Small intestine angioleiomyoma as a rare cause of perforation:A case report

BACKGROUND Angioleiomyoma is a rare and benign stromal tumor typically found in subcutaneous tissue.It rarely occurs in the gastrointestinal tract.Among the reported cases,the most common complication was gastrointestinal bleeding.Perforation has only been reported as a complication in the last few decades.CASE SUMMARY This case report detailed the discovery of intestinal angioleiomyoma in a 47-yearold male presenting with abdominal pain that had persisted for 3 d.After suspecting hollow organ perforation,surgical intervention involving intestinal resection and anastomosis was performed.CONCLUSION The report underscores the significance of early surgical intervention in effectively treating angioleiomyoma while emphasizing the pivotal role of timely and appropriate measures for favorable outcomes.

Ability of lactulose breath test results to accurately identify colorectal polyps through the measurement of small intestine bacterial overgrowth

BACKGROUND While colorectal polyps are not cancerous,some types of polyps,known as adenomas,can develop into colorectal cancer over time.Polyps can often be found and removed by colonoscopy;however,this is an invasive and expensive test.Thus,there is a need for new methods of screening patients at high risk of developing polyps.AIM To identify a potential association between colorectal polyps and small intestine bacteria overgrowth(SIBO)or other relevant factors in a patient cohort with lactulose breath test(LBT)results.METHODS A total of 382 patients who had received an LBT were classified into polyp and non-polyp groups that were confirmed by colonoscopy and pathology.SIBO was diagnosed by measuring LBTderived hydrogen(H)and methane(M)levels according to 2017 North American Consensus recommendations.Logistic regression was used to assess the ability of LBT to predict colorectal polyps.Intestinal barrier function damage(IBFD)was determined by blood assays.RESULTS H and M levels revealed that the prevalence of SIBO was significantly higher in the polyp group than in the non-polyp group(41%vs 23%,P<0.01;71%vs 59%,P<0.05,respectively).Within 90 min of lactulose ingestion,the peak H values in the adenomatous and inflammatory/hyperplastic polyp patients were significantly higher than those in the non-polyp group(P<0.01,and P=0.03,respectively).In 227 patients with SIBO defined by combining H and M values,the rate of IBFD determined by blood lipopolysaccharide levels was significantly higher among patients with polyps than those without(15%vs 5%,P<0.05).In regression analysis with age and gender adjustment,colorectal polyps were most accurately predicted with models using M peak values or combined H and M values limited by North American Consensus recommendations for SIBO.These models had a sensitivity of≥0.67,a specificity of≥0.64,and an accuracy of≥0.66.CONCLUSION The current study made key associations among colorectal polyps,SIBO,and IBFD and demonstrated that LBT has moderate potential as an alternative noninvasive screening tool for colorectal polyps.

Expression profile of long non-coding RNAs in the intestine of black rockfish Sebastes schlegelii in response to Edwardsiella tarda infection

Long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)are a class of transcripts longer than 200 bp,which have been emerged as essential regulators in numerous biological processes.Black rockfish(Sebastes schlegelii)is an economic fish that widely cultured in the coastal areas of China,Japan,and South Korea.With the expansion of aquacultural scale,various pathogens have threatened its industry and reduced its economic values.It has been reported that lncRNA were involved in the immune response and metabolic pathway in teleost,while no study is available on identification and functional analysis of lncRNAs in black rockfish so far.Herein,this study was performed to identify lncRNAs in the intestine of black rockfish after Edwardsiella tarda infection.In our results,a total of 9311 lncRNAs were identified through highthroughput sequencing,and 102 lncRNAs were significantly regulated following challenge,which were predicted to target 3348 mRNAs.Results of Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses of the se target genes showed they were function in catalytic activity,hydrolase activity,defense response and peptidase activity,which involved in metabolic pathways and immune related pathways.In addition,47 lncRNAs and 8 differentially expressed mRNAs(DEmRNAs)showed co-expression at two or more infection time points with metabolism and immunity functions.Moreover,real-time quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR)was performed to verify the reliability of sequencing gene expression analysis results.This research laid the foundation for further investigation of the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in the intestinal immune response of black rockfish.

