Mannogalactoglucan from mushrooms protects pancreatic islets via restoring UPR and promotes insulin secretion in TIDM mice

Type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) lacks insulin secretion due to autoimmune deficiency of pancreaticβ-cells.Protecting pancreatic islets and enhancing insulin secretion has been therapeutic approaches.Mannogalactoglucan is the main type of polysaccharide from natural mushroom,which has potential medicinal prospects.Nevertheless,the antidiabetic property of mannogalactoglucan in T1DM has not been fully elucidated.In this study,we obtained the neutral fraction of alkali-soluble Armillaria mellea polysaccharide(AAMP-N) with the structure of mannogalactoglucan from the fruiting body of A.mellea and investigated the potential therapeutic value of AAMP-N in T1DM.We demonstrated that AAMP-N lowered blood glucose and improved diabetes symptoms in T1DM mice.AAMP-N activated unfolded protein response(UPR) signaling pathway to maintain ER protein folding homeostasis and promote insulin secretion in vivo.Besides that,AAMP-N promoted insulin synthesis via upregulating the expression of transcription factors,increased Ca^(2+) signals to stimulate intracellular insulin secretory vesicle transport via activating calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase Ⅱ(CamkⅡ) and cAMP/PKA signals,and enhanced insulin secretory vesicle fusion with the plasma membrane via vesicle-associated membrane protein 2(VAMP2).Collectively,these studies demonstrated that the therapeutic potential of AAMP-N on pancreatic islets function,indicating that mannogalactoglucan could be natural nutraceutical used for the treatment of T1DM.

The Effect of Umami Stimulation on Salivary Secretion Rate and Duration

Purpose: Umami reportedly promotes salivation. We aimed to investigate the effects of taste stimuli on slow and fast salivary secretion in humans using umami, sweet, and sour stimuli. Methods: Eight healthy women participated between 14:00 and 15:00, taking the circadian rhythm of salivary secretion into account. The types and concentrations of the taste solutions were glutamic acid (1.7 × 10−3 M), inosinic acid (9.8 × 10−3 M), and guanylic acid (9.8 × 10−3 M) for umami stimulation, citric acid (6.5 × 10−3 M) for acidity stimulation, and sucrose (1.6 × 10−2 M) for sweetness stimulation. First, the unstimulated salivary flow rate was measured. Then, 3 ml of a flavor solution was dropped under the tongue using a syringe. The saliva was expelled into an aluminum cup every minute and weighed. The first minute’s value minus 3 ml flavor solution was the stimulated salivary secretion rate produced by each flavor. The time-to-return to the initial unstimulated salivary flow rate was the duration of the stimulated saliva secretion rate. Results: The mean unstimulated salivary flow rate across participants was 0.64 ± 0.25 ml/min (range: 0.23 - 1.03 ml/min). The highest amount of saliva was induced by citric acid. There were significant differences between citric acid and the other flavor solutions (p < 0.05 for glutamic acid, inosinic acid, and sucrose;p < 0.01 for guanylic acid). There were no significant differences in duration of salivation between the flavor solutions. When the participants were divided into slow (0.45 ± 0.16 ml/min) and fast groups (0.83 ± 0.15 ml/min) based on their median resting salivary secretion rate, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the amount of saliva secreted at 1 minute after stimulation and the duration of the salivary secretion rate. Conclusion: Umami stimulation was effective in slowing salivary secretion and sustaining salivary secretion after stimulation.

