS infection. To understand the underlying mechanisms triggering the probiotic effects, we tested the hypothesis that there was a cross-talk between probiotics/probiotics-modulated microbiota and the local immune system, governed by the permeability of the intestinal mucosa using in vitro and in vivo models for the intestinal permeability. The probiotic effects of ZY-312 on intestinal epithelial cells were first examined, which revealed that ZY-312 inhibited CS invasion, CS-induced dual cell death (pyroptosis and apoptosis), and epithelial barrier dysfunction in vitro and in vivo. ZY-312 also decreased the expression of an inflammasome (NOD-like receptor family member pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-3, and serine protease caspase-1 in a neonatal rat model. Furthermore, ZY-312 significantly modulated the compositions of the intestinal bacterial communities, and decreased the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Gamma proteobacteria, but increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Bacillus in neonatal rats. In conclusion, our findings have shown for the first time that the probiotic, B. fragilis ZY-312, suppresses CS-induced NEC by modulating the pro-inflammatory response and dual cell death (apoptosis and pyroptosis).Author summaryCronobacter sakazakii, a major necrotizing enterocolitis pathogen, is used as a model microorganism for the study of opportunistic bacteria in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis. Here, we have now unequivocally demonstrated that both apoptotic and pyroptotic stimuli contribute to the pathogenesis of Cronobacter sakazakii -induced necrotizing enterocolitis. Previously, we isolated and characterized a novel probiotic, B. fragilis strain ZY-312. We found that the ZY-312 defense against Cronobacter sakazakii-induced necrotizing enterocolitis by inhibiting Cronobacter sakazakii invasion, epithelial barrier dysfunction, the expression of inflammatory cytokines and dual cell death (pyroptosis and apoptosis). This study demonstrates the utility of ZY-312 as a promising probiotic agent for the prevention and treatment of various intestinal diseases, including NEC.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Boeri ◽  
Luca Izzo ◽  
Lorenzo Sardelli ◽  
Marta Tunesi ◽  
Diego Albani ◽  
...  

The liver is a key organ that can communicate with many other districts of the human body. In the last few decades, much interest has focused on the interaction between the liver and the gut microbiota, with their reciprocal influence on biosynthesis pathways and the integrity the intestinal epithelial barrier. Dysbiosis or liver disorders lead to0 epithelial barrier dysfunction, altering membrane permeability to toxins. Clinical and experimental evidence shows that the permeability hence the delivery of neurotoxins such as LPS, ammonia and salsolinol contribute to neurological disorders. These findings suggested multi-organ communication between the gut microbiota, the liver and the brain. With a view to in vitro modeling this liver-based multi-organ communication, we describe the latest advanced liver-on-a-chip devices and discuss the need for new organ-on-a-chip platforms for in vitro modeling the in vivo multi-organ connection pathways in physiological and pathological situations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cuiping Ye ◽  
Chaowen Huang ◽  
Mengchen Zou ◽  
Yahui Hu ◽  
Lishan Luo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The dysfunction of airway epithelial barrier is closely related to the pathogenesis of asthma. Secreted Hsp90α participates in inflammation and Hsp90 inhibitor protects endothelial dysfunction. In the current study, we aimed to explore the role of secreted Hsp90α in asthmatic airway epithelial barrier function. Methods Male BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with HDM to generate asthma model. The 16HBE and Hsp90α-knockdown cells were cultured and treated according to the experiment requirements. Transepithelial Electric Resistance (TEER) and permeability of epithelial layer in vitro, distribution and expression of junction proteins both in vivo and in vitro were used to evaluate the epithelial barrier function. Western Blot was used to evaluate the expression of junction proteins and phosphorylated AKT in cells and lung tissues while ELISA were used to evaluate the Hsp90α expression and cytokines release in the lung homogenate. Results HDM resulted in a dysfunction of airway epithelial barrier both in vivo and in vitro, paralleled with the increased expression and release of Hsp90α. All of which were rescued in Hsp90α-knockdown cells or co-administration of 1G6-D7. Furthermore, either 1G6-D7 or PI3K inhibitor LY294002 suppressed the significant phosphorylation of AKT, which caused by secreted and recombinant Hsp90α, resulting in the restoration of epithelial barrier function. Conclusions Secreted Hsp90α medicates HDM-induced asthmatic airway epithelial barrier dysfunction via PI3K/AKT pathway, indicating that anti-secreted Hsp90α therapy might be a potential treatment to asthma in future.


