AIMS To explore the possible effects of basic fibrob- last growth factor (bFGF) on ischemic gut and liver in- juries after trauma. METHODS Animal model of super mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion was used in this study...AIMS To explore the possible effects of basic fibrob- last growth factor (bFGF) on ischemic gut and liver in- juries after trauma. METHODS Animal model of super mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion was used in this study. Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 24 rats each. Each animal in group 1 (bFGF treated) was in- jected with 4 μg of bFGF in 0.15 ml of normal saline solution containing 0.1%(w/v) heparin through the jugular vein at the onset of reperfusion. Animals in group 2 (saline treated) received the same vehicle, but without bFGF. Group 3 (sham-operated) ani- mals were treated with the same operations,but without SMA occlusion. Liver function parameters, serum TNFα,bacterial examination and pathological study were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS In group 1,the amounts of ALT and AST and serum TNFα were reduced significantly at 6,24 and 48 hours as compared with group 2. Bacterial ex- amination showed that the bacterial translocation from gut to liver,spleen and MLN in group 1 was much lower than that in group 2. The pathological results support the concept of significant protecting effects of bFGF. CONCLUSIONS Venous administration of bFGF may help reduce gut and liver injuries after ischemia and reperfusion. Its mechanism of action may involve the mitogenic and non-mitogenic effects of bFGF.展开更多
AIM: To investigate if there are changes in serotonin (5-HT) levels, enterochromaffin (EC) cells and mast cells in small intestinal mucosa of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: Diarrhea-predominant...AIM: To investigate if there are changes in serotonin (5-HT) levels, enterochromaffin (EC) cells and mast cells in small intestinal mucosa of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: Diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D, n = 20), or constipation-predominant (IBS-C, n = 18) IBS patients and healthy controls (n = 20) underwent colonoscopy and peroral small intestinal endoscopy, and mucosal samples were obtained at the descending part of the duodenum, proximal end of jejunum and terminal ileum. High-performance liquid chromatography- electrochemistry and immunohistochemical methods were used to detect 5-HT content, EC cells and mast cells. RESULTS: (1) There were no differences in the number and distribution of EC cells between IBS patients and the normal group. (2) The mucosal 5-HT contents at the duodenum, jejunum and ileum in IBS-C patients were 182 ± 90, 122 ± 54, 61 ± 35 ng/mg protein, respectively, which were all lower than those in the normal group (256 ± 84, 188 ± 91, and 93 ± 45 ng/ mg protein, respectively), with a significant difference at the jejunum (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the small intestinal mucosal 5-HT contents between IBS-D patients and the normal group. The mucosal 5-HT contents at the duodenum were significantly higher than those at the ileum in the three groups (P < 0.001). (3) The numbers of mast cells in patients with IBS-C and IBS-D at the ileum were 38.7 ± 9.4 and 35.8 ± 5.5/highpower field (hpf), respectively, which were significantly more than that in the normal group (29.8 ± 4.4/hpf) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the numbers of mast cells at the other two parts between IBS patients and the normal group. The numbers of mast cells in IBS-C, IBS-D, and normal groups were all significantly higher at the ileum (38.7 ± 9.4, 35.8 ± 5.5, 29.8 ± 4.4/hpf, respectively) than at the duodenum (19.6 ± 4.7, 18.5 ± 6.3, 19.2 ± 3.3/hpf, respectively, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The changes in the 5-HT signaling pathway at the jejunum of IBS-C patients and the increase in mast cells in patients with IBS at the terminal ileum may offer evidence to explain the pathogenesis of IBS.展开更多
Rotavirus diarrhea is a major worldwide cause of infantile gastroenteritis; however, the mechanism responsible for intestinal fluid loss remains unclear. Water transfer across the intestinal epithelial membrane seems ...Rotavirus diarrhea is a major worldwide cause of infantile gastroenteritis; however, the mechanism responsible for intestinal fluid loss remains unclear. Water transfer across the intestinal epithelial membrane seems to occur because of aquaporins(AQPs). Accumulating evidence indicates that alterations in AQPs may play an important role in pathogenesis. Here, we focus on changes in AQPs in a mouse model of rotavirus diarrhea. In the present study, 32 of 35 mice developed diarrhea and mild dehydration within 24 hours after infection with rotavirus strain SA11. Intestinal epithelial cells demonstrated cytoplasmic vacuolation, malaligned villi, and atrophy. AQP1 expression was significantly attenuated in the ileum and colon in comparison with controls; likewise, AQP4 and-8 protein expression were significantly decreased in the colon of rotavirus diarrhea-infected mice. In contrast, AQP3 protein expression was significantly increased in the colon of rotavirus-infected mice in comparison with controls. These results indicate that rotavirus diarrhea is associated with the downregulation of AQP1,-4, and-8 expression. Therefore, AQPs play an important role in rotavirus diarrhea.展开更多
