On the Theme of Alcoholism in Fitzgerald's Writing — May Day as an Example

The depiction of alcoholism is one of the themes in Fitzgerald's works. By combing through the images of alcoholics in May Day, the significance of metaphorical alcoholism and the writer's humanistic concern are revealed with the help of his alcoholic experience in the cultural background of the 1920 s and 1930 s.

Alcoholism: A systemic proinflammatory condition

Excessive ethanol consumption affects virtually any organ,both by indirect and direct mechanisms.Considerable research in the last two decades has widened the knowledge about the paramount importance of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative damage in the pathogenesis of many of the systemic manifestations of alcoholism.These cytokines derive primarily from activated Kupffer cells exposed to Gram-negative intestinal bacteria,which reach the liver in supra-physiological amounts due to ethanol-mediated increased gut permeability.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)that enhance the inflammatory response are generated both by activation of Kupffer cells and by the direct metabolic effects of ethanol.The effects of this increased cytokine secretion and ROS generation lie far beyond liver damage.In addition to the classic consequences of endotoxemia associated with liver cirrhosis that weredescribed several decades ago,important research in the last ten years has shown that cytokines may also induce damage in remote organs such as brain,bone,muscle,heart,lung,gonads,peripheral nerve,and pancreas.These effects are even seen in alcoholics without significant liver disease.Therefore,alcoholism can be viewed as an inflammatory condition,a concept which opens the possibility of using new therapeutic weapons to treat some of the complications of this devastating and frequent disease.In this review we examine some of the most outstanding consequences of the altered cytokine regulation that occurs in alcoholics in organs other than the liver.

Alcoholism and liver disease in Mexico:Genetic and environmental factors

Alcoholism and cirrhosis,which are two of the most serious health problems worldwide,have a broad spectrum of clinical outcomes.Both diseases are influenced by genetic susceptibility and cultural traits that differ globally but are specific for each population.In contrast to other regions around the world,Mexicans present the highest drinking score and a high mortality rate for alcoholic liver disease with an intermediate category level of per capita alcohol consumption.Mexico has a unique history of alcohol consumption that is linked to profound anthropological and social aspects.The Mexican population has an admixture genome inherited from different races,Caucasian,Amerindian and African,with a heterogeneous distribution within the country.Thus,genes related to alcohol addiction,such as dopamine receptor D2 in the brain,or liver alcoholmetabolizing enzymes,such as alcohol dehydrogenase classⅠpolypeptide B,cytochrome P450 2E1 and aldehyde dehydrogenase class 2,may vary from one individual to another.Furthermore,they may be inherited as risk or non-risk haplogroups that confer susceptibility or resistance either to alcohol addiction or abusive alcohol consumption and possibly liver disease.Thus,in this era of genomics,personalized medicine will benefit patients if it is directed according to individual or population-based data.Additional association studies will be required to establish novel strategies for the prevention,care and treatment of liver disease in Mexico and worldwide.

Damage of hippocampal neurons in rats with chronic alcoholism

Chronic alcoholism can damage the cytoskeleton and aggravate neurological deficits. However, the effect of chronic alcoholism on hippocampal neurons remains unclear. In this study, a model of chronic alcoholism was established in rats that were fed with 6% alcohol for 42 days. Endogenous hydrogen sulfide content and cystathionine-beta-synthase activity in the hippocampus of rats with chronic alcoholism were significantly increased, while F-actin expression was decreased. Hippocampal neurons in rats with chronic alcoholism appeared to have a fuzzy nuclear mem- brane, mitochondrial edema, and ruptured mitochondrial crista. These findings suggest that chronic alcoholism can cause learning and memory decline in rats, which may be associated with the hydrogen sulfide/cystathionine-beta-synthase system, mitochondrial damage and reduced expression of F-actin.

Effect of acute alcoholism on hepatic enzymes and oxidation/antioxidation in rats