Comparative Study of the Biological Activities of the Skin Secretions from Six Common Chinese Amphibians

Water soluble skin secretions of six common Chinese amphibians were studied for their biological and enzymatic activities.The skin secretions of Tylototriton verrucosus,Bombina maxima ,and Bufo andrewsi were found toxic to mice with the intraperitoneal LD 50 of 11 5?mg/kg,18 8?mg/kg,and 264?mg/kg,respectively.No acute lethal toxicities were observed for the skin secretions of Rana nigromaculata,Rana guentheri and Rana limnocharis in a dose up to 500?mg/kg.The lethal toxicities of the skin secretions of T verrucosus and B maxima to mice are in the same grade as those of Viperidae snake venoms.The toxic components in T verrucosus and B maxima skin secretions are the proteins with molecular weights ranging from 3 to 60?kDa.All the skin secretions had both proteolytic activity and trypsin inhibitory activity.The skin secretions from T verrucosus , B maxima and B andrewsi also displayed wide spectrum antimicrobial activity.On the other hand,the skin secretions from B andrewsi and B maxima showed cytotoxicity on human cancer cells.All the six samples had not significant effects on mammalian blood coagulation system.Phospholipase A 2 activity was only found in the skin secretions of T verrucosus .None of these skin secretions showed acetylcholine esterase activity.

Anti-diabetic effects of Caulerpa lentillifera:stimulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells and enhancement of glucose uptake in adipocytes

Objective:To evaluate anti-diabetic effect of Caulrpa kntillifera(C.lentillifera).Methods:The inhibitory effect of C.lentillifera extract on dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and a-glucosidase enzyme was measured in a cell free system.Then,interleukin-1βand interferon-γinduced cell death and insulin secretion were measured in rat insulinoma(RIN)cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and ELISA kit,respectively.Glucose uptake and glucose transporter expression were measured by fluorometry and western blotting,using 3T3-Ll adipocytes.Results:C.lentillifera extract significantly decreased dipeptidyl peptidase-IV and a-glucosidase enzyme activities,and effectively inhibited cell death and iNOS expression in interleukin-1βand interfcron-γinduced RIK cells.Furthermore,C.lntillifera extract significantly enhanced insulin secretion in RTN cells and glucose transporter expression and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1adipocytes.Conclusions:Thus,our results suggest that C.lentillifera could be used as a potential antidiabetic agenl.

New therapeutic perspectives in irritable bowel syndrome: Targeting low-grade inflammation, immuno-neuroendocrine axis, motility, secretion and beyond

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is a chronic,recurring,and remitting functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by abdominal pain,distention,and changes in bowel habits.Although there are several drugs for IBS,effective and approved treatments for one or more of the symptoms for various IBS subtypes are needed.Improved understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms such as the role of impaired bile acid metabolism,neurohormonal regulation,immune dysfunction,the epithelial barrier and the secretory properties of the gut has led to advancements in the treatment of IBS.With regards to therapies for restoring intestinal permeability,multiple studies with prebiotics and probiotics are ongoing,even if to date their efficacy has been limited.In parallel,much progress has been made in targeting low-grade inflammation,especially through the introduction of drugs such as mesalazine and rifaximin,even if a better knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the low-grade inflammation in IBS may allow the design of clinical trials that test the efficacy and safety of such drugs.This literature review aims to summarize the findings related to new and investigational therapeutic agents for IBS,most recently developed in preclinical as well as Phase 1 and Phase 2clinical studies.

Increased secretion of pro inflammatory cytokines by circulating polymorphonuclear neutrophils and regulation by interleukin 10 during intestinal inflammation

Abstract AIM To investigate whether PMN from patients with IBD or infectious colitis, respectively, secrete increased amounts of pro inflammatory cytokines and can be regulated by IL 10. METHODS Secretion (ELISA) as well as corresponding mRNA levels (semiquantitative RT PCR) of pro inflammatory cytokines (IL 1β, TNF α) and of IL 1 receptor antagonist were assessed in peripheral PMN. RESULTS PMN from patients with IBD are primed to secrete enhanced amounts of pro inflammatory cytokines accompanied by detection of corresponding mRNAs in comparison with normal controls. This finding is not specific for IBD but rather reflects intestinal inflammation in general. IL 10 markedly inhibited proinflammatory cytokine secretion as well as corresponding mRNA concentrations. CONCLUSION PMN are an important source of pro inflammatory cytokines in patients with intestinal inflammation and can be downregulated by IL 10.