A combined pig model to determine the net absorption of volatile fatty acids in the large intestine under different levels of crude fiber

Background:This study aimed to develop a combined model to quantify the net absorption of volatile fatty acids(VFA)in the large intestine(LI)of pigs.Methods:Fifteen female growing pigs(Duroc×Large White×Landrace)were ranked by body weight(30±2.1 kg)on day 0 and assigned to one of three treatments,namely the basal diet containing different crude fiber(CF)levels(LCF:3.0%CF,MCF:4.5%CF,and HCF:6.0%CF).The pigs were implanted with the terminal ileum fistula and the cannulation of the ileal mesenteric vein(IMV),portal vein(PV),and left femoral artery(LFA)from days 6 to 7.[13 C]-Labeled VFA and P-aminohippuric acid were constantly perfused into the terminal ileum fistula and the cannulation of the IMV(day 15),respectively.Blood samples were collected from the PV and the LFA during perfusion(5 h),and LI samples were collected.Results:The net flux of[12 C]-acetic acid in the PV was greater for LCF versus MCF(p=0.045),but no difference was observed in the net flux of[12 C]-propionic acid(p=0.505)and[12 C]-butyric acid(p=0.35)in the PV among treatments.The deposition of[12 C]-acetic acid in the LI was greater for LCF versus MCF(p=0.014),whereas the deposition of[12 C]-propionic acid(p=0.007)and[12 C]-butyric acid(p=0.037)in the LI was greater for LCF versus HCF.Conclusions:In conclusion,this pig model was found conducive to study the net absorption of VFAs in the LI,and LCF had more net absorption of VFAs in the LI than MCF and HCF.

Simultaneously metastatic cholangiocarcinoma and small intestine cancer from breast cancer misdiagnosed as primary cholangiocarcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma and small intestine cancer are common clinical malignancies,but metastatic cholangiocarcinoma and small intestine cancer are rare,especially simultaneous metastatic cholangiocarcinoma and small intestine cancer from breast cancer.Since the clinical presentation of metastatic cholangiocarcinoma and small intestine cancer does not differ from primary tumor,it may lead to misdiagnosis preoperatively.CASE SUMMARY A 66-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for further treatment due to abdominal pain and jaundice.Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed an occupying lesion of the bile duct,considering a high possibility of primary bile duct tumor.Therefore,we performed a radical bile duct cancer surgery and cholecystectomy,and multiple tumors in the small intestine were found and removed during the surgery process.Postoperative pathology showed metastatic bile duct cancer and small intestine cancer from tumors in other parts.The patient underwent a right total mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection because of right breast cancer 2 years ago.Combining with the immunohistochemical results,the patient was finally diagnosed as metastatic cholangiocarcinoma and metastatic small intestine cancer from breast cancer.Postoperatively,the patient received four cycles of chemotherapy and targeted therapy with docetaxel,capecitabine and trastuzumab.Unfortunately,the patient eventually died from tumor progression,thoracoabdominal infection,and sepsis 5 mo after surgery.CONCLUSION Simultaneous metastatic cholangiocarcinoma and small intestine cancer from breast cancer are rare and the prognosis is extremely poor.Improving preoperative diagnostic accuracy is beneficial to avoid excessive surgical treatment.Treatment should be aimed at relieving biliary obstruction and abdominal pain,and then supplemented with chemotherapy and targeted therapy to control tumor progression and prolong the patient’s life.

Single-cell analysis of cellular heterogeneity and interactions in the ischemia-reperfusion injured mouse intestine

Nine major cell populations among 46,716 cells were identified in mouse intestinal ischemia‒reperfusion(II/R)injury by single-cell RNA sequencing.For enterocyte cells,11 subclusters were found,in which enterocyte cluster 1(EC1),enterocyte cluster 3(EC3),and enterocyte cluster 8(EC8)were newly discovered cells in ischemia 45 min/reperfusion 720 min(I 45 min/R 720 min)group.EC1 and EC3 played roles in digestion and absorption,and EC8 played a role in cell junctions.For TA cells,after ischemia 45 min/reperfusion 90 min(I 45 min/R 90 min),many TA cells at the stage of proliferation were identified.For Paneth cells,Paneth cluster 3 was observed in the resting state of normal jejunum.After I 45 min/R 90 min,three new subsets were found,in which Paneth cluster 1 had good antigen presentation activity.The main functions of goblet cells were to synthesize and secrete mucus,and a novel subcluster(goblet cluster 5)with highly proliferative ability was discovered in I 45 min/R 90 min group.As a major part of immune system,the changes in T cells with important roles were clarified.Notably,enterocyte cells secreted Guca2b to interact with Gucy2c receptor on the membranes of stem cells,TA cells,Paneth cells,and goblet cells to elicit intercellular communication.One marker known as glutathione S-transferase mu 3(GSTM3)affected intestinal mucosal barrier function by adjusting mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPK)signaling during II/R injury.The data on the heterogeneity of intestinal cells,cellular communication and the mechanism of GSTM3 provide a cellular basis for treating II/R injury.

