scholarly journals Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 improves intestinal environment against fluoride-induced memory impairment in mice—a study based on the gut–brain axis hypothesis

PeerJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. e10125
Author(s):  
Jinge Xin ◽  
Dong Zeng ◽  
Hesong Wang ◽  
Ning Sun ◽  
Abdul Khalique ◽  
...  

Background Excessive fluoride can lead to chronic neurodegeneration characterized by neuron and myelin loss and memory dysfunction. The gut–brain axis hypothesis suggests that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating brain function. Thus, using probiotics to adjust the gut microenvironment may be a potential therapy for mental diseases. Methods Mice in the prob group were administrated with Lactobacillus johnsonii BS15 for 28 days prior to and throughout a 70-day exposure to sodium fluoride. The drinking water of all groups (F and prob groups) except the control group were replaced by high-fluoride water (100 mg NaF/L) on day 28. Animals in each group were divided into two subsets: one underwent behavioral test, and the other was sacrificed for sampling. The mRNA expression level and protein content related to inflammatory reaction in the ileum and hippocampus were respectively detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expression levels of proteins related to myelin structure, apoptosis, and memory in the hippocampus and tight junction proteins in the ileum were determined by RT-qPCR and/or immunohistochemistry. Gut permeability markers (D-lactate and diamine oxidase (DAO)) in the serum were also examined by ELISA. Results The results showed that fluoride exposure induced a lower spontaneous exploration (P < 0.05) in T-maze test, which indicated an impairment of memory. Spontaneous exploration of BS15-treated mice was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in F group. Fluoride reduced (P < 0.05) levels of myelin structural protein (proteolipid protein) and neurogenesis-associated proteins (brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cAMP/Ca2+ responsive element-binding protein), induced disordered inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-6; P < 0.05), increased pro-apoptotic genes (caspase-3; P < 0.05), and decreased anti-apoptotic genes (Bcl-2; P < 0.05) in the hippocampus, of which the influences were reversed by BS15. BS15 treatment exerted significant preventive effects on reversing the gut inflammation induced by excessive fluoride intake by reducing (P < 0.05) the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)) and remarkably increasing (P < 0.05) the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). Moreover, the serum DAO activity and D-lactate concentration significantly increased by fluoride were also reduced (P < 0.05) by BS15. This result indicated the profitable effect of BS15 on gut permeability. Conclusion L. johnsonii BS15 intake could benefit the neuroinflammation and demyelination in the hippocampus by improving the gut environment and ameliorating fluorine-induced memory dysfunction.

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Pleguezuelos ◽  
Marina Sibila ◽  
Raúl Cuadrado ◽  
Rosa López-Jiménez ◽  
Diego Pérez ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The objective of the present study was to explore the benefits of Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) blanket vaccination in a sow herd on productive parameters, PCV-2 infection and immune status in sows and their progeny. For this purpose, 288 sows were distributed among four balanced experimental groups. One group remained as negative control group and the other three received 1 mL of PCV-2 Ingelvac Circoflex® intramuscularly at different productive cycle moments: before mating, mid gestation (42–49 days post-insemination) or late gestation (86–93 days post-insemination); phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was used as negative control item. Reproductive parameters from sows during gestation and body weight of their progeny from birth to weaning were recorded. Additionally, blood was collected from sows at each vaccination time and piglets at 3 weeks of age. Moreover, up to 4 placental umbilical cords (PUC) per sow were taken at peri-partum. Sera from sows and piglets were analysed for PCV-2 antibody detection using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from sows and PUC were tested to quantify viraemia using a real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Results Globally, results indicated that vaccinated sows showed heavier piglets at birth and at weaning, less cross-fostered piglets, lower viral load at farrowing as well as in PUC, and higher antibody levels at farrowing, compared to non-vaccinated ones. When all groups were compared among them, sows vaccinated at mid or late gestation had heavier piglets at birth than non-vaccinated sows, and lower proportion of PCV-2 positive PUC. Also, cross-fostering was less frequently practiced in sows vaccinated at pre-mating or mid gestation compared to non-vaccinated ones. Conclusions In conclusion, the present study points out that PCV-2 sow vaccination at different time points of their physiological status (mimicking blanket vaccination) offers benefits at production and serological and virological levels.


Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 738
Author(s):  
Sasikarn Looprasertkul ◽  
Amornpun Sereemaspun ◽  
Nakarin Kitkumthorn ◽  
Kanidta Sooklert ◽  
Tewarit Sarachana ◽  
...  