New insight in expression, transport, and secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor: Implications in brainrelated diseases

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) attracts increasing attention from both research and clinical fields because of its important functions in the central nervous system. An adequate amount of BDNF is critical to develop and maintain normal neuronal circuits in the brain. Given that loss of BDNF function has beenreported in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative or psychiatric diseases, understanding basic properties of BDNF and associated intracellular processes is imperative. In this review, we revisit the gene structure, transcription, translation, transport and secretion mechanisms of BDNF. We also introduce implications of BDNF in several brain-related diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, depression and schizophrenia.

Ghrelin and gastric acid secretion

Ghrelin, a novel growth hormone-releasing peptide, was originally isolated from rat and human stomach. Ghrelin has been known to increase the secretion of growth hormone (GH), food intake, and body weight gain when administered peripherally or centrally. Ghrelin is also known to stimulate the gastric motility and the secretion of gastric acid. In the previous studies, the action of ghrelin on acid secretion was shown to be as strong as that of histamine and gastrin in in-vivo experiment. In the studies, the mechanism for the action of ghrelin was also investigated. It was shown that vagotomy completely inhibited the action of ghrelin on the secretion of gastric acid suggesting that vagal nerve is involved in the mechanism for the action of ghrelin on acid secretion. As famotidine did not inhibit ghrelin-in-duced acid secretion in the study by Masuda et al, they concluded that histamine was not involved in the action of ghrelin on acid secretion. However, we have shown that famotidine completely inhibited ghrelin-induced acid secretion and histidine decarboxylase (HDC) mRNA was increased in gastric mucosa by ghrelin injection which is inhibited by vagotomy Our results indicate that histamine is involved in the action of ghrelin on acid secretion. Furthermore synergistic action of gastrin and ghrelin on gastric acid secretion was shown. Although gastrin has important roles in postprandial secretion of gastric acid, ghrelin may be related to acid secretion during fasting period or at night. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the physiological role of ghrelin in acid secretion.

Mechanism involved in Danshen-induced fluid secretion in salivary glands

AIM:Danshen's capability to induce salivary fluid secretion and its mechanisms were studied to determine if it could improve xerostomia.METHODS:Submandibular glands were isolated from male Wistar rats under systemic anesthesia with pentobarbital sodium.The artery was cannulated and vascularly perfused at a constant rate.The excretory duct was also cannulated and the secreted saliva was weighed in a cup on an electronic balance.The weight of the accumulated saliva was measured every 3 s and the salivary flow rate was calculated.In addition,the arterio-venous difference in the partial oxygen pressure was measured as an indicator of oxygen consumption.In order to assess the mechanism involved in Dansheninduced fluid secretion,either ouabain(an inhibitor of Na+/K+ ATPase) or bumetanide(an inhibitor of NKCC1) was additionally applied during the Danshen stimulation.In order to examine the involvement of the main membrane receptors,atropine was added to block the M3 muscarinic receptors,or phentolamine was added to block the α1 adrenergic receptors.In order to examine the requirement for extracellular Ca2+,Danshen was applied during the perfusion with nominal Ca2+ free solution.RESULTS:Although Danshen induced salivary fluid secretion,88.7 ± 12.8 μL/g-min,n = 9,(the highest value around 20 min from start of DS perfusion was significantly high vs 32.5 ± 5.3 μL/g-min by carbamylcholine,P = 0.00093 by t-test) in the submandibular glands,the time course of that secretion differed from that induced by carbamylcholine.There was a latency associated with the fluid secretion induced by Danshen,followed by a gradual increasein the secretion to its highest value,which was in turn followed by a slow decline to a near zero level.The application of either ouabain or bumetanide inhibited the fluid secretion by 85% or 93%,and suppressed the oxygen consumption by 49% or 66%,respectively.These results indicated that Danshen activates Na+/K+ ATPase and NKCC1 to maintain Cl- release and K+ release for fluid secretion.Neither atropine or phentolamine inhibited the fluid secretion induced by Danshen(263% ± 63% vs 309% ± 45%,227% ± 63% vs 309% ± 45%,P = 0.899,0.626 > 0.05 respectively,by ANOVA).Accordingly,Danshen does not bind with M3 or α1 receptors.These characteristics suggested that the mechanism involved in DS-induced salivary fluid secretion could be different from that induced by carbamylcholine.Carbamylcholine activates the M3 receptor to release inositol trisphosphate(IP3) and quickly releases Ca2+ from the calcium stores.The elevation of [Ca2+]i induces chloride release and quick osmosis,resulting in an onset of fluid secretion.An increase in [Ca2+]i is essential for the activation of the luminal Cl- and basolateral K+ channels.The nominal removal of extracellular Ca2+ totally abolished the fluid secretion induced by Danshen(1.8 ± 0.8 μL/g-min vs 101.9 ± 17.2 μL/g-min,P = 0.00023 < 0.01,by t-test),suggesting the involvement of Ca2+ in the activation of these channels.Therefore,IP3-store Ca2+ release signalling may not be involved in the secretion induced by Danshen,but rather,there may be a distinct signalling process.CONCLUSION:The present findings suggest that Danshen can be used in the treatment of xerostomia,to avoid the systemic side effects associated with muscarinic drugs.