Neuroendocrine Tumor of Small Intestine, a Diagnostic Challenge

Incidence of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) has significantly increased in the past three decades. In the small intestine, NET are the most frequent tumors, even more frequent than adenocarcinomas. Due to atypical presentations and late symptoms, NET in the small intestine frequently represent a diagnostic challenge. It is important to take these tumors into consideration in differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal neoplasms. Surgeons, oncologists, endocrinologists, and gastroenterologists should understand the disease characteristics and management alternatives. This document aims to review the key points of NET and main diagnostic tools. We present the case of a 50-year-old male who presented lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Imaging and endoscopic studies showed no conclusive findings. A capsule endoscopy showed multiple ulcered lesions with neoplastic aspect in the distal jejune. Due to the multifocal nature of the lesions, clinicians suspected NET-associated digestive bleeding. The patient underwent exploratory laparoscopy with ileectomy and radical abdominal lymphadenectomy. Histopathologic examination confirmed the suspected diagnosis of NET. This case reflects the complexity of diagnostic approach and differential diagnoses for these tumors.

Heterogeneity across the murine small and large intestine

The small and large intestine of the gastrointestinal tract(GIT) have evolved to have discrete functions with distinct anatomies and immune cell composition.The importance of these differences is underlined when considering that different pathogens have uniquely adapted to live in each region of the gut.Furthermore,different regions of the GIT are also associated with differences in susceptibility to diseases such as cancer and chronic inflammation.The large and small intestine,given their anatomical and functional differences,should be seen as two separate immunological sites.However,this distinction is often ignored with findings from one area of the GIT being inappropriately extrapolated to the other.Focussing largely on the murine small and large intestine,this review addresses the literature relating to the immunology and biology of the two sites,drawing comparisons between them and clarifying similarities and differences.We also highlight the gaps in our understanding and where further research is needed.

The influence of intestine-based treatment using Xuan Bai Cheng Qi Tang on the concentration of trace elements in the main organs of COPD rats

Objective:To test two theories from traditional Chinese medicine:'exterior -interior relationship between the lung and large intestine' and 'treating from the intestine principle for lung disorders'.The influence of intestine-based treatment using Xuan Bai Cheng Qi Tang (XBCQT) on the concentration of three trace elements-copper (Cu),zinc (Zn),and manganese (Mn)-was observed in the tissues of the lung,small intestine,large intestine,and stomach of rats suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods:Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided randomly and equally into five groups:control;model;Fei treatment (A);Chang treatment (B);and Fei-Chang treatment (C).A rat model of COPD was prepared by tracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide plus exposure to cigarette smoke.Treatments with medicinal herbs started day-22 of administration and exposure to cigarette smoke for 7 days.The control group and model group were administered physiologic (0.9%) saline solution via the stomach.After 7 days of intervention,the tissues of the lung,small intestine,large intestine,and stomach were removed.Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy was used to detect the levels of Cu,Zn,and Mn in those tissues.Results:Compared with the control group,the Cu concentration in the tissues of the small intestine,large intestine,and stomach increased significantly in the model group (P <.05);the Mn concentration in the tissues of the lung,large intestine,and stomach increased significantly in the model group (P <.05);the Zn concentration in the tissues of the lung and large intestine decreased significantly in the model group (P <.05).In comparison of the model group:the Cu concentration in the tissues of the lung and large intestine decreased significantly in the B group (P <.05);the Mn concentration in the tissues of the lung,small intestine,and large intestine decreased significantly in the B group (P <.05);the Zn concentration in the tissues of the lung,small intestine,and large intestine increased significantly in the B group (P <.05).For the A group versus C group comparison,the Zn concentration in the tissues of the small intestine and stomach increased significantly in the latter (P <.05).Conclusion:This study showed that 'treating from the intestine' using Xuan Bai Cheng Qi Tang and its modified formulae can regulate the concentration of trace elements in the main organs of COPD rats.This may be one of the mechanisms for intestine-based treatment for COPD.