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, especially antiangiogenesis, which are accomplished via inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. However, no research has been performed on the effects of AuNPs in pericytes, which play vital roles in endothelial cell functions and capillary tube formation during physiological and pathological processes. Therefore, the effects of AuNPs on the morphology and functions of pericytes need to be elucidated. This study treated human placental pericytes in monoculture with 20 nm AuNPs at a concentration of 30 ppm. Ki-67 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β) mRNA expression was measured using real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Cell migration was assessed by Transwell migration assay. The fine structures of pericytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. In addition, 30 ppm AuNP-treated pericytes and intact human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cocultured on Matrigel to form three-dimensional (3D) capillary tubes. The results demonstrated that AuNPs significantly inhibited proliferation, reduced PDGFR-β mRNA expression, and decreased migration in pericytes. Ultrastructural analysis of pericytes revealed AuNPs in late endosomes, autolysosomes, and mitochondria. Remarkably, many mitochondria were swollen or damaged. Additionally, capillary tube formation was reduced. We found that numerous pericytes on 3D capillary tubes were round and did not extend their processes along the tubes, which resulted in more incomplete tube formation in the treatment group compared with the control group. In summary, AuNPs can affect pericyte proliferation, PDGFR-β mRNA expression, migration, morphology, and capillary tube formation. The findings highlight the possible application of AuNPs in pericyte-targeted therapy for antiangiogenesis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 1934578X2094200
Author(s):  
Wan Ni ◽  
Nianyun Wang ◽  
Shenglan Tian ◽  
Qingbang Xu

The effect of emodin on complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain in rats and its potential molecular mechanism was investigated. For this, a rat model of inflammatory pain induced by CFA was established and rats were treated with emodin by intraperitoneal injection. The pain threshold was evaluated by the von Frey, thermo hyperalgesia, and cold plate tests. The mRNA expression of transient receptor potential channel ankyrin type-1 ( Trpa1) and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 ( Trpv1) was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and the level of inflammatory cytokines was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mechanical and thermal pain thresholds of CFA-treated rats were significantly lower than those of the control rats, while the paw withdrawal responses in response to cold stimulation were higher than that of the control group. Emodin treatment significantly improved CFA-induced hyperalgesia. Further results showed that emodin inhibits the upregulation of Trpa1 and Trpv1 mRNA expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats with inflammatory pain compared with the control group. Emodin also significantly reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the serum of rats with inflammatory pain. Thus, emodin may inhibit hyperalgesia induced by inflammatory stimulation by downregulating the mRNA expression of Trpa1 and Trpv1 in DRG neurons and reducing the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (9) ◽  
pp. 030006052090542
Author(s):  
Hai Li ◽  
Baotian Kan ◽  
Lingli Song ◽  
Yufa Liu ◽  
Xiangdong Jian

Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which safflower yellow (SY) mediates therapeutic effects in rats with paraquat intoxication-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Methods Rats received combinations of paraquat, SY, and SB431542, a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 receptor antagonist. Survival over 28 days was assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Rat tissue and serum samples were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson’s Trichrome staining, immunoblotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and transmission electron microscopy. Results Survival rates were higher in SY and SB431542 groups (treatment and paraquat) than in the exposure group (paraquat alone). In the exposure group, serum TGF-β1 levels increased between days 3 and 14; mammalian STE20-like (MST) levels increased between days 3 and 7; TGF-β1 and Smad3 levels increased between days 3 and 14; and Yap and connective tissue growth factor levels increased between days 3 and 28. TGF-β1 levels were lower in SY and SB431542 groups than in the exposure group. Pathology scores were higher in exposure, SY, and SB431542 groups than in the control group throughout the experiment. Conclusions In rats with paraquat intoxication-induced pulmonary fibrosis, Hippo signaling could be activated by the MST-Yap pathway; SY and SB431542 could alleviate pulmonary fibrosis via Hippo signaling.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nezaket COBAN ◽  
Aysegul Bayramoglu ◽  
Zeynep TEMIZ