BACKGROUND: Around the world more and more people suffer from acute alcoholism. The purpose of this study was to determine hepatic enzymes and oxidation/antioxidation in rats with acute alcoholism. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into three groups; control, low-dose alcohol, and high-dose alcohol. Each al- cohol group ( n = 12) was intravenously infused with etha- nol at a dose of 0.3 or 0.7 g/kg body weight respectively. The control group (n =11) was intravenously infused with normal saline at a dose of 0.5 g/kg body weight. Blood was collected for detection of hepatic enzymes and index of oxidation/antioxidation. RESULTS: The ratio of AST to ALT was 2.44±0.46, 2.57± 0.60 and 3.03 ±0.46 in the three groups, and the difference was significant between the control and high-dose alcohol groups (P^0.05). No significant changes were observed in the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspar- tate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (Tp), albumin (Alb), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), cholinesterase (ChE), total bilirubin (TB), C-reactive protein (CRP) and amy- lase. The levels of serum nitric oxide (NO) in the 3 groups were 39.2 ±73.25 mol/L, 42.30 ±4.60 mol/L and 47.86± 4.66 mol/L, and significant difference was seen between the control group and the high-dose alcohol group (P < 0.01). No significant difference was found in the levels of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), malondiethylaldehyde (MDA), and CRP in the 3 groups. CONCLUSION: The ratio of AST to ALT appears to be a useful index for acute alcohol intoxication. NO is involved in the mechanism of acute alcohol intoxication.

Alcoholism and critical illness: A review

Alcohol is the most commonly used and abused drug in the world, and alcohol use disorders pose a tremendousburden to healthcare systems around the world. The lifetime prevalence of alcohol abuse in the United States is estimated to be around 18%, and the economic consequences of these disorders are staggering. Studies on hospitalized patients demonstrate that about one in four patients admitted to critical care units will have alcohol-related issues, and unhealthy alcohol consumption is responsible for numerous clinical problems encountered in intensive care unit(ICU) settings. Patients with alcohol use disorders are not only predisposed to developing withdrawal syndromes and other conditions that often require intensive care, they also experience a considerably higher rate of complications, longer ICU and hospital length of stay, greater resource utilization, and significantly increased mortality compared to similar critically ill patients who do not abuse alcohol. Specific disorders seen in the critical care setting that are impacted by alcohol abuse include delirium, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, trauma, and burn injuries. Despite the substantial burden of alcoholinduced disease in these settings, critical care providers often fail to identify individuals with alcohol use disorders, which can have significant implications for this vulnerable population and delay important clinical interventions.

Phosphodiesterases:novel targets for treatment of alcoholism

OBJECTIVE Alcoholism is one of the most damaging psychiatric disorders and causes serious social and health problems in the world. However,there are no ideal treatments for this disease in clinic.Phosphodiesterases(PDEs) are a superfamily of enzymes consisting of 11 PDE families that hydrolyze cyclicAMP(cA MP) and/or cyclicGMP(cGMP). Among them,PDE4 is critical in the control of intracellular cAMP levels and has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of ethanol consumption.However,the functional role of PDE4 in mediating alcoholism remains unclear. METHODS Ethanol drinking and preference were examined using the two-bottle choice and/or drinking-in-dark(DID) test in high alcohol preferring(HAP) animals,including C57,HAP,and PDE4-subtype knockout mice,and Fawn-Hooded(FH/Wjd) rats,treated with or without the PDE4 inhibitor rolipram or roflumilast. Ethanol withdrawal-induced anxiety-and depressive-like behaviors were examined using the elevated plusmaze,holeboard,forced-swim,and tail-suspension tests in C57 mice or FH rats in the presence of PDE4 inhibition. Levels of cAMP,CREB were determined in brain regions. RESULTS Treatment with rolipram or roflumilast decreased ethanol intake and preference in two-bottle choice and DID tests in C57 and HAP mice as well as FH rats. Mice deficient in PDE4 B,but not PDE4 D,displayed similar effects to general PDE4 inhibition. In addition,rolipram reversed ethanol withdrawal-induced anxietyand depressive-like behaviors 1 d and 14 d,respectively,following withdrawal from ethanol drinking in the two-bottle choice in C57 mice or FH rats. Locomotor activity was not changed in either mice or rats treated with the PDE4 inhibitors. Levels of cAMP,p CREB in the brain were increased by rolipram.CONCLUSION The results provide solid evidence for the important role of PDE4 in ethanol consumptionand ethanol withdrawal-induced symptoms. Inhibitors of PDE4,in particular the PDE4 B isoform,can be a novel class of treatment for alcoholism.