Risk factors for small intestinal adenocarcinomas that are common in the proximal small intestine

The frequency of primary small intestinal adenocarcinoma is increasing but is still low.Its frequency is approximately 3%of that of colorectal adenocarcinoma.Considering that the small intestine occupies 90%of the surface area of the gastrointestinal tract,small intestinal adenocarcinoma is very rare.The main site of small intestinal adenocarcinoma is the proximal small intestine.Based on this characteristic,dietary animal proteins/lipids and bile concentrations are implicated and reported to be involved in carcinogenesis.Since most nutrients are absorbed in the proximal small intestine,the effect of absorbable intestinal content is a suitable explanation for why small intestinal adenocarcinoma is more common in the proximal small intestine.The proportion of aerobic bacteria is high in the proximal small intestine,but the absolute number of bacteria is low.In addition,the length and density of villi are greater in the proximal small intestine.However,the involvement of villi is considered to be low because the number of small intestinal adenocarcinomas is much smaller than that of colorectal adenocarcinomas.On the other hand,the reason for the low incidence of small intestinal adenocarcinoma in the distal small intestine may be that immune organs reside there.Genetic and disease factors increase the likelihood of small intestinal adenocarcinoma.In carcinogenesis experiments in which the positions of the small and large intestines were exchanged,tumors still occurred in the large intestinal mucosa more often.In other words,the influence of the intestinal contents is small,and there is a large difference in epithelial properties between the small intestine and the large intestine.In conclusion,small intestinal adenocarcinoma is rare compared to large intestinal adenocarcinoma due to the nature of the epithelium.It is reasonable to assume that diet is a trigger for small intestinal adenocarcinoma.

Correlation between expression of gastrin, somatostatin and cell apoptosis regulation gene bcl-2/bax in large intestine carcinoma

AIM: To explore the correlation between expression of somatostatin (SS), gastrin (GAS) and cell apoptosis regulation gene bcl-2/bax in large intestine carcinoma.METHODS: Sixty-two large intestine cancer tissue samples were randomly and retrospectively selected from patients with large intestine carcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining for bcl-2, bax, GAS, SS was performed according to the standard streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase (S-P) method.According to the semi-quantitative integral evaluation, SS and GAS were divided into three groups as follows. Scores1-3 were defined as the low expression group, 4-8 as the intermediate expression group, 9-16 as the high expression group. Bax and bcl-2 protein expressions in different GAS and SS expression groups of large intestine carcinoma were assessed.RESULTS: The positive expression rate of bax had a prominent difference between SS and GAS high, intermediate and low expression groups (P＜0.05, x2ss = 9.246; P＜0.05,x2GAS = 6.981). The positive expression rate of bax in SS high (80.0%, 8/10) and intermediate (76.5%, 13/17)expression groups was higher than that in low expression group (40.0%, 14/35) (P＜0.05, x2high vs low = 5.242; P＜0.05,x2middle vs low = 6.097). The positive expression rate of bax in GAS high expression group (27.3%, 3/8) was lower than that in low expression group (69.4%, 25/36) (P＜0.05,x2 = 4.594). However, bax expression in GAS intermediate expression group (46.7%, 7/15) was lower than that in low expression group, but not statistically significant. The positive expression rate of bcl-2 had a prominent difference between SS and GAS high, intermediate and low expression groups (P＜0.05, x2ss = 7.178; P＜0.05, x2GAS = 13.831). The positive expression rate of bcl-2 in GAS high (90.9%, 10/11)and intermediate (86.7%, 13/15) expression groups was higher than that in low expression group (44.4%, 16/36)(P＜0.05,x2high vs low = 5.600; P＜0.05, x2 middle vs low = 7.695).However, the positive expression rate of bcl-2 in SS high (40.0%, 4/10) and intermediate (47.1%, 8/9) expression groups was lower than that in low expression group (77.1%, 27/35)(P＜0.05, x2 high vs low = 4.710; P＜0.05, x2 middle vs low = 4.706).There was a significant positive correlation between the integral ratio of GAS to SS and the integral of bcl-2 (P＜0.01,r=0.340). However, there was a negative correlation between the integral ratio of GAS to the SS and bax the integral of (P＜0.05, r = -0.299).CONCLUSION: The regulation and control of gastrin,somatostatin in cell apoptosis of large intestine carcinoma may be directly related to the abnormal expression of bcl-2, bax.