Abstract Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is very common worldwide and genetically heterogeneous. One of the microvascular complications is diabetic nephropathy (DN). In recent years, T2DM has been described as a disease caused by chronic inflammation. The imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines causes inflammation. One of the candidate genes associated with T2DM and DN is the Interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene, one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study was conducted to determine the polymorphism frequencies of the IL-6 gene rs1800796 and investigate the role of this polymorphism in the development of T2DM and DN. Genomic DNA that was obtained from 261 people was used in the study. IL-6 gene rs1800796 polymorphism was determined using the PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and electrophoresis. IL-6 gene PCR products were discontinued by treatment with restriction enzyme BsrBI and were analyzed in 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. IL-6 (Bioassay technology laboratory, Shangai, China) level was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a commercial kit. The results were statistically analyzed. The frequencies of rs1800796 genotypes were found to be GG 70.7%, GC 28.5%, CC 0.8% in the control group and GG 87.8%, GC 9.9 %, CC 2.3% in T2DM patients. Although there was a statistically significant difference between the control group and the T2DM patient group in genotype and allele frequencies, there was no significant difference in DN. The G allele frequency was also significantly higher in the T2DM group (p=0.000). IL-6 levels were determinated increased in patients with Type-2 diabetes compared to the control group. However; there was no significant statistically. We can say that IL-6 rs1800796 polymorphism is related to T2DM and G allele can be used as a useful genetic marker; this polymorphism is not related to DN, though.


2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-141
Author(s):  
Vitaliy Shcherba ◽  
Inna Krynytska ◽  
Mariya Marushchak ◽  
Mykhaylo Korda

Abstract Objective. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of inflammatory mediators in rats with only periodontitis and periodontitis in a setting of hyper- and hypo-thyroidism and to analyze the correlative linkages between inflammatory mediators and thyroid hormones. Methods. White male 12–14 weeks old inbred rats (n=48) weighing 180–200 g were employed in the experiment. They were randomly divided into the following groups: Group I – control group, Group II – group with a model of periodontitis, Group III – group with a periodontitis in a setting of hyperthyroidism, and Group IV – group with periodontitis in a setting of hypothyroidism. The presence of tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukins IL-1β and IL-10 in the periodontal homogenate supernatant was studied by a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. It was shown that experimental lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced periodontitis is accompanied by hyperproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and reduction of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), whereas TNF-α underwent to maximum changes. Thyroid dysfunction exacerbates cytokine imbalance and severity of inflammation in experimental LPS-induced periodontitis, especially pronounced at hyperthyroidism, as evidenced by the predominance of TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the periodontal homogenate supernatant by 38.5% (р<0.01) and 75.6% (p<0.001), respectively, hyperthyroid over the euthyroid, and by 20.1% (p<0.05) and 24.1% (p<0.05), respectively, over the hypothyroid rats. Conclusions. Thyroid dysfunction, especially hyperthyroidism, may play an important role in the pro-inflammatory response in periodontitis. Hyperproduction of inflammatory mediators in thyroid dysfunction can induce a noticeable damage in the whole apparatus of the periodontium, thereby causing progression of periodontitis.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 1161-1166
Author(s):  
Zhiwen Zhou ◽  
Xiang Ren ◽  
Aiping Li ◽  
Wensheng Zhou ◽  
Li Huang

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of floroindole against cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)- induced sepsis, as well as the underlying mechanism of action. Methods: Thirty-five 10–week-old male Wistar rats weighing 190 - 210 g (mean: 200.00 ± 10.10 g) were used for this study. The rats were randomly assigned to seven groups of five rats each, viz, normal control group, and six CLP groups. The CLP groups were those subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The first 5 CLP groups received 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 mg/kg floroindole, respectively, 1 h after CLP, via intraperitoneal route (i.p.) while the 6th CLP group served as untreated control. Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used for the assessment of the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), interleukn-6 (IL-6), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) and p-NF-κB p65. Results: Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) significantly and time-dependently upregulated the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and NOD2 in intestinal tissues of rats (p < 0.05). However, treatment with floroindole significantly, and dose-dependently down-regulated CLP-induced expressions of these proteins (p < 0.05). Treatment of rats with floroindole also significantly and dose-dependently inhibited CLP-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 in rat ileum (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results obtained in this study demonstrate that floroindole confers some degree of protection against CLP-induced sepsis via inhibition of NF-κB p65 phosphorylation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Xu ◽  
Jianye Wang ◽  
Liu Dong ◽  
Qiong Xing ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundThere are many studies on the advantages of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that could secret various paracrine factors in repairing endometrial injury. It is necessary to improve the stability and effectiveness of MSCs. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), as one of the cytokines secreted by MSCs, plays a significant role in vascular repair and mesenchymal to epithelial transformation (MET). It can be deduced that HGF is closely related to the repair process of endometrium.Therefore, we aim to investigate the effect and mechanism of MSCs from umbilical cord transfected with HGF gene in the damaged mouse endometrium.MethodsHGF gene transfected MSCs were prepared by electroporation. After determining the cell characteristics and cell activity of HGF gene transfected MSCs, the ability of HGF gene transfected MSCs to express HGF was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Totally, 60 female mice were randomly divided into Control group, Saline group, MSCs group , and HGF gene-transfected MSCs (MSCshgf) group. Each group of mice received treatment after injury. HE staining were used to evaluate the changes in the thickness of endometrial epithelium and the number of endometrial glands. Immunofluorescence was used to evaluate the molecular repair effect. Real time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to compare the expression of angiogenesis related factors. Western blot was used to detect the activation of HGF/c-Met and AKT signaling pathways.ResultsHGF gene transfected MSCs retained the characteristics of original MSCs, and the concentration of HGF secreted by MSCs transfected with HGF gene was higher than that of normal MSCs. Compared with normal MSCs, HGF gene transfected MSCs have a more effect in promoting the repair of damaged endometrial epithelium, mainly in significantly increasing the thickness of damaged endometrial epithelium, increasing the number of glands and proliferating cells(p<0.01). Meanwhile, HGF gene transfected MSCs can improve the expression level of endometrial vascular growth related factors and promote the MET process (p<0.01). At the same time, Western blotting confirmed that these repair effects were related to HGF activation of its receptor c-Met and downstream AKT signaling pathway.ConclusionsCompared with normal MSCs, HGF gene transfected MSCs have a more significant effect in repairing the damaged endometrial epithelium. This effect is achieved by activating the receptor c-Met of HGF and downstream AKT pathway.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Yue Geng ◽  
Yeting Chen ◽  
Wei Sun ◽  
Yingmin Gu ◽  
Yongjie Zhang ◽  
...  