Effects of Chinese herbs on salivary fluid secretion by isolated and perfused rat submandibular glands

AIM： TO determine whether Chinese herbs （CHs） relieve xerostomia （dry mouth） by increasing salivary secretion. METHODS： The submandibular glands of Wistar rats were surgically isolated and perfused arterially with buffered salt solution. After control perfusion, recording started 5 min prior to the start of stimulation. After fluid secretion was induced by 0.2 μmol/L carbamylcholine （CCh） in the perfusate for 10 min, Chinese herb （CH） was added in the perfusion for 5 min. CCh was then overloaded at 0.2 μmol/L in the perfusion for 20 min. The volume of salivary fluid secretion was recorded by a computer-controlled balance system. RESULTS： Saliva secretion formed an initial ephemeral peak at 30 s followed by a gradual increase to a sustained level. CH alone induced no or little saliva in all types of CH selected. During perfusion with CH,overloading of CCh promoted fluid secretion in 1S of 20 CHs. This promotion was classified into four patterns, which were eventually related to the categories of CH： Overall sustained phase was continuously raised （Yin-nourishing, fluid production-promoting and heatclearing agents）; The sustained secretion rose to reach a maximum then decreased （Qi-enhancing agent）; Sustained secretion rose to reach the highest maximum and was then sustained with a slight decline （swelling-reducing, phlegm-resolving and pus-expelling agents）; Stimulation of salivary secretion without any added stimulants. Addition of CCh raised the fluid secretion to reach the highest maximum then sharply decreased to a lower sustained level （blood activating agent）. CONCLUSION： The present findings lead to the conclusion that various CHs have different promotional effects directly on the salivary gland.

Changes in expression and secretion patterns of fibroblast growth factor 8 and Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway molecules during murine neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation in vitro

In the present study, we investigated the dynamic expression of fibroblast growth factor 8 and Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway related factors in the process of in vitro hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cell differentiation from embryonic Sprague-Dawley rats or embryonic Kunming species mice, using fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and western blot analyses. Results demonstrated that the dynamic expression of fibroblast growth factor 8 was similar to fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 expression but not to other fibroblast growth factor receptors. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor 8 and Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway protein factors were secreted by neural cells into the intercellular niche. Our experimental findings indicate that fibroblast growth factor 8 and Sonic Hedgehog expression may be related to the differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells.