Combined early fluid resuscitation and hydrogen inhalation attenuates lung and intestine injury

AIM:To study the effects of combined early fluid resuscitation and hydrogen inhalation on septic shockinduced lung and intestine injuries.METHODS:Wistar male rats were randomly divided into four groups:control group(Group A,n = 15);septic shock group(Group B,n = 15);early fluid resuscitation-treated septic shock group(Group C,n = 15);and early fluid resuscitation and inhalation of 2% hydrogentreated septic shock group(Group D,n = 15).The activity of hydroxyl radicals,myeloperoxidase(MPO),superoxide dismutase(SOD),diamine oxidase(DAO),and the concentration of malonaldehyde(MDA) in the lung and intestinal tissue were assessed according to the corresponding kits.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was carried out to detect the pathology of the lung and intestine.The expression levels of interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α in lung and intestine tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method.The expression levels of Fas and Bcl2 in lung tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.RESULTS:Septic shock elicited a significant increase in the levels of MDA(10.17 ± 1.12 nmol/mg protein vs 2.98 ± 0.64 nmol/mg protein) and MPO(6.79 ± 1.02 U/g wet tissue vs 1.69 ± 0.14 U/g wet tissue) in lung tissues.These effects were not significantly decreased by Group C pretreatment,but were significantly reduced by Group D pretreatment(MDA:4.45 ± 1.13 nmol/mg protein vs 9.56 ± 1.37 nmol/mg protein;MPO:2.58 ± 0.21 U/g wet tissue vs 6.02 ± 1.16 U/g wet tissue).The activity of SOD(250.32 ± 8.56 U/mg protein vs 365.78 ± 10.26 U/mg protein) in lung tissues was decreased after septic shock,and was not significantly increased by Group C pretreatment,but was significantly enhanced by Group D pretreatment(331.15 ± 9.64 U/mg protein vs 262.98 ± 5.47 U/mg protein).Histological evidence of lung hemorrhage,neutrophil infiltration and overexpression of IL-6,IL-8,and TNF-α was observed in lung tissues,all of which were attenuated by Group C and further alleviated by Group D pretreatment.Septic shock also elicited a significant increase in the levels of MDA,MPO and DAO(6.54 ± 0.68 kU/L vs 4.32 ± 0.33 kU/L) in intestinal tissues,all of which were further increased by Group C,but significantly reduced by Group D pretreatment.Increased Chiu scoring and overexpression of IL-6,IL-8 and TNF-α were observed in intestinal tissues,all of which were attenuated by Group C and further attenuated by Group D pretreatment.CONCLUSION:Combined early fluid resuscitation and hydrogen inhalation may protect the lung and intestine of the septic shock rats from the damage induced by oxidative stress and the inflammatory reaction.

Opiate-induced constipation related to activation of small intestine opioid μ2-receptors

AIM： To investigate the role of opioid p-receptor subtype in opiate-induced constipation （OIC）.METHODS： The effect of Ioperamide on intestinal transit was investigated in mice. Ileum strips were isolated from 12-wk-old male BALB/c mice for identification of isometric tension. The ileum strips were precontracted with 1 μmol/L acetylcholine （ACh）. Then, decrease in muscle tone （relaxation） was characterized after cumu- lative administration of 0.1-10μ~mol/L Ioperamide into the organ bath, for a concentration-dependent study. Specific blockers or antagonists were used for pretreat- ment to compare the changes in Ioperamide-induced relaxation.RESULTS： In addition to the delay in intestinal transit, Ioperamide produced a marked relaxation in isolated ileum precontracted with ACh, in a dose-dependent manner. This relaxation was abolished by cyprodime,a selective opioid p-receptor antagonist, but not modified by naloxonazine at a dose sufficient to block opioid μ-1 receptors. Also, treatment with opioid μ-1 receptor agonist failed to modify the muscle tone. Moreover, the relaxation by Ioperamide was attenuated by glibenclamide at a dose sufficient to block ATP-sensitive K^＋ （KATP） channels, and by protein kinase A （PKA） inhibitor, but was enhanced by an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase for cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP）.CONCLUSION： Loperamide induces intestinal relaxa- tion by activation of opioid μ-2 receptors via the cAMP- PKA pathway to open KATp channels, relates to OIC.

Effect of bowel rehabilitative therapy on structural adaptation of remnant small intestine: animal experiment

