Xiaojianzhong decoction prevents gastric precancerous lesions in rats by inhibiting autophagy and glycolysis in gastric mucosal cells

BACKGROUND Gastric precancerous lesions(GPL)precede the development of gastric cancer(GC).They are characterized by gastric mucosal intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia caused by various factors such as inflammation,bacterial infection,and injury.Abnormalities in autophagy and glycolysis affect GPL progression,and their effective regulation can aid in GPL treatment and GC prevention.Xiaojianzhong decoction(XJZ)is a classic compound for the treatment of digestive system diseases in ancient China which can inhibit the progression of GPL.However,its specific mechanism of action is still unclear.AIM To investigate the therapeutic effects of XJZ decoction on a rat GPL model and the mechanisms underlying its effects on autophagy and glycolysis regulation in GPLs.METHODS Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups of five rats each and all groups except the control group were subjected to GPL model construction for 18 wk.The rats’body weight was monitored every 2 wk starting from the beginning of modeling.Gastric histopathology was examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining and Alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff staining.Autophagy was observed using transmission electron microscopy.The expressions of autophagy,hypoxia,and glycolysis related proteins in gastric mucosa were detected using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.The expressions of the following proteins in gastric tissues:B cell lymphoma/Leukemia-2 and adenovirus E1B19000 interacting protein 3(Bnip-3),microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC-3),moesin-like BCL2-interacting protein 1(Beclin-1),phosphatidylinositol 3-kimase(PI3K),protein kinase B(AKT),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),p53,AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK),and Unc-51 like kinase 1(ULK1)were detected using western blot.The relative expressions of autophagy,hypoxia,and glycolysis related mRNA in gastric tissues was detected using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS Treatment with XJZ increased the rats’body weight and improved GPL-related histopathological manifestations.It also decreased autophagosome and autolysosome formation in gastric tissues and reduced Bnip-3,Beclin-1,and LC-3II expressions,resulting in inhibition of autophagy.Moreover,XJZ down-regulated glycolysis-related monocarboxylate transporter(MCT1),MCT4,and CD147 expressions.XJZ prevented the increase of autophagy level by decreasing gastric mucosal hypoxia,activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway,inhibiting the p53/AMPK pathway activation and ULK1 Ser-317 and Ser-555 phosphorylation.In addition,XJZ improved abnormal gastric mucosal glucose metabolism by ameliorating gastric mucosal hypoxia and inhibiting ULK1 expression.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that XJZ may inhibit autophagy and glycolysis in GPL gastric mucosal cells by improving gastric mucosal hypoxia and regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR and p53/AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathways,providing a feasible strategy for the GPL treatment.

Paeoniflorin ameliorates chronic colitis via the DR3 signaling pathway in group 3 innate lymphoid cells

Inhibiting the death receptor 3(DR3)signaling pathway in group 3 innate lymphoid cells(ILC3s)presents a promising approach for promoting mucosal repair in individuals with ulcerative colitis(UC).Paeoniflorin,a prominent component of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.,has demonstrated the ability to restore barrier function in UC mice,but the precise mechanism remains unclear.In this study,we aimed to delve into whether paeoniflorin may promote intestinal mucosal repair in chronic colitis by inhibiting DR3 signaling in ILC3s.C57BL/6 mice were subjected to random allocation into 7 distinct groups,namely the control group,the 2%dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)group,the paeoniflorin groups(25,50,and 100 mg/kg),the anti-tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A(anti-TL1A)antibody group,and the IgG group.We detected the expression of DR3 signaling pathway proteins and the proportion of ILC3s in the mouse colon using Western blot and flow cytometry,respectively.Meanwhile,DR3-overexpressing MNK-3 cells and 2%DSS-induced Rag1^(-/-)mice were used for verification.The results showed that paeoniflorin alleviated DSS-induced chronic colitis and repaired the intestinal mucosal barrier.Simultaneously,paeoniflorin inhibited the DR3 signaling pathway in ILC3s and regulated the content of cytokines(interleukin-17A,granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor,and interleukin-22).Alternatively,paeoniflorin directly inhibited the DR3 signaling pathway in ILC3s to repair mucosal damage independently of the adaptive immune system.We additionally confirmed that paeoniflorin-conditioned medium(CM)restored the expression of tight junctions in Caco-2 cells via coculture.In conclusion,paeoniflorin ameliorates chronic colitis by enhancing the intestinal barrier in an ILC3-dependent manner,and its mechanism is associated with the inhibition of the DR3 signaling pathway.