Peripheral mechanism of inhibitory effect of centrally administrated histamine on gastric acid secretion

AIM To study the peripheral mechanism of the inhibitory effect of intra third ventricular administration (icv) of histamine (HA) on gastric acid secretion in rats. METHODS Gastric acid was continuously washed with 37℃ saline by a perfusion pump in male adrenalectomized SD rats. Drugs were injected intravenously (iv) by a syringe pump and their effect on pentagastrin induced (10μg·kg·h, iv) gastric acid secretion was observed. RESULTS The inhibitory effect of HA (1μg, icv) on gastric acid secretion was blocked by subdiaphragmatic vagotomy, and pretreatment with atropine (0 005mg·kg·h, iv). Pretreatment with somatostatin antagonist, cyclo [7 aminoheptanoyl Phe D Trp Lys Thr(Bzl)], ( 2μg - 4μg ·kg· 100min , iv) could also block the inhibitory effect of HA on gastric acid secretion in a dose dependent manner. CONCLUSION The inhibitory effect of centrally administrated HA on gastric acid secretion may be mediated by vagi, acetylcholine M receptor and somatostatin.

Effects of glycine on phagocytosis and secretion by Kupffer cells in vitro

AIM:To investigate the effects and mechanisms of action of glycine on phagocytosis and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α secretion by Kupffer cells in vitro. METHODS:Kupffer cells were isolated from normal rats by collagenase digestion and Percoll density gradient differential centrifugation.After culture for 24 h,Kupffer cells were incubated in fresh Dulbecco's Modification of Eagle's Medium containing glycine (G1:1 mmol/L,G2:10 mmol/L,G3:100 mmol/L and G4:300 mmol/L)for 3 h,then used to measure phagocytosis by a bead test,TNF-α secretion after lipopolysaccharide stimulation by radioactive immunoassay,and microfilament and microtubule expression by staining with phalloidin-fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)or a monoclonal anti-α tubulin-FITC antibody, respectively,and evaluated under a ultraviolet fluorescence microscope. RESULTS:Glycine decreased the phagocytosis of Kupffer cells at both 30 min and 60 min(P<0.01,P< 0.05).The numbers of beads phagocytosed by Kupffer cells in 30 min were 16.9±4.0(control),9.6±4.1(G1), 12.1±5.7(G2),8.1±3.2(G3)and 7.5±2.0(G4),and were 22.5±7.9(control),20.1±5.8(G1),19.3±4.8 (G2),13.5±4.7(G3)and 9.2±3.1(G4)after 60 min. TNF-α secretion by Kupffer cells in G1(0.19±0.03),G2 (0.16±0.04),G3(0.14±0.03)and G4(0.13±0.05) was significantly less than that in controls(0.26±0.03, P<0.01),and the decrease in secretion was dose-dependent(P<0.05).Microfilaments of Kupffer cells in G2, G3 and G4 groups were arranged in a disorderly manner. The fluorescence densities of microtubules in G1(53.4± 10.5),G2(54.1±14.6),G3(64.9±12.1)and G4(52.1 ±14.2)were all lower than those in the controls(102.2 ±23.7,P<0.01),but the decrease in microtubule fluorescence density was not dose-dependant. CONCLUSION:Glycine can decrease the phagocytosis and secretion by Kupffer cells in vitro,which may be related to the changes in the expression of microfilaments and microtubules induced by Kupffer cells.

Distribution and Accumulation of Neodymium and Its Effect on Secretion of Progesterone in Mice

Distribution and accumulation of Nd, and its effect on secretion of progesterone in mice were studied using radioisotope tracer ((()^(147)Nd)) technique. Following single intraperitoneal administration of neodymium traced with (()^(147)Nd) at a dose of 200 mg·kg^(-1), uneven distribution of the radioactive Nd occurred in various tissues and organs. Much amount of (()^(147)Nd) accumulates in the bone, and the residue increases with the lapse of time. Some amount of radioactivity was also detected in eyes, blood and brain, but the accumulation decreased with the time due to excretion and re-distribution in mice. In comparison with controls, concentration of progesterone is found to be significantly lower in the serum of administered mice, indicating a significantly inhibitory effect of Nd on secretion of progesterone.