AIM: To investigate the individual and the combined effects of glutamine, dietary fiber, and growth hormone on the structural adaptation of the remnant small bowel. METHODS: Forty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 85% mid-small bowel resection and received total parenteral nutrition (TPN) support during the first three postoperational days.From the 4th postoperational day, animals were randomly assigned to receive 7 different treatments for 8 days: TPNcon group, receiving TPN and enteral 20 g x L(-1) glycine perfusion; TPN+Gln group, receiving TPN and enteral 20 g x L(-1) glutamine perfusion; ENcon group, receiving enteral nutrition (EN) fortified with 20 g x L(-1) glycine; EN+Gln group, enteral nutrition fortified with 20 g x L(-1) glutamine; EN+Fib group, enteral nutrition and 2 g x d(-1) oral soybean fiber; EN+GH group, enteral nutrition and subcutaneous growth hormone (GH) (0.3 IU) injection twice daily; and ENint group, glutamine-enriched EN, oral soybean fiber, and subcutaneous GH injection. RESULTS: Enteral glutamine perfusion during TPN increased the small intestinal villus height (jejunal villus height 250 microm +/- 29 microm in TPNcon vs 330 microm +/- 54 microm in TPN+Gln, ileal villus height 260 microm +/- 28 microm in TPNcon vs 330 microm +/- 22 microm in TPN+Gln, P【0.05) and mucosa thickness (jejunal mucosa thickness 360 microm +/- 32 microm in TPNcon vs 460 microm +/- 65 microm in TPN+Gln, ileal mucosa thickness 400 microm +/- 25 microm in TPNcon vs 490 microm +/- 11 microm in TPN+Gln,P【 0.05) in comparison with the TPNcon group. Either fiber supplementation or GH administration improved body mass gain (end body weight 270 g +/- 3.6g in EN+Fib, 265.7 g +/- 3.3 g in EN+GH, vs 257 g +/- 3.3 g in ENcon, P【 0.05), elevated plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) level (880 microg x L(-1). 52 microg x L-(-1) in EN+Fib,1200 microg x L(-1). 96 microg x L-(-1) in EN +/- GH, vs 620 microg x L(-1).43 microg x L-(-1) in ENcon, P【 0.05), and increased the villus height (jejunum 560 microm +/- 44 microm in EN +/- Fib, 530 microm +/- 30 microm in EN +/- GH, vs 450 microm +/- 44 microm in ENcon, ileum 400 microm +/- 30 microm in EN+Fib, P【0.05) and the mucosa thickness (jejunum 740 microm +/- 66 microm in EN +/- Fib, 705 microm +/- 27 microm in EN +/- GH, vs 608 microm +/- 58 microm in ENcon, ileum 570 microm +/- 27 microm in EN +/- Fib, 560 microm +/- 56 microm in remnant jejunum and ileum. Glutamine-enriched EN produced little effect in body mass, plasma IGF-I level, and remnant small bowel mucosal structure. The ENint group had greater body mass (280 g +/- 2.2g), plasma IGF-I level (1450 microg x L(-1). 137 microg x L-(-1)), and villus height (jejunum 620 microm +/- 56 microm, ileum 450 microm +/- 31 microm) and mucosal thickness (jejunum 800 microm +/- 52 microm, ileum 633 microm +/- 33 microm) than those in ENcon, EN+Gln (jejunum villus height and mucosa thickness 450 microm +/- 47 microm and 610 +/- 63 microm, ileum villus height and mucosa thickness 330 microm +/- 39 microm and 500 microm +/- 52 microm), EN+GH groups (P【0.05), and than those in EN+Fib group although no statistical significance was attained. CONCLUSION: Both dietary fiber and GH when used separately can enhance the postresectional small bowel structural adaptation. Simultaneous use of these two gut-trophic factors can produce synergistic effects on small bowel structural adaptation. Enteral glutamine perfusion is beneficial in preserving small bowel mucosal structure during TPN, but has little beneficial effect during EN.

Effect of glutarnate on inflammatory responses of intestine and brain after focal cerebral ischemia

AIM: To study the modulation of glutamate on post-ischemic intestinal and cerebral inflammatory responses in a ischemic and excitotoxic rat model.METHODS: Adult male rats were subjected to bilateral carotid artery occlusion for 15 min and injection of monosodium glutamate intraperitoneally, to decapitate them at selected time points. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), respectively.Hemodynamic parameters were monitored continuously during the whole process of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion.RESULTS: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) treated rats displayed statistically significant high levels of TNF-α in cerebral and intestinal tissuess within the first 6 h of ischemia. The rats with cerebral ischemia showed a minor decrease of TNF-α production in cerebral and intestinal tissuess. The rats with cerebral ischemia and treated with MSG displayed statistically significant low levels of TNF-α in cerebral and intestinal tissues. These results correlated significantly with NF-κB production calculated at the same intervals. During experiment, the mean blood pressure and heart rates in all groups were stable.CONCLUSION: Glutamate is involved in the mechanism of intestinal and cerebral inflammation responses. The effects of glutamate on cerebral and intestinal inflammatory responses after ischemia are up-regulated at the transcriptional level,through the NF-κB signal transduction pathway.