AIM: To pharmacologically modulate Th polarization in the ileum exposed to ionizing radiation by using the immuno-modulatory/apoptotic properties of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE). METHODS: Rats received CAPE...AIM: To pharmacologically modulate Th polarization in the ileum exposed to ionizing radiation by using the immuno-modulatory/apoptotic properties of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE). METHODS: Rats received CAPE (30 mg/kg) treatment ip 15 min prior to intestinal 10 Gy γ-irradiation and once a day for a 6 d period alter irradiation. Expression of genes implicated in Th differentiation in ileal mucosa (IL-23/IL-12Rβ2), Th cytokine responses (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-13), Th migratory behaviour (CXCR3, CCR5, CCR4), Th signalling suppressors (SOCS1, SOCS3), transcription factor (T-Bet, GATA-3) and apoptosis (FasL/Fas, TNF/TNFR, XIAP, Bax, caspase-3) was analyzed by RT-PCR 6 h and 7 d post-irradiation. CD4^+ and TUNEL positive cells were visualized by immunostaining. RESULTS: The expression of Thl-related cytokine/ chemokine receptors (IFN-γ, IL-2, CXCR3, CCR5) was repressed at 7 d post-irradiation while Th2 cell cytokine/ chemokines (IL-4, IL-13, CCR4) were not repressed or even upregulated. The irradiation-induced Th2 profile was confirmed by the upregulation of both Th2-specific transcription factor GATA-3 and SOCS3. Although an apoptosis event occurred 6 h alter 10 Gy of intestinal γ-irradiation, apoptotic mediator analysis showed a tendency to apoptotic resistance 7 d post-irradiation. CAPE amplified apoptotic events at 6h and normalized Bax/FasL expressions at 7 d. CONCLUSION: CAPE prevented the ileal Th2 immune response by modulating the irradiation-influenced cytokine environment and apoptosis.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
AIM:To assess B1a cell expression in the rectal mucosa of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in comparison with healthy controls.METHODS:Rectal mucosa biopsies were collected from 15 UC patients and 17 healthy controls....AIM:To assess B1a cell expression in the rectal mucosa of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in comparison with healthy controls.METHODS:Rectal mucosa biopsies were collected from 15 UC patients and 17 healthy controls.CD5 + B cells were analysed by three colour flow cytometry from rectal mucosal samples after mechanical disaggregation by Medimachine.Immunohistochemical analysis of B and T lymphocytes was also performed.Correlations between,on the one hand,rectal B1a cell concentrations and,on the other,erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels and clinical,endoscopic and histological disease activity indices were evaluated.RESULTS:Rectal B-lymphocyte (CD19 + /CD45 +) rate and concentration were higher in UC patients compared with those in healthy controls (47.85% ± 3.12% vs 26.10% ± 3.40%,P=0.001 and 501 ± 91 cells/mm 2 vs 117 ± 18 cells/mm 2,P < 0.001);Rectal B1a cell density (CD5 + CD19 +) was higher in UC patients than in healthy controls (85 ± 15 cells/mm 2 vs 31 ± 6.7 cells/mm 2,P=0.009).Rectal B1a cell (CD5/CD19 +) rate correlated inversely with endoscopic classification (Rs=-0.637,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:B1a lymphocytes seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of UC,however,the role they play in its early phases and in disease activity,have yet to be defined.展开更多
AIM: To study the influence and mechanisms of dexamethasone on mesenteric lymph node of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: The SAP rats were assigned to model, treated or sham-operated groups. The mor...AIM: To study the influence and mechanisms of dexamethasone on mesenteric lymph node of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: The SAP rats were assigned to model, treated or sham-operated groups. The mortality, pathological changes of mesenteric lymph nodes, expression levels of NF-kB, P-selectin, Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 protein and changes in apoptotic indexes in lymph nodes were observed at 3, 6 and 12 h after operation. The blood levels of endotoxin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in blood were determined. RESULTS: SOD content, expression of Bax protein and apoptotic index were significantly higher in the treated group than in the model group at different time points (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Other blood-detecting indexes and histopathological scores of mesenteric lymphnodes were lower in the treated than in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 or P < 0.01). NF-kB protein expression was negative in all groups. Comparing P-selectin and caspase-3 expression levels among all three groups, there was no marked difference between the model and treated group. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone can protect mesen-teric lymph nodes. The mechanism may be by reducing the content of inflammatory mediators in the blood and inducing lymphocyte apoptosis.展开更多