Huoxue Tongjiang decoction-resisted reflux esophagitis by activation stem cell factor/c-kit/interstitial cell of cajal pathway and regulating the T-helper 17/regulatory T-cells balance in rats

Background:Huoxue Tongjiang decoction(HXTJD)is an effective prescription for treating reflux esophagitis(RE).We investigated the effects of HXTJD on esophageal motility and mucosal inflammation in a rat RE model.Methods:Chemical composition of HXTJD was analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry(MS).The change rates of mean contraction tension forces,mean amplitudes,and mean frequencies for the lower esophageal sphincter(LES)were recorded using the isolated tissue bath system,mechanical tension transducer,and PowerLab physiological recorder.After weighing the stomach,the phenol red labeling method was used to measure the gastric emptying rate.The LES ultrastructure was observed through transmission electron microscopy.Immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to detect the number of interstitial cells of Cajal(ICC)and the expression levels of c-kit protein,connexin43(Cx43),and stem cell factor(SCF).Flow cytometric analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted to detect the percentages of T helper 17(Th17)cells and regulatory T(Treg)cells and the serum concentrations of interleukin 6(IL-6),interleukin 17(IL-17),and interleukin 10(IL-10)in the rats.Results:We identified 28 chemical constituents in HXTJD.Regarding esophageal motility,we revealed that HXTJD increased the mean contraction tension forces,mean amplitudes,and mean frequency change rate of LES and the gastric emptying rate;decreased stomach weight;and improved the LES ultrastructure.Additionally,HXTJD increased the number of ICC-positive cells,and c-kit,Cx43,and SCF expression levels.Regarding esophageal inflammation,HXTJD significantly decreased the percentage of Th17 cells,and IL-6 and IL-17 concentrations,and increased the percentage of Treg cells and IL-10 concentration.Conclusion:HXTJD was found to be efficacious in the rat RE model.It may promote esophageal motility and alleviate the inflammatory response by activating the SCF/c-kit/ICC pathway and regulating the Th17/Treg cell balance.

Bile salts inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of culture human normal esophageal mucosal epithelial cells

AIM： To investigate the effect of six bile salts： glycocholate （GC）, glycochenodeoxycholate （GCDC）, glycodeoxycholate （GDC）, taurocholate （TC）, taurochenodeoxycholate （TCDC）, taurodeoxycholate （TDC）, and their mixture on cultured human normal esophageal rnucosal epithelial cells. METHODS： Human normal esophageal mucosal epithelial cells were cultured with serum-free keratinocyte medium. 3-[4,5-Dimethylthiaolyl]-2,5- diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay was applied to the detection of cell proliferation. Apoptotic morphology was observed by phase-contrast video microscopy and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） assay. Sub-G1 DNA fragmentations and early apoptotic cells were assayed by flow cytometry （FCI） with propidium iodide （PI） staining and annexin V-FITC conjugated with PI staining. Apoptotic DNA ladders on agarose gel electrophoresis were observed. RESULTS： Except for GC, GCDC, GDC, TC, TCDC, TDC and their mixture could initiate growth inhibition of esophageal mucosal epithelial cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. TUNEL and FCM assays demonstrated that the bile salts at 500 μmol/L and their mixture at 1 500 μmol/L induced apoptosis except for GC. The percentage of sub-G1 detected by FCM with PI staining was 83.5% in cells treated with 500 μmol/L TC for 2 h, and 19.8%, 20.4%, 25.6%, 13.5%, and 75.8% in cells treated with 500 μmol/L GCDC, TCDC, GDC, TDC, and 1 500 μmol/L mixture for 24 h, respectively, which were higher than that of the control （1.5%）. The percentage was 1.4% in cells with 500 μmol/L GC for 24 h. DNA ladders on agarose gel electrophoresis were seen in cells treated with 500 μmol/L TC for 2 h and i 500 μmnol/L mixture for 24 h. CONCLUSION： All GCDC, GDC, TC, TCDC, TDC and their mixture can inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of cultured human normal esophageal mucosal epithelial cells, but GC is well tolerated by the cells.