Changes of learning and memory ability associated with neuronal nitric oxide synthase in brain tissues of rats with acute alcoholism

BACKGROUD： Ethanol can influence neural development and the ability of leaming and memory, but its mechanism of the neural toxicity is not clear till now. Endogenous nitric oxide （NO） as a gaseous messenger is proved to play an important role in the formation of synaptic plasticity, transference of neuronal information and the neural development, but excessive nitro oxide can result in neurotoxicity. OBJECTIVE ： To observe the effects of acute alcoholism on the learning and memory ability and the content of neuronal nitric oxide synthase （nNOS） in brain tissue of rats. DESIGN ： A randomized controlled animal experiment. SETTING ： Department of Physiology, Xinxiang Medical College MATERIALS： Eighteen male clean-degree SD rats of 18-22 weeks were raised adaptively for 2 days, and then randomly divided into control group （n = 8） and experimental group （n = 10）. The nNOS immunohistochemical reagent was provided by Beijing Zhongshan Golden Bridge Biotechnology Co.,Ltd. Y-maze was produced by Suixi Zhenghua Apparatus Plant. METHODS ： The experiment was carded out in the laboratory of the Department of Physiology, Xinxiang Medical College from June to October in 2005. ① Rats in the experimental group were intraperitoneally injected with ethanol （2.5 g/kg） which was dissolved in normal saline （20%）. The loss of righting reflex and ataxia within 5 minutes indicated the successful model. Whereas rats in the control group were given saline of the same volume. ② Examinations of learning and memory ability： The Y-maze tests for learning and memory ability were performed at 6 hours after the models establishment. The rats were put into the Y-maze separately. The test was performed in a quiet and dark room. There was a lamp at the end of each of three pathways in Y-maze and the base of maze had electric net. All the lamps of the three pathways were turned on for 3 minutes and then turned off. One lamp was turned on randomly, and the other two delayed automatically. In 5 seconds after alternation, pulsating electric current presented in the base of unsafe area to stimulate rat＇s feet to run to the safe area. The lighting lasted for 15 seconds as one test. Running from unsafe area to safe area at one time in 10 seconds was justified as successful. Such test was repeated for 10 times for each rat and the successful frequency was recorded. The qualified standard of maze test was that the rat ardved in the safe area g times during 10 experiments. The number of trainings for the qualified standard was used to represent the result of spatial learning. ③ Determination of the content of nNOS in brain tissue： After the Y-maze test, the rats were anaesthetized, and blood was let from the incision on right auricle, transcardially perfused via the left ventricle with about 200 mL saline, then fixed by perfusion of 40 g/L paraformaldehyde. Hippocampal CA1 region, corpus striatum and cerebellum were taken to prepare serial freezing coronal sections. The nNOS contents in the brain regions were determined with the immunohistochemical methods to reflect the changes of nitdc oxide in brain tissue. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES ： The changes of learning and memory ability and the changes of the nNOS contents in the brain tissue of rats with acute alcoholism were observed. RESULTS ： One rat in the experimental group was excluded due to its slow reaction to electdc stimulation in the Y-maze test, and the other 17 rats were involved in the analysis of results. ① The training times to reach qualifying standards of Y-maze in the expedmental group was more than that in the control group [（34.33 ±13.04）, （27.50±8.79） times, P〈 0.05]. ② Forms and numbers of nNOS positive neurons in brain tissue： It could be observed under light microscope that in the hippocampal CA1 region, there were fewer nNOS positive neurons, which were lightly stained, and the processes were not clear enough; But the numbers of the positive neurons which were deeply stained as huffy were obviously increased in the experimental group, the cell body and cyloplasm of process were evenly stained, but the nucleus was not stained. The nNOS positive neurons in corpus stdatum had similar forms and size in the experimental group and control group. The form of the nNOS positive neurons in cerebellum were similar between the two groups. The numbers of nNOS positive neurons in hippocampal CA1 region and corpus striatum in the expedmental group [（18.22±7.47）, （11.38±5.00） cells/high power field] were obviously higher than those in the control group [（10.15±4.24）, （6.15±3.69） cells/high power field. The number of nNOS positive neurons in cerebellum had no significant difference between the two groups [（49.56±18.84）, （44.43±15.42） cells/high power field, P〉 0.05]. CONCLUSION ： Acute alcoholism may impair learning and memory ability, and nitric oxide may be involved in mediating the neurotoxic role of ethanol.