Effect of Lanthanum on Acid Secretion from Isolated Mouse Stomach in Vitro

To explore the effect and the mechanism of La^(3+) on gastric acid secretion (GAS) of isolated mouse stomach with perfused lumen, 12 cm H_2O column intragastric pressure-provided, whole stomach preparations from mice were incubated in buffer at 37 ℃ in vitro, and perfusate was measured for pH with a pHS-3 type pH meter. The results show that La^(3+) (0.41～820×10^(-6) mol·L^(-1)) significantly promotes GAS in a concentration-dependant manner. Proglutamine, a blocker of gastrin receptor, potently inhibits GAS, and it may block the promotive effect of La^(3+) on GAS, and this effect increases with the increase of proglutamin concentration. Cimetidine, a blocker of histamine H_2 receptor, also potently inhibits GAS, and blocks the promotive effect of La^(3+) on GAS in the same manner with proglutamine. These results suggest that La^(3+) promotes GAS in isolated stomach possibly by stimulating the releases of gastrin from G cell and Histamine from ECL cell or by activating the gastrin receptors and Histamine H_2 receptors on the parietal cell, thereby accelerating the acid secretion of parietal cells in stomach.

Migration-associated secretion of melanoma inhibitory activity at the cell rear is supported by KCa3.1 potassium channels

Malignant melanoma, characterized by invasive local growth and early formation of metastases, is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. Melanoma inhibitory activity （MIA）, secreted by malignant melanoma cells, interacts with the cell adhesion receptors, integrins a4131 and 05131, facilitating cell detachment and promoting formation of me- tastases. In the present study, we demonstrate that MIA secretion is confined to the rear end of migrating cells, while in non-migrating cells MIA accumulates in the actin cortex. MIA protein takes a conventional secretory pathway including coat protein complex I （COPI）- and coat protein complex II （COPII）-dependent protein transport to the cell periphery, where its final release depends on intracellular Ca2＋ ions. Interestingly, the Ca2＋-activated K＋-channel, subfamily N, member 4 （KCa3.1）, known to be active at the rear end of migrating cells, was found to support MIA secretion. Secretion was diminished by the specific KCa3.1 channel inhibitor TRAM-34 and by expression of dominant- negative mutants of the channel. In summary, we have elucidated the migration-associated transport of MIA protein to the cell rear and also disclosed a new mechanism by which KCa3.1 potassium channels promote cell migration.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori cdrA on interleukin-8 secretions and nuclear factor kappa B activation

AIM： To investigate genetic diversity of Helicobacter pylori （H. pylorl） cell division-related gene A （cdrA） and its effect on the host response.METHODS： Inactivation of H. py/ori cdrA, which is involved in ceil division and morphological elonga- tion, has a role in chronic persistent infections. Ge- netic property of H. pylori cdrA was evaluated using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing in 128 （77 American and 51 Japanese） clinical isolates obtained from 48 and 51 patients, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to measure in- terleukin-8 （IL-8） secretion with gastric biopsy speci- mens obtained from American patients colonized with cdrA-positive or -negative strains and AGS cells co- cultured with wild-type HPK5 （cdrA-positive） or its de- rivative HPKT510 （cdrA-disruptant）. Furthermore, the cytotoxin-associated gene A （cagA） status （transloca- tion and phosphorylation） and kinetics of transcription factors [nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-~：B） and inhibition kappa B] were investigated in AGS cells co-cultured with HPK5, HPKT510 and its derivative HPKSCA （cagA- disruptant） by western blotting analysis with immuno- precipitation. RESULTS： Genetic diversity of the H. pylori cdrA gene demonstrated that the cdrA status segregated into two categories including four allele types, cdrA-positive （al- lele types, I and 11 ） and cdrA-negative （allele types; 111 and IV） categories, respectively. Almost all Japanese isolates were cdrA-positive （ 1 ： 7.8% and 11 ： 90.2%）, whereas 16.9% of American isolates were cdrA-positive （11） and 83.1% were cdrA-negative （nl： 37.7% and IV： 45.5%）, indicating extended diversity of cdrA in individual American isolates. Comparison of each isolate from different regions （antrum and corpus） in the stomach of 29 Americans revealed that cdrA status was identical in both isolates from different regions in 17 cases. However, 12 cases had a different cdrA al- lele and 6 of them exhibited a different cdrA category between two regions in the stomach. Furthermore, in 5 of the 6 cases possessing a different cdrA category, cdrA-negative isolate existed in the corpus, suggesting that cdrA-negative strain is more adaptable to coloni- zation in the corpus. IL-8 secretions from AGS revealed that IL-8 levels induced by a cdrA-disrupted HPKT510 was significantly lower （P 〈 0.01） compared to wild- type HPK5： corresponding to 50%-60% of those of wild-type HPK5. These data coincided with in vivo data that an average value of IL-8 in biopsy specimens from cdrA-positive and cdrA-negative groups was 215.6 and 135.9 pg/mL, respectively. Western blotting analysis documented that HPKT510 had no effect on CagA translocation and phosphorylation, however, nuclear accumulation of NF-κB was lower by HPKT510 com- pared to HPK5. CONCLUSION： Colonization by a cdrA-negative or cdrA-dysfunctional strain resulted in decreased IL-8 production and repression of NF-κB, and hence, atten- uate the host immunity leading to persistent infection.