Role of mucosal dendritic cells in inflammatory bowel disease

The gastrointestinal innate and adaptive immune system continuously faces the challenge of potent stimuli from the commensal microflora and food constituents. These local immune responses require a tight control, the outcome of which is in most cases the induction of tolerance. Local T cell immunity is an important compartment of the specif ic intestinal immune system. T cell reactivity is programmed during the initial stage of its activation by professional presenting cells. Mucosal dendritic cells (DCs) are assumed to play key roles in regulating immune responses in the antigen-rich gastrointestinal environment. Mucosal DCs are a heterogeneous population that can either initiate (innate and adaptive) immune responses, or control intestinal inflammation and maintain tolerance. Defects in this regulation are supposed to lead to the two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). This review will discuss the emerging role of mucosal DCs in regulating intestinal inflammation and immune responses.

Enhanced expression of epidermal growth factor receptor gene in gastric mucosal cells by the serum derived from rats treated with electroacupuncture at stomach meridian acupoints

AIM: To investigate the effect of serum derived from rats treated with electroacupuncture at stomach meridian acupoints on the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in gastric mucosal cells. METHODS: The stress-induced gastric mucosal injury in rat model was established by water-immersion and restrained stress methods. 52 rats were randomly divided into: normal group (n = 8), model group (n = 8), model serum group (n = 12), stomach serum group (n = 12), and gallbladder serum group (n = 12). The gastric mucosal cells were separated by pronase-EDTA digestion method and incubated with serum. The EGFR gene expression in gastric mucosal cells was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. RESULTS: Compared with normal group (0.6860 ± 0.0594), the serum derived from rats of the stomach group (1.2272 ± 0.0813, P = 0.00 < 0.01) and gallbladder group (0.9640 ± 0.0387, P = 0.00 < 0.01) had a tendency to enhance the EGFR gene expression in gastric mucosal cells. Such tendency existed in the model group (0.7104 ± 0.0457) but with no signifi cant difference (P = 0.495 > 0.05) and in model serum group (0.8516 ± 0.0409) with an extremely obvious difference (P = 0.001 < 0.01). Furthermore, the EGFR gene expression in stomach serum group was significantly higher than that in gallbladder serum group (P = 0.00 < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The present study shows that serumderived from rats treated with electroacupuncture at stomach meridian acupoints can distinctly increase the EGFR gene expression of gastric mucosal cells. Therefore, there is certain meridian specificity in the serum, which could provide a proof for the TCM theory “particular relation between meridian and internal organ”.

Erythropoietin -induced proliferation of gastric mucosal cells

AIM： To analyze the localization of erythropoietin receptor on gastric specimens and characterize the effects of erythropoietin on the normal gastric epithelial proliferation using a porcine gastric epithelial cell culture model. METHODS： Erythropoietin receptor was detected by RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochermistry. Growth stimulation effects of erythropoietin on cultured gastric mucosal cells were determined by ELISA using bromodeoxyuridine （BrdU）. RESULTS： Erythropoietin receptor was detected on cultured porcine gastric mucosal epithelial cells. Erythropoietin receptor was also detected histochemically at the base of gastric mucosal epithelium. BrdU assay demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in growth potential of cultured porcine gastric mucosal epithelial cells by administration of erythropoietin, as well as these effects were inhibited by administration of antierythropoietin antibody （P〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： These findings indicate that erythropoietin has a potential to proliferate gastric mucosal epithelium via erythropoietin receptor.