1996 ◽  
Vol 109 (6) ◽  
pp. 1479-1495 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.A. Temesvari ◽  
J.M. Rodriguez-Paris ◽  
J.M. Bush ◽  
L. Zhang ◽  
J.A. Cardelli

We have investigated the effects of Concanamycin A (CMA), a specific inhibitor of vacuolar type H(+)-ATPases, on acidification and function of the endo-lysosomal and contractile vacuole (CV) systems of D. discoideum. This drug inhibited acidification and increased the pH of endo-lysosomal vesicles both in vivo and in vitro in a dose dependent manner. Treatment also inhibited endocytosis and exocytosis of fluid phase, and phagocytosis of latex beads. This report also confirms our previous conclusions (Cardelli et al. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 3454–3463) that maintenance of acidic pH in lumenal compartments is required for efficient processing and targeting of a lysosomal enzyme, alpha-mannosidase. CMA treatment compromised the function of the contractile vacuole complex as amoebae exposed to a hypo-osmotic environment in the presence of CMA, swelled rapidly and ruptured. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that CMA treatment induced gross morphological changes in D. discoideum cells, characterized by the formation of large intracellular vacuoles containing fluid phase. The reticular membranes of the CV system were also no longer as apparent in drug treated cells. Finally, this is the first report describing cells that can adapt in the presence of CMA; in nutrient medium, D. discoideum overcame the effects of CMA after one hour of drug treatment even in the absence of protein synthesis. Upon adaptation to CMA, normal sized endo-lysosomal vesicles reappeared, endo-lysosomal pH decreased, and the rate of endocytosis, exocytosis and phagocytosis returned to normal. This study demonstrates that the V-H(+)-ATPase plays an important role in maintaining the integrity and function of the endo-lysosomal and CV systems and that D. discoideum can compensate for the loss of a functional V-H(+)-ATPase.


Inflammation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Cao ◽  
Maiying Fan ◽  
Yanfang Pei ◽  
Lei Su ◽  
Weiwei Xiao ◽  
...  

Abstract The intestine is one of the main target organs involved in the pathological process of heatstroke. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) is involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced apoptosis. This study aimed to explore the role of CHOP in heatstroke-induced intestinal injury and potential therapy. An in vitro heat stress (HS) model using Caco-2 cells was employed. We observed the role of CHOP in apoptosis-mediated intestinal epithelial cell injury secondary to HS by evaluating cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase release, apoptosis levels, and GRP78, PERK, ATF4, CHOP, Bcl-2, and BAX mRNA and protein expression. To further study the role of CHOP in HS-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction, we assessed transepithelial electrical resistance, paracellular tracer flux, ultrastructure of tight junctions, and protein expression of ZO-1 and occludin. Male wild-type mice and CHOP knockout mice were used for in vivo experiments. We evaluated serum d-lactate and diamine oxidase levels, histopathological changes, intestinal ultrastructure, and ZO-1 and occludin protein expression. HS activated the PERK-CHOP pathway and promoted apoptosis by upregulating BAX and downregulating Bcl-2; these effects were prevented by CHOP silencing. Intestinal epithelial barrier function was disrupted by HS in vitro and in vivo. CHOP silencing prevented intestinal barrier dysfunction in Caco-2 cells, whereas CHOP knockout mice exhibited decreased intestinal mucosal injury. The ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) prevented HS-induced intestinal injury in vitro and in vivo. This study indicated that CHOP deficiency attenuates heatstroke-induced intestinal injury and may contribute to the identification of a novel therapy against heatstroke associated with the ER stress pathway.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Ye-fang Wang ◽  
Yu-xiang Fei ◽  
Bo Zhao ◽  
Qi-yang Yin ◽  
Jian-ping Zhu ◽  
...  

This research was designed to explore the effect of Ma Xing Shi Gan decoction (MXD) in alleviating particulate matter less than 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5) induced lung injury from the perspective of epithelial barrier protection and inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Rats were exposed to PM2.5 to establish a lung injury model in vivo, and a PM2.5-stimulated primary cultured type II alveolar epithelial cell model was introduced in vitro. Our results indicated that MXD alleviated the weight loss and pathologic changes and improved the epithelial barrier dysfunction. MXD also significantly inhibited the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway, increased the level of ZO-1 and claudin-5, and reversed the EMT process. Notably, the protection of MXD was abolished by TGF-β in vitro. Our results indicated that MXD has a protection against PM2.5-induced lung injury. The proposed mechanism is reversing PM2.5-induced EMT through inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 pathway and then upregulating the expression of tight-junction proteins.


2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (7) ◽  
pp. R845-R853 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. R. Oliver ◽  
N. A. Phillips ◽  
V. L. Novosad ◽  
M. P. Bakos ◽  
E. E. Talbert ◽  
...  

Loss of the intestinal barrier is critical to the clinical course of heat illness, but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that conditions characteristic of mild heatstroke in mice are associated with injury to the epithelial lining of the intestinal tract and comprise a critical component of barrier dysfunction. Anesthetized mice were gavaged with 4 kDa FITC-dextran (FD-4) and exposed to increasing core temperatures, briefly reaching 42.4°C, followed by 30 min recovery. Arterial samples were collected to measure FD-4 concentration in plasma (in vivo gastrointestinal permeability). The small intestines were then removed to measure histological evidence of injury. Hyperthermia resulted in a ≈2.5-fold elevation in plasma FD-4 and was always associated with significant histological evidence of injury to the epithelial lining compared with matched controls, particularly in the duodenum. When isolated intestinal segments from control animals were exposed to ≥41.5°C, marked increases in permeability were observed within 60 min. These changes were associated with release of lactate dehydrogenase, evidence of protein oxidation via carbonyl formation and histological damage. Coincubation with N-acetylcysteine protected in vitro permeability during hyperthermia and reduced histological damage and protein oxidation. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ to block tight junction opening during 41.5°C exposure failed to reduce the permeability of in vitro segments. The results demonstrate that hyperthermia exposure in mouse intestine, at temperatures at or below those necessary to induce mild heatstroke, cause rapid and substantial injury to the intestinal lining that may be attributed, in part, to oxidative stress.


Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 706
Author(s):  
Xiuman Zhou ◽  
Ling Jiao ◽  
Yuzhen Qian ◽  
Qingyu Dong ◽  
Yixuan Sun ◽  
...  

Strategies boosting both innate and adaptive immunity have great application prospects in cancer immunotherapy. Antibodies dual blocking the innate checkpoint CD47 and adaptive checkpoint PD-L1 or TIGIT could achieve durable anti-tumor effects. However, a small molecule dual blockade of CD47/SIRPα and TIGIT/PVR pathways has not been investigated. Here, an elevated expression of CD47 and PVR was observed in tumor tissues and cell lines analyzed with the GEO datasets and by flow cytometry, respectively. Compounds approved by the FDA were screened with the software MOE by docking to the potential binding pockets of SIRPα and PVR identified with the corresponding structural analysis. The candidate compounds were screened by blocking and MST binding assays. Azelnidipine was found to dual block CD47/SIRPα and TIGIT/PVR pathways by co-targeting SIRPα and PVR. In vitro, azelnidipine could enhance the macrophage phagocytosis when co-cultured with tumor cells. In vivo, azelnidipine alone or combined with irradiation could significantly inhibit the growth of MC38 tumors. Azelnidipine also significantly inhibits the growth of CT26 tumors, by enhancing the infiltration and function of CD8+ T cell in tumor and systematic immune response in the tumor-draining lymph node and spleen in a CD8+ T cell dependent manner. Our research suggests that the anti-hypertensive drug azelnidipine could be repositioned for cancer immunotherapy.


Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 184
Author(s):  
Yanan Gao ◽  
Xiaoyu Bao ◽  
Lu Meng ◽  
Huimin Liu ◽  
Jiaqi Wang ◽  
...  

With the growing diversity and complexity of diet, humans are at risk of simultaneous exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which are well-known contaminants in dairy and other agricultural products worldwide. The intestine represents the first barrier against external contaminants; however, evidence about the combined effect of AFB1 and AFM1 on intestinal integrity is lacking. In vivo, the serum biochemical parameters related to intestinal barrier function, ratio of villus height/crypt depth, and distribution pattern of claudin-1 and zonula occluden-1 were significantly affected in mice exposed to 0.3 mg/kg b.w. AFB1 and 3.0 mg/kg b.w. AFM1. In vitro results on differentiated Caco-2 cells showed that individual and combined AFB1 (0.5 and 4 μg/mL) and AFM1 (0.5 and 4 μg/mL) decreased cell viability and trans-epithelial electrical resistance values as well as increased paracellular permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, AFM1 aggravated AFB1-induced compromised intestinal barrier, as demonstrated by the down-regulation of tight junction proteins and their redistribution, particularly internalization. Adding the inhibitor chlorpromazine illustrated that clathrin-mediated endocytosis partially contributed to the compromised intestinal integrity. Synergistic and additive effects were the predominant interactions, suggesting that these toxins are likely to have negative effects on human health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo José Basso ◽  
Helioswilton Sales-Campos ◽  
Viviani Nardini ◽  
Murillo Duarte-Silva ◽  
Vanessa Beatriz Freitas Alves ◽  
...  

The current therapeutic options for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) are limited. Even using common anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive or biological therapies, many patients become unresponsive to the treatments, immunosuppressed or unable to restrain secondary infections. Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs with non-canonical anti-inflammatory properties, whose underlying mechanisms of action still remain poorly understood. Here, we described that in vitro atorvastatin (ATO) treatment was not toxic to splenocytes, constrained cell proliferation and modulated IL-6 and IL-10 production in a dose-dependent manner. Mice exposed to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for colitis induction and treated with ATO shifted their immune response from Th17 towards Th2, improved the clinical and histological aspects of intestinal inflammation and reduced the number of circulating leukocytes. Both experimental and in silico analyses revealed that PPAR-α expression is reduced in experimental colitis, which was reversed by ATO treatment. While IBD patients also downregulate PPAR-α expression, the responsiveness to biological therapy relied on the restoration of PPAR-α levels. Indeed, the in vitro and in vivo effects induced by ATO treatment were abrogated in Ppara-/- mice or leukocytes. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of ATO in colitis are dependent on PPAR-α, which could also be a potential predictive biomarker of therapy responsiveness in IBD.


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