Effects of psychological stress on small intestinal motility and expression of cholecystokinin and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in plasma and small intestine in mice

AIM: To investigate the effects of psychological stress on small intestinal motility and expression of cholecystokinin (CCK) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in plasma and small intestine, and to explore the relationship between small intestinal motor disorders and gastrointestinal hormones under psychological stress. METHODS: Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into psychological stress group and control group. A mouse model with psychological stress was established by housing the mice with a hungry cat in separate layers of a two-layer cage. A semi-solid colored marker (carbon-ink) was used for monitoring small intestinal transit. CCK and VIP levels in plasma and small intestine in mice were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). RESULTS: Small intestinal transit was inhibited (52.18±19.15% vs70.19±17.79%, P<0.01) in mice after psychological stress, compared to the controls. Small intestinal CCK levels in psychological stress mice were significantly lower than those in the control group (0.75±0.53 μg/g vs1.98±1.17 μg/g, P<0.01), whereas plasma CCK concentrations were not different between the groups. VIP levels in small intestine were significantly higher in psychological stress mice than those in the control group (8.45±1.09 μg/g vs7.03±2.36 μg/g, P<0.01), while there was no significant difference in plasma VIP levels between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Psychological stress inhibits the small intestinal transit, probably by down-regulating CCK and up-regulating VIP expression in small intestine.

Effects of the Dietary Probiotic Clostridium butyricum on Intestine Digestive and Metabolic Capacities, SCFA Content and Body Composition in Marsupenaeus japonicus

A 56-day feeding trial was performed to evaluate the effects of dietary probiotic Clostridium butyricum(CB) on intestine digestive and metabolic capacities, intestine short-chain fatty acids(SCFA) content and body composition of kuruma shrimp Marsupenaeus japonicus. Shrimp s were randomly allocated into 9 tanks, 30 each, and f ed with diets containing different levels of C. butyricum(1×10~9 cfug^(-1)): 0 mgg^(-1) feed(Control), 100 mgg^(-1) feed(CB-100), 200 mgg^(-1) feed(CB-200), while each level was triplicated. The results indicated that compared with the control group, the intestine pepsin(Pep) activity and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT) concentration of two C. butyricum group s were both increased. Amylase(AM Y) and lipase(LPS) activities wer e only induced in CB-200 group. Alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(A ST) activities of two C. butyricum group s showed no significant change. The α-amylase(AM Y) gene expression was induced in CB-200 group, and tryp sin gene expression of two C. butyricum treated group s were both induced. Intestine SCFA content and body composition analysis showed that the contents of propionic acid, butyric acid and the crude protein of two C. butyricum group s were all higher than those of control. These results revealed that C. butyricum can modulate intestine digestive and metabolic capacities, improve intestine SCFA content and body crude protein content in M. japonicus.

What are the effects of proton pump inhibitors on the small intestine?

Generally, proton-pump inhibitors(PPIs) have great benefit for patients with acid related disease with less frequently occurring side effects. According to a recent report, PPIs provoke dysbiosis of the small intestinal bacterial flora, exacerbating nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced small intestinal injury.Several meta-analyses and systematic reviews have reported that patients treated with PPIs, as well as post-gastrectomy patients, have a higher frequency of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth(SIBO) compared to patients who lack the aforementioned conditions.Furthermore, there is insufficient evidence that these conditions induce Clostridium difficile infection. At this time, PPI-induced dysbiosis is considered a type of SIBO. It now seems likely that intestinal bacterial flora influence many diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and autoimmune diseases.When attempting to control intestinal bacterial flora with probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, etc., the influence of acid suppression therapy, especially PPIs, should not be overlooked.