Cysteamine increases expression and activity of H^1-K^+-ATPase of gastric mucosal cells in weaning piglets

AIM: To determine the in vivo andin vivo effects of cysteamine (CS) on expression and activity of H+-K+-ATPase of gastric mucosal cells in weaning piglets.METHODS: Eighteen litters of newborn Xinhuai piglets were employed in the in vivo experiment and allocated to control and treatment groups. From 12 d of age (D12), piglets in control group were fed basal diet, while the treatment group received basal diet supplemented with 120 mg/kg CS. Piglets were weaned on D35 in both groups. Six piglets from each group (n = 6) were slaughtered on D28 (one week before weaning), D35(weaning), D36.5, D38, D42, and D45 (36 h, 72 h,one week and 10 d after weaning), respectively. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was performed todetermine the levels of H+-K+-ATPase mRNA in gastric mucosa. H+-K+-ATPase activity in gastric mucosa homogenate was also determined. Gastric mucosal epithelial cells from piglets through primary cultures were used to further elucidate the effect of CS on expression and activity of H+-K+-ATPase in vivo. Cells were treated for 20 h with 0.001,0.01, and 0.1 mg/mL of CS (n = 4), respectively. The mRNA expression of H+-K+-ATPase and somatostatin (SS)as well as the H+-K+-ATPase activity were determined.RESULTS: in vivo, both mRNA expression and activity of H+-K+-ATPase in gastric mucosa of control group exhibited a trend to increase from D28 to D45, reaching a peak on D45, but did not show significant age differences. Furthermore, neither the mRNA expression nor the activity of H+-K+-ATPase was affected significantly by weaning. CS increased the mRNA expression of H+-K+-ATPase by 73%, 53%, 30% and 39% on D28(P = 0.014), D35 (P = 0.017), D42 (P = 0.013) and D45(P = 0.046), respectively. In accordance with the mRNA expression, H+-K+-ATPase activities were significantly higher in treatment group than in control group on D35(P = 0.043) and D45 (P = 0.040). In vivo, CS exhibited a dose-dependent effect on mRNA expression and activity of H+-K+-ATPase. Both H+-K+-ATPase mRNA expression and activity in gastric mucosal epithelial cells were significantly elevated after 20 h of exposure to the moderate (H+-K+-ATPase expression: P=0.03; H+-K+-ATPase activity: P = 0.014) and high concentrations (H+-K+-ATPase expression: P=0.017; H+-K+-ATPase activity:P = 0.022) of CS. Significant increases in SS mRNA expression were observed to accompany the elevation of H+-K+-ATPase expression and activity induced by the moderate (P = 0.024) and high concentrations (P = 0.022) of CS. Low concentration of CS exerted no effects either on expression and activity of H+-K+-ATPase or on SS mRNA expression in cultured gastric mucosal epithelial cells.CONCLUSION: No significant changes are observed in mRNA expression and activity of H+-K+-ATPase in gastric mucosa of piglets around weaning from D28 to D45. CS increases expression and activity of gastric H+-K+-ATPase in vivo and in vivo. SS is involved in mediating the effect of CS on gastric H+-K+-ATPase expression and activity in weaning piglets.