Electroencephalogram (EEG) Brain Signals to Detect Alcoholism Based on Deep Learning

The detection of alcoholism is of great importance due to its effects on individuals and society.Automatic alcoholism detection system(AADS)based on electroencephalogram(EEG)signals is effective,but the design of a robust AADS is a challenging problem.AADS’current designs are based on conventional,hand-engineered methods and restricted performance.Driven by the excellent deep learning(DL)success in many recognition tasks,we implement an AAD system based on EEG signals using DL.A DL model requires huge number of learnable parameters and also needs a large dataset of EEG signals for training which is not easy to obtain for the AAD problem.In order to solve this problem,we propose a multi-channel Pyramidal neural convolutional(MP-CNN)network that requires a less number of learnable parameters.Using the deep CNN model,we build an AAD system to detect from EEG signal segments whether the subject is alcoholic or normal.We validate the robustness and effectiveness of proposed AADS using KDD,a benchmark dataset for alcoholism detection problem.In order to find the brain region that contributes significant role in AAD,we investigated the effects of selected 19 EEG channels(SC-19),those from the whole brain(ALL-61),and 05 brain regions,i.e.,TEMP,OCCIP,CENT,FRONT,and PERI.The results show that SC-19 contributes significant role in AAD with the accuracy of 100%.The comparison reveals that the state-of-the-art systems are outperformed by the AADS.The proposed AADS will be useful in medical diagnosis research and health care systems.

Aminooxyacetic acid improves learning and memory in a rat model of chronic alcoholism

Chronic alcoholism seriously damages the central nervous system and leads to impaired learning and memory.Cell damage in chronic alcoholism is strongly associated with elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide（H2S） and calcium ion overload.Aminooxyacetic acid is a cystathionine-β-synthase activity inhibitor that can reduce H2S formation in the brain.This study sought to observe the effect of aminooxyacetic acid on learning and memory in a chronic alcoholism rat model.Rats were randomly divided into three groups.Rats in the control group were given pure water for 28 days.Rats in the model group were given 6% alcohol for 28 days to establish an alcoholism rat model.Rats in the aminooxyacetic acid remedy group were also given 6% alcohol for 28 days and were also intraperitoneally injected daily with aminooxyacetic acid（5 mg/kg） from day 15 to day 28.Learning and memory was tested using the Morris water maze test.The ultrastructure of mitochondria in the hippocampus was observed by electron microscopy.H2S levels in the hippocampus were measured indirectly by spectrophotometry,and ATPase activity was measured using a commercial kit.The expression of myelin basic protein was determined by immunohistochemistry and western blotting.Compared with the control group,latency and swimming distance were prolonged in the navigation test on days 2,3,and 4 in the model group.In the spatial probe test on day 5,the number of platform crosses was reduced in the model group.Cristae cracks,swelling or deformation of mitochondria appeared in the hippocampus,the hippocampal H2S level was increased,the mitochondrial ATPase activity was decreased,and the expression of myelin basic protein in the hippocampus was down-regulated in the model group compared with the control group.All the above indexes were ameliorated in the aminooxyacetic acid remedy group compared with the model group.These findings indicate that aminooxyacetic acid can improve learning and memory in a chronic alcoholism rat model,which may be associated with reduction of hippocampal H2S level and mitochondrial ATPase activity,and up-regulation of myelin basic protein levels in the hippocampus.

Rescue of Alcoholism in Dogs

Under certain specific or unexpected circumstances, pet dogs ingested foods or drinks containing alcohol, and excessive alcohol would cause urinary incontinence or toxic syncope. Taking a case of canine alcoholism as an example, this paper expounds the diagnosis and treatment process of the disease, in order to provide references for veterinary workers.

S2A-5 Targeting PDE4 for Alzheimer’s Disease and Alcoholism:An implication in Alcohol-Related Dementia?