Titanium dioxide induced inflammation in the small intestine

AIM:To investigate the effects of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPTiO 2 ) and microparticles (MPTiO 2 ) on the inflammatory response in the small intestine of mice. METHODS: Bl 57/6 male mice received distilled water suspensions containing TiO 2 (100 mg/kg body weight) as NPTiO 2 (66 nm), or MPTiO 2 (260 nm) by gavage for 10 d, once a day; the control group received only distilled water. At the end of the treatment the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were extracted for assessment of cytokines, inflammatory cells and titanium content. The cytokines interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), intracellular interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in segments of jejunum and ileum (mucosa and underlying muscular tissue). CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells were evaluated in duodenum, jejunum and ileum samples fixed in 10% formalin by immuno-histochemistry. The titanium content was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. RESULTS: We found increased levels of T CD4 + cells (cells/mm 2 ) in duodenum:NP 1240 ± 139.4, MP 1070 ± 154.7 vs 458 ± 50.39 (P < 0.01); jejunum:NP 908.4 ± 130.3, MP 813.8 ± 103.8 vs 526.6 ± 61.43 (P < 0.05); and ileum:NP 818.60 ± 123.0, MP 640.1 ± 32.75 vs 466.9 ± 22.4 (P < 0.05). In comparison to the control group, the groups receiving TiO 2 showed a statistically significant increase in the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-12, IL-4, IL-23, TNF-α, IFN-γ and TGF-β. The cytokine production was more pronounced in the ileum (mean ± SE):IL-12: NP 33.98 ± 11.76, MP 74.11 ± 25.65 vs 19.06 ± 3.92 (P < 0.05); IL-4: NP 17.36 ± 9.96, MP 22.94 ± 7.47 vs 2.19 ± 0.65 (P < 0.05); IL-23: NP 157.20 ± 75.80, MP 134.50 ± 38.31 vs 22.34 ± 5.81 (P < 0.05); TNFα: NP 3.71 ± 1.33, MP 5.44 ± 1.67 vs 0.99± 019 (P < 0.05); IFNγ: NP 15.85 ± 9.99, MP 34.08 ± 11.44 vs 2.81 ± 0.69 (P < 0.05); and TGF-β: NP 780.70 ± 318.50, MP 1409.00 ± 502.20 vs 205.50 ± 63.93 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:Our findings indicate that TiO2 particles induce a Th1-mediated inflammatory response in the small bowel in mice.

Morphological and molecular response of small intestine to lactulose and hydrogen-rich water in female piglets fed Fusarium mycotoxins contaminated diet

Background: Following the intake of Fusarium mycotoxin-contaminated feed,small intestines may be exposed to high levels of toxic substances that can potentially damage intestinal functions in livestock.It is well known that Fusarium mycotoxins will lead a breakdown of the normally impeccable epithelial barrier,resulting in the development of a "leaky" gut.H2 administration with different methods has been proved definitely potentials to prevent serious intestinal diseases.The goal of this study is to investigate the roles of lactulose(LAC) and hydrogenrich water(HRW) in preventing intestinal dysfunction in piglets fed Fusarium mycotoxin-contaminated feed.Methods: A total of 24 female piglets were evenly assigned to 4 groups: negative control(NC) group,mycotoxincontaminated(MC) feed group,MC feed with LAC treatment(MC + LAC),and MC feed with HRW treatment(MC +HRW),respectively.Piglets in the NC group were fed uncontaminated control diet,while remaining piglets were fed Fusarium mycotoxin-contaminated diet.For the NC and MC groups,10 mL/kg body weight(BW) of hydrogen-free water(HFW) was orally administrated to piglets twice daily;while in the MC + LAC and MC + HRW groups,piglets were treated with the same dose of LAC solution(500 mg/kg BW) and HRW twice daily,respectively.On d 25,serum was collected and used for biochemical analysis.Intestinal tissues were sampled for morphological examination as well as relative genes and protein expression analysis.Results: Our data showed that Fusarium mycotoxins induced higher serum diamine oxidase(DAO) activities(P < 0.05),D-lactic acid levels(P < 0.01),and endotoxin status(P < 0.01),lower villus height(P < 0.01) and ratio of villus height to crypt depth(P < 0.05) in small intestine,greater apoptosis index and higher mRNA expression related to tight junctions(P < 0.05).In addition,the distribution and down-regulation of claudin-3(CLDN3) protein in the small intestinal was also observed.As expected,oral administrations of HRW and LAC were found to remarkably provide beneficial effects against Fusarium mycotoxin-induced apoptosis and intestinal leaking.Moreover,either HRW or LAC treatments were also revealed to prevent abnormal intestinal morphological changes,disintegrate tight junctions,and restore the expression and distribution of CLDN3 protein in the small intestinal mucosal layer in female piglets that were fed Fusarium mycotoxins contaminated diet.Conclusions: Our data suggest that orally administrations of HRW and LAC result in less Fusarium mycotoxininduced apoptosis and leak in the small intestine.Either HRW or LAC treatments could prevent the abnormal changes of intestinal morphology and molecular response of tight junctions as well as restore the distribution and expression of CLDN3 protein of small intestinal mucosa layer in female piglets that were fed Fusarium mycotoxins contaminated diet.