Effect of bile salts and bile acids on human gastric mucosal epithelial cells

Objective：To explore the effect of bile salt and bile acid on cultured eternalized human gastric mucosa epithelium GES-1 cells. Methods：Cultured eternalized human gastric mucosa epithelium GES-1 cells were treated with media containing 6 different kinds of bile salts and 3 different kinds of bile acids and their mixture with different concentrations： GCDC（glycochenodeoxychoμte）, GDC （glycodeoxychoμte）, GC（glycochoμte）, TCDC（taurochenodeoxychoμte）, TDC（taurodeoxychoμte）, TC （taurochoμte）, LCA （lithocholicacid）, CA（cholic acid）, DCA（deoxycholic acid）（50 μ mol/L,250 μ mol/L,500 μ mol/L,1000 μ mol/L）, DY（mixture of bile salts） and DS（mixture of bile acids）（250 μ mol/L,500 μ mol/L,1000 μ mol/L,1500 μ mol/L, 2000 μ mol/L）, in comparison with the control group（in normal media without bile salts and bile acids）. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT（3-[4,5-Dimethylthiaolyl]-2,5- diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide） assay for 72 hours with different concentrations and the apoptotic cells were assayed by flow cytometry （FCM） with Annex V-FITC conjugated with propidium iodide（PI） staining for 24 hours with different concentrations（1500,2000 μt mol/L）. Results：There was no significant difference in morphology and cell proliferation in GC group after 24-72 h. Low concentration（50 μ mol/L） of GCDC, GDC, TCDC, TDC and TC accelerated gastric epithelial cell growth in a dosage-time dependent manner. At middle concentration （250-500 μ mol/L）, it showed positive effect after 24-48 h, while negative effect after 72 h. At high concentration（1000 μ mol/L）, it accelerated gastric epithelial cell growth after 24h and show consistent inhibition even leading to necrosis after 48-72 h. LCA and CA showed a positive effect on the concentration of 50 μ mol/L after 24-72 h, while 250-1000 μ mol/L showed a trend towards apoptosis after 24-72 h. At 50-500 μmol/L, DCA showed proliferation after 24 h and apoptosis after 48-72 h, but showed necrosis after 24-72 h at 1000 μmol/L. DY and DS could facilitate normal gastric mucosa epithelial cell growth at low concentration （250-500 μ mol/L）, however at 1000-2000 μ mol/L the trend shifted from apoptosis to necrosis. FCM with Annexin-V conjugated with PI staining revealed that GCDC, GDC, GC, TCDC, TDC, TC, LCA, CA, DCA, DY and DS induced apoptosis of human gastric mucosal epithelial cells. They were all significantly higher than that of the control（P 〈 0.05）, but there was no significant difference in GC group （P 〉 0.05）. The bile salts induced apoptosis in a time-dose-dependent manner. Conclusion：Our results suggested that bile acid and bile salt is the trigger of injury in human gastric mucosal epithelial cells.

Effects of Estrogen on Mucosal Structure and Numbers and Distribution of Intraepithelial Lymphocytes and Goblet Cells in Small Intestine of Rats

To study the effects of estrogen on the structure of the intestinal mucosal barrier, 18 healthy female Wistar Rats underwent estrus synchronization. In diestrus, they were divided into three groups： one sham operated control group （SHAM） ; one ovariec- tomized group （OVX） ; and one ovariectomized plus estradiol benzoate group （ OVX ＋ E2 ）. Intestinal mu- cosal epithelial cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes （[EL）, and goblet cells （GCs） were observed by light microscope. The results showed that in the OVX group, the intestinal mucosa damaged obviously, the villus atrophied, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth reduced, and the number of IELs and GCs re- duced. The indicators of OVX ＋ Ez group were signif- icantly higher than OVX group, but some indicators were lower than SHAM. These indicated that the function of intestinal mucosal barrier was greatly dam- aged in ovariectomied rat, and proper dosage of estra- diol benzoate Would improve the function of small in- testinal mucosal barrier in ovariectomied rat to some degree.

Estimating Fatty Acid Composition of Infant Buccal Mucosal Cells by Capillary Gas Chromatography

Long chain polyunsaturated fatty adds, i. e., docosahexaenoic acid （DHA or C22 ： 6n - 3）, amchidonic acid （AA or C20 ： 4n -6） have been identified as essential fatty acids and play an important role in growth and development of infants. Measurement of fatty acid composition is usually by collection of blood, but to obtain blood in infants is difficult. Nowadays, the fatty acid composition can be estimated by collecting buccal mucosal cells, which can avoid repeated blood sampling. The of this paper is to compare the fatty acid composition of cheek cells with that of plasma and red blood cells （RBCs）. In this study, twenty-seven infants were enrolled, and buccal mucosal cells and blood samples were obtained from these infants of the same time. Fatty acid composition of buccal mucosal cells, plasma and RBCs were measured by capillary gas chromatography. The results show that the contents of AA and DHA in the buccal macosal cells are correlated well with that in the plasma [r=0.36 （P=0.042） and r =0.38 （P =0.033）, respectively]. The ratio of AA to DHA is 1.32% in buccal mucosal cells, 1.60% in plasma and 1.55% in RBCs and there are no significant differences among groups （P = 0.134）. It shows that the fatty acid composition in buccal macosal cells can reflect the fat nutrition status in infants and can be detected by capillary gas chromatography. Estimating fatty acid composition of buceal mucosal cells in infants by capillary gas chromatography is feasible, and because of its noninvasiveness, it can be suitable for nutrition research in infants.