Root secretion stimulating ash growth in larch-ash mixed forest

Allelopathic effect of larch (Larix gmelini ) on the ash growth (Fraximus mandshurica) was studied in artificial cultivation tests. The results revealed that the larch root secretion obviously stimulated the ash growth. In order to determine the main stimulation allelochemicals, the chemical composition was analyzed. By contrasting the contents of carbohydrate and aminoacid in root secretion of larch and ash, it was concluded that the carbohydrate and aminoacid were not important stimulation allelochemicals. The organic acid and other components in root secration of larch and ash were analyzed by GC and GC-MS analysis. The sand culture tests were carried out ed selected model compounds. The results showed that benzeneacetic acid, benzenepropionic acid and phenolic acids in root secretion of larch were the main stimulation allelochemicals.

Wntless in Wnt secretion： molecular, cellular and genetic aspects

Throughout the animal kingdom, Wnt-triggered signal transduction pathways play fundamental roles in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Wnt proteins are modified as glycolipoproteins and are secreted into the extracellular environment as morphogens. Recent studies on the intraceHular trafficking of Wnt proteins demonstrate multiple layers of regulation along its secretory pathway. These findings have propelled a great deal of interest among researchers to further investigate the molecular mechanisms that control the release of Wnts and hence the level of Wnt signaling. This review is dedicated to Wntless, a putative G-protein coupled receptor that transports Wnts intracellularly for secretion. Here, we highlight the conclusions drawn from the most recent cellular, molecular and genetic studies that affirm the role of Wntless in the secretion of Wnt proteins.

γ-aminobutyric acid secreted from isletβ-cells modulates exocrine secretion in rat pancreas

AIM： To investigate the role of endogenous γ-aminobutyric acid （GABA） in pancreatic exocrine secretion. METHODS： The isolated, vascularly perfused rat pancreas was employed in this study to eliminate the possible influences of extrinsic nerves and hormones. Cholecystokinin （CCK; 10 pmol/L） was intra-arterially given to stimulate exocrine secretion of the pancreas. RESULTS： Glutamine, a major precursor of GABA, which was given intra-arterially at concentrations of 1, 4 and 10 mmol/L, dose-dependently elevated the CCK-stimulated secretions of fluid and amylase in the normal pancreas. Bicuculline （10 μmol/L）, a GABAA receptor antagonist, blocked the enhancing effect of glutamine （4 mmol/L） on the CCK-stimulated exocrine secretions. Glutamine, at concentrations of 1, 4 and 10 mmol/L, dose-dependently increased the GABA concentration in portal effluent of the normal pancreas. The effects of glutamine on the CCK-stimulated exocrine secretion as well as the GABA secretion were markedly reduced in the streptozotocintreated pancreas. CONCLUSION： GABA could be secreted from β-cells into the isletoacinar portal system after administration of glutainine, and could enhance the CCK-stimulated exocrine secretion through GABAA receptors. Thus, GABA in islet β-cells is a hormone modulating pancreatic exocrine secretion.