Background:Phosphodiesterase 4(PDE4),one of the 11 PDE enzyme families that hydrolyze cyclic nucleotides,is critical for controlling intracellular cyclic AMP(cAMP)concentrations and plays an important role in regulating alcohol consumption and mediating memory in dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Chronic alcohol consumption can cause alcohol-related dementia and 50%~75%of detoxified alcoholics have memory or cognition impairment.However,the role of PDE4 and its mechanism remain to be characterized and elucidated.Methods:Using the water-maze,passive avoidance,or novel object recognition test,we examined the effects of rolipram,a prototypical PDE4 inhibitor,and roflumilast,a potent PDE4 inhibitor which has been approved for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)in humans,on memory loss in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice,a widely used model for AD.In addition,we tested the effects of the PDE4 inhibitors,via ip,intra-gastric,or intrastriatum infusion,on ethanol intake and preference using the mouse two-bottle choice paradigm.Mice deficient in PDE4A,PDE4B,or PDE4D(4AKO,4BKO,and 4DKO,respectively)and their wild type(WT)controls were tested for ethanol consumption and memory;the latter was measured in the absence or presence of beta-amyloid peptide 1-42(Abeta42)infused into the dorsal hippocampus.Results:Similar to rolipram,roflumilast reversed memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice in all the memory tests and reduced ethanol intake and preference in C57BL/6 mice in two-bottle choice.Consistent with the results in the memory tests,roflumilast reduced the loss of neurons and neurocyte apoptosis in AD mice,as shown using HE and Nissl staining.It also reversed the decreased ratio of Bcl-2/BAX in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of AD mice.In addition,roflumilast reversed the decreased levels of cAMP and expression of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein(CREB)and brain derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)in AD mice.Compared to the WT controls,4AKO mice displayed significant decreases in ethanol intake and preference and reversal of Abeta42-induced memory deficits.In contrast,4BKO mice only mimicked the ability of 4AKO mice to reduce alcohol consumption while 4DKO mice only to reverse Abeta42-induced memory deficits.In addition,levels of cAMP and phospho-CREB(pCREB)were increased in the hippocampus of 4AKO or 4DKO mice,which also showed reversal of Abeta42-induced decreases in pCREB.Conclusions:These data suggest that PDE4 inhibitors such as roflumilast improve learning and memory in AD and reduce ethanol intake and preference likely via cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling-mediated neuroprotection.PDE4 isoforms have different roles in mediating ethanol-drinking behavior and memory in AD.The results indicate PDE4A as a potential new target for alcohol-related dementia,although studies with animal models of alcoholrelated dementia are needed to clarify this.

Parental Alcoholism,Adverse Childhood Experiences,and Later Risk of Personal Alcohol Abuse among Chinese Medical Students

Objective To determine the status of adverse childhood experiences （ACEs） and the association of multiple ACEs with both parental alcoholism and later personal alcohol abuse among Chinese medical students with a view of improving adolescent health and reducing alcohol abuse among them. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 2073 Chinese medical students completed a survey on ten categories of ACEs in Anhui province of China. The association of parental alcoholism with ACEs and personal alcohol abuse was assessed by logistic regression analyses. Results The adjusted odds ratio （OR） for each category of ACEs in the subjects whose parents （either fathers or mothers or both） had alcohol abuse was 2 to 14 times higher than that in those with parental alcoholism （P〈0.05）. Subjects with bi-parental alcoholism had the highest likelihood of ACEs. Compared with the subjects without ACEs, therisk of personal alcohol abuse was increased by 2-4-folds in the subjects with ACEs, irrespective of parental alcoholism （P〈0.05）. The total number of ACEs （ACE score） had a graded relationship to 4 categories of personal alcohol abuse with or without parental alcoholism. The prevalence of personal alcohol abuse among the subjects with parental alcoholism was higher, which was independent of ACE scores. Conclusion The prevalence of ACEs is generally serious in China. Efforts should be made to prevent and treat children with ACEs and subsequently to reduce alcohol abuse and later problems.

Alcoholism Detection by Wavelet Energy Entropy and Linear Regression Classifier

Alcoholism is an unhealthy lifestyle associated with alcohol dependence.Not only does drinking for a long time leads to poor mental health and loss of self-control,but alcohol seeps into the bloodstream and shortens the lifespan of the body’s internal organs.Alcoholics often think of alcohol as an everyday drink and see it as a way to reduce stress in their lives because they cannot see the damage in their bodies and they believe it does not affect their physical health.As their drinking increases,they become dependent on alcohol and it affects their daily lives.Therefore,it is important to recognize the dangers of alcohol abuse and to stop drinking as soon as possible.To assist physicians in the diagnosis of patients with alcoholism,we provide a novel alcohol detection system by extracting image features of wavelet energy entropy from magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)combined with a linear regression classifier.Compared with the latest method,the 10-fold cross-validation experiment showed excellent results,including sensitivity 91.54±1.47%,specificity 93.66±1.34%,Precision 93.45±1.27%,accuracy 92.61±0.81%,F1 score 92.48±0.83%and MCC 85.26±1.62%.