The mucosal immune system in the oral cavity——an orchestra of T cell diversity

The mucosal immune system defends against a vast array of pathogens, yet it exhibits limited responses to commensal microorganisms under healthy conditions. The oral-pharyngeal cavity, the gateway for both the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, is composed of complex anatomical structures and is constantly challenged by antigens from air and food. The mucosal immune system of the oral-pharyngeal cavity must prevent pathogen entry while maintaining immune homeostasis, which is achieved via a range of mechanisms that are similar or different to those utilized by the gastrointestinal immune system. In this review, we summarize the features of the mucosal immune system,focusing on T cell subsets and their functions. We also discuss our current understanding of the oral-pharyngeal mucosal immune system.

Lymph Node Metastasis in Early Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma:Endoscopic Mucosal Resection

Objective： To identify clinicopathological factors predictive of lymph node metastases （LNM） in early signet ring cell carcinoma （SRC）, and further to expand the possibility of using endoscopic mucosal resection （EMR） for the treatment of early SRC. Methods： Data from 27 surgically treated patients with early SRC were collected, and the association between the clinicopathological factors and the presence of LNM was retrospectively analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results： In the univariate analysis, a tumor larger than 3.0 cm, submucosal invasion, and the presence of lymphatic vessel involvement （LVI） were significantly associated with a higher rate of LNM （all P〈0.05）. In the multivariate model, the presence of LVI was found of to be an independent pathological risk factor for LNM. There was no LNM in 14 patients without the three clinicopathological risk factors （a tumor larger than 3.0 cm, submucosal invasion, and the presence of LVI）. Conclusion： EMR alone may be sufficient treatment for intramucosal early SRC if the tumor is less than or equal to 3.0 cm in size, and when LVI is absent upon postoperative histological examination. When specimens show LVI, an additional radical gastrectomy with lymphadenectomy should be recommended.

Granular Cell Tumor of the Esophagus: A Patient Treated by Endoscopic Mucosal Resection with Long Term Follow-Up

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) of the esophagus are uncommon. We report a case of granular cell tumor of esophagus treated by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) with long term follow-up.

Nomograms and prognosis for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

In recent years,endoscopic resection,particularly endoscopic submucosal dis-section,has become increasingly popular in treating non-metastatic superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).In this evolving paradigm,it is crucial to identify factors that predict higher rates of lymphatic invasion and poorer outcomes.Larger tumor size,deeper invasion,poorer differentiation,more infiltrative growth patterns(INF-c),higher-grade tumor budding,positive lymphovascular invasion,and certain biomarkers have been associated with lymph node metastasis and increased morbidity through retrospective reviews,leading to the construction of comprehensive nomograms for outcome prediction.If validated by future prospective studies,these nomograms would prove highly applicable in guiding the selection of treatment for superficial ESCC.

A Rat Model of Autologous Oral Mucosal Epithelial Transplantation for Corneal Limbal Stem Cell Failure

Purpose: To establish an animal model of autologous oral mucosa grafting for limbal stem cell deficiency.Methods: The study was carried from August to October2012. Fourteen SD rats were randomly and evenly allocated to study group A and control group B. Limbal stem cell deficiency was established by alkali burn in the right eye of each rat in both groups. Rats in group A received autologous oral mucosa strip transplantation following the chemical burn. Rats in group B did not receive surgery after the chemical burn.Topical antibiotics and dexamethasone were used in all rats.Corneal clarity, corneal fluorescein staining, oral mucosal graft survival, and complications at postoperative days 1,3,7,14 were observed.Results: The oral mucosa strip graft was detached in one rat in group A. Reepithelialization was observed starting from the graft position and was completed within 14 days in the remaining 6 eyes in group A. However, persistent corneal epithelium defect was observed in all eyes in group B, among which corneal melting and perforation was observed in 2 eyes and corneal opacification with neovascularization was observed in the remaining 5 eyes.Conclusion: Autologous oral mucosa strip grafting for limbal stem cell deficiency can be achieved by a rat model following chemical burn. The fate of the transplanted oral mucosal epithelial cells warrants further study.