The beneficial effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Shuigou (GV26) and Neiguan (PC6) on poststroke rehabilitation are critically related to the activation of the delta-opioid receptor (DOR). The underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms in DOR activation and EA-mediated neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury were investigated in the current study. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by morphological changes, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and TUNEL staining. The mRNA levels were evaluated by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the protein expression was measured by western blot or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in vitro. Infarct volume was examined by cresyl violet (CV) staining, neurologic recovery was assessed by neurological deficit scores, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were determined by immunofluorescence in vivo. DOR activation greatly ameliorated morphological injury, reduced LDH leakage and apoptosis, and increased cell viability. It reversed the oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation- (OGD/R-) induced downregulation of DOR mRNA and protein, as well as BDNF protein. DOR activation also reduced proinflammatory cytokine gene expression, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and at the same time, increased anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10 in OGD/R challenged PC12 cells. EA significantly reduced middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion- (MCAO/R-) induced infarct volume and attenuated neurologic deficit scores. It markedly increased the expression of IL-10 and decreased IL-1β, while sham EA did not have any protective effect in MCAO/R-injured rats. DOR activation plays an important role in neuroprotection against OGD/R injury by inhibiting inflammation via the brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin-related kinase B (BDNF/TrkB) pathway. The neuroprotective efficacy of EA at Shuigou (GV26) and Neiguan (PC6) on cerebral I/R injury may be also related to the inhibition of inflammatory response through the DOR-BDNF/TrkB pathway.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Bai ◽  
Zhiheng Zhang ◽  
Yue Li ◽  
Xiaopeng Song ◽  
Tianwen Ma ◽  
...  

The etiology of osteoarthritis (OA) is multifactorial, with no effective disease-modifying-drugs. L-theanine has been reported to inhibit inflammatory responses in some diseases and this study aimed to investigate the effect of L-theanine on Interleukin-1(IL-1)β-stimulated chondrocytes, and in an injury-induced OA rat model. Primary chondrocytes were stimulated by IL-1β (10 ng/mL) for 24 h and then co-cultured with L-theanine for 24 h. The effects of L-theanine on IL-1β-stimulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and hydrolytic enzyme were analyzed using Western blotting, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. An immunofluorescence assay was used to detect nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) phosphorylation. OA was induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) surgery in rats and celecoxib was used as a positive control. OA severity was measured using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) grading system to describe histological changes. The results showed that L-theanine decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nitric oxide (NO), both in vivo and in vitro. L-theanine treatment inhibited IL-1β-induced upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-3 and MMP-13, as well as inhibited NF-κB p65 activation. In vivo animal model showed that L-theanine administration (200 mg/kg) significantly alleviated OA lesions and decreased OARSI score. Our data indicated that L-theanine decreased inflammatory cytokines and protected extracellular matrix degradation through inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, and L-theanine may be considered a promising therapeutic strategy in OA prevention.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document