Increased alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic:A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has significantly impacted health,mental well-being,and societal functioning,particularly for individuals with psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders.Recent evidence highlights a concerning increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic,with a study spanning 2015-2020 indicating heightened usage,especially among young and middle-aged adults,for relaxation and tension relief.Additionally,addressing challenges exacerbated by the pandemic,another study underscored persistent barriers to healthcare access,resulting in increased alcohol and tobacco use rates and limited healthcare options.These findings shed light on the unique vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic,emphasizing the need to investigate further its impact on alcohol consumption in diverse non-urban American communities.AIM To investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol abuse using socioeconomic and medical parameters in diverse non-urban community in America.METHODS Based on a cross-sectional analysis of 416 participants the United States in 2021,the study utilized The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,Fifth Edition criteria to categorize alcohol consumption levels.Participants aged 21 years and above were surveyed through an online platform due to COVID-19 challenges.The survey was conducted from January 14 to January 31,2022,recruiting participants via social media and ensuring anonymity.Informed consent was secured,emphasizing the voluntary nature of participation,and participants could only take the survey once.RESULTS Out of 416 survey respondents,396 met eligibility criteria,with 62.9%reporting increased alcohol consumption during COVID-19.Males(68.8%)and ages 21-29 years(34.6%)predominated.Low alcohol consumption decreased by 2.8%(P=0.237),moderate by 21.4%(P<0.001),and heavy increased by 14.9%(P<0.001).Alcohol abuse rose by 6.5%(P=0.0439),with a 7%increase in self-identified alcohol abusers/alcoholics.Seeking treatment during COVID-19 rose by 6.9%.Easier alcohol access(76.0%)was reported,while 80.7%found it harder to access medical care for alcohol-related issues.These findings highlight the pandemic's impact on alcohol consumption and healthcare access,emphasizing the need for targeted interventions during public health crises.CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated alcoholism and abuse,with increased heavy consumption(P<0.001)and abuse(P=0.0439).Access to medical programs for addressing alcohol abuse declined,highlighting the need for targeted intervention.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Triggered by Acute Pancreatitis: A Case Report

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that is widely known to be caused by stress. It presents with symptoms that are similar to a myocardial infarction even though the coronary arteries are clear. This case report details the clinical characteristics, diagnostic assessment, and management plan of a 55-year-old male patient with a past medical history of alcoholism who arrived at the emergency department with the typical symptoms of acute pancreatitis. The case demonstrates the progression of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, which was triggered by acute pancreatitis in the context of alcoholism, and underlines the significance of early detection and management to enhance the patient’s outcomes.

Protective mechanism of Coprinus comatus polysaccharide on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice,the metabolomics and gut microbiota investigation

Coprinus comatus polysaccharide(CCP)has significant hepatoprotective effect.To explore hepatoprotective mechanism of CCP,the study analyzed preventive effect of CCP on acute alcoholic liver injury in mice by histopathological examination and biochemical analysis.Simultaneously,hepatoprotective mechanism was also analyzed in conjunction with metabolomics and proliferation of gut microbiota.The results showed that CCP significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and triglyceride(TG)levels in serum of alcoholic liver disease(ALD)mice.Histopathological examination showed that CCP can significantly improve liver damage.Metabolomics results showed that there were significant differences in the level of metabolites in liver tissue of control group,ALD group and CCP group,including taurine,xanthosine,fumaric acid and arachidonic acid,among others.Metabolites pathways analysis showed that hepatoprotective effect of CCP was related to energy metabolism,biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids,amino acids metabolism and lipid metabolism.Additionally,CCP inhibited an increase in the number of Clostridium perfringens,Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus,and a decrease in the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the gut of ALD mice.All these findings suggested that CCP treatment reversed the phenotype of ethanol-induced liver injury and the associated metabolites pathways.

Effect of Polyvinyl Alcohol in Inner Aqueous Phase on Stability of Millimeter-scale Capsules

The millimeter-scale capsules with controllable morphology,ultra-low permeability and excellent mechanical stability were fabricated by millifluidics.Viscosity of inner phase was adjusted to control the morphology and properties of the capsules.In detail,as the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)increased from 0 to 8% in the inner phase of the capsules,the diameter of capsules decreased from 3.33 ± 0.01mm to 2.97 ± 0.01 mm,the shell thickness of capsules decreased from 0.183 ± 0.004 mm to 0.155 ± 0.003 mm.While the capsules had round shape and high sphericity.Notably,the capsules with 2% PVA in the inner phase had remarkably decreased water permeability and good morphological stability.Specifically,the end-time of water losing of the capsules was up to 49 days,while the dehydrated capsules maintained spherical appearance,and crushing force of the capsules was up to 13.73 ± 0.79 N,which ensured stability during processing and transportation.This research provides a new strategy for stable encapsulation of small molecules.