Distribution Law of Goblet Cells in the Intestinal Tracts of African Ostrich Chicks

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the distribution law of different goblet cells in the intestinal tracts of African ostrich chicks. [Method] Alcian blue/pe- riodic acid-schiff reaction （AB/PAS） was adopted to observe and analyze the types and distribution of goblet cells in the intestinal tracts of ostrich chicks. Acid mu- copolysaccharide could be stained blue with alcian blue （AB）, and neutral mu- copolysaccharide could be stained red with periodic acid-schiff reagent （PAS）. [Result] According to AB/PAS results, goblet cells in the intestinal tracts were divided in- to four types： TypeⅠ was pure red, with AB negative result and PAS positive result containing neutral mucoitin; type Ⅱ was pure blue, with AB positive result and PAS negative result containing acidic mucoitin; type Ⅲ was purple reddish, with PAS posi- tive result greater than AB; typeⅣ was purple blue, with AB positive result greater than PAS. Large quantities of goblet cells were found in the intestinal tracts of os- trich chicks, mostly type III and IV.The quantities of goblet cells were decreased gradually in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, while the quantities were increased in the cecum, colon and rectum. The goblet cells in the large intestine are more than that in the small intestine. The most quantities of goblet cells were contained in rectum. [Conclusion] These results indicate that the distribution of goblet cells is closely related with the structure and function of intestinal tracts. The mucus secret- ed by the goblet Cells plays a series of important roles in the digestion and mucosal immunization.

Intestinal M cells:The fallible sentinels?

The gastrointestinal tract represents the largest mucosal membrane surface in the human body. The immune system in the gut is the first line of host defense against mucosal microbial pathogens and it plays a crucial role in maintaining mucosal homeostasis. Membranous or microfold cells, commonly referred to as microfold cells, are specialized epithelial cells of the gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) and they play a sentinel role for the intestinal immune system by delivering luminal antigens through the follicle-associated epithelium to the underlying immune cells. M cells sample and uptake antigens at their apical membrane, encase them in vesicles to transport them to the basolateral membrane of M cells, and from there deliver antigens to the nearby lymphocytes. On the flip side, some intestinal pathogens exploit M cells as their portal of entry to invade the host and cause infections. In this article, we briefly review our current knowledge on the morphology, development, and function of M cells, with an emphasis on their dual role in the pathogenesis of gut infection and in the development of host mucosal immunity.

Protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in intestinal barrier permeability after heterotopic intestinal transplantation

AIM: To explore the protective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM MSCs) in the small intestinal mucosal barrier following heterotopic intestinal transplantation (HIT) in a rat model.

Prevention of esophageal strictures after endoscopic submucosal dissection

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have recently been accepted as less invasive methods for treating patients with early esophageal cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and dysplasia of Barrett&#x02019;s esophagus. However, the large defects in the esophageal mucosa often cause severe esophageal strictures, which dramatically reduce the patient&#x02019;s quality of life. Although preventive endoscopic balloon dilatation can reduce dysphagia and the frequency of dilatation, other approaches are necessary to prevent esophageal strictures after ESD. This review describes several strategies for preventing esophageal strictures after ESD, with a particular focus on anti-inflammatory and tissue engineering approaches. The local injection of triamcinolone acetonide and other systemic steroid therapies are frequently used to prevent esophageal strictures after ESD. Tissue engineering approaches for preventing esophageal strictures have recently been applied in basic research studies. Scaffolds with temporary stents have been applied in five cases, and this technique has been shown to be safe and is anticipated to prevent esophageal strictures. Fabricated autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheets to cover the defective mucosa similarly to how commercially available skin products fabricated from epidermal cells are used for skin defects or in cases of intractable ulcers. Fabricated autologous oral-mucosal-epithelial cell sheets have already been shown to be safe.