Using animal mesentery with intravital optical microscopy is a well-established experimental model for studying blood and lymph microcirculation in vivo. Recent advances in cell biology and optical techniques provide ...Using animal mesentery with intravital optical microscopy is a well-established experimental model for studying blood and lymph microcirculation in vivo. Recent advances in cell biology and optical techniques provide the basis for extending this model for new applications, which should generate significantly improved experimental data. This review summarizes the achievements in this specific area, including in vivo label-free blood and lymph photothermal flow cytometry, super-sensitive fluorescence image cytometry, light scattering and speckle flow cytometry, microvessel dynamic microscopy, infrared (IR) angiography, and high-speed imaging of individual cells in fast flow. The capabilities of these techniques, using the rat mesentery model, were demonstrated in various studies; e.g., real-time quantitative detection of circulating and migrating individual blood and cancer cells, studies on vascular dynamics with a focus on lymphatics under normal conditions and under different interventions (e.g. lasers, drugs, nicotine), assessment of lymphatic disturbances from experimental lymphedema, monitoring cell traffic between blood and lymph systems, and high-speed imaging of cell transient deformability in flow. In particular, the obtained results demonstrated that individual cell transportation in living organisms depends on cell type (e.g., normal blood or leukemic cells), the cell’s functional state (e.g., live, apoptotic, or necrotic), and the functional status of the organism. Possible future applications, including in vivo early diagnosis and prevention of disease, monitoring immune response and apoptosis, chemo- and radio-sensitivity tests, and drug screening, are also discussed.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the recovery and function of isolated rat pancreatic islets during in vitro culture with small intestinal submucosa (SIS). METHODS: Pancreatic islets were isolated from Wistar rats by standard sur...AIM: To evaluate the recovery and function of isolated rat pancreatic islets during in vitro culture with small intestinal submucosa (SIS). METHODS: Pancreatic islets were isolated from Wistar rats by standard surgical procurement followed by intraductal collagenase distension, mechanical dissociation and Euroficoll purification. Purified islets were cultured in plates coated with multilayer SIS (SIS-treated group) or without multilayer SIS (standard cultured group) for 7 and 14 d in standard islet culture media of RPMI 1640. After isolation and culture, islets from both experimental groups were stained with dithizone and counted. Recovery of islets was determined by the ratio of counts after the culture to the yield of islets immediately following islet isolation. Viability of islets after the culture was assessed by the glucose challenge best with low (2.7 mmol/L) and high glucose (16.7 mmol/L) solution supplemented with 50 mmol/L 3-isobutyl-1- methylxanthine (IBMX) solution. Apoptosis of islet cells after the culture was measured by relative quantification of histone-complexed DNA fragments using ELISA. RESULTS: After 7 or 14 d of in vitro tissue culture, the recovery of islets in SIS-treated group was significantly higher than that cultured in plates without SIS coating. The recovery of islets in SIS-treated group was about twice more than that of in the control group. In SIS treated group, there was no significant difference in the recovery of islets between short- and long-term periods of culture (95.8±1.0% vs 90.8±1.5%, P〉0.05). When incubated with high glucose (16.7 mmol/L) solution, insulin secretion in SIS-treated group showed a higher increase than that in control group after 14 d of culture (20.7±1.1 mU/L vs 11.8±1.1 mU/L, P〈0.05). When islets were placed in high glucose solution containing IBMX, stimulated insulin secretion was higher in SlS-treated group than in control group. Calculated stimulation index of SlS-treated group was about 23 times of control group. In addition, the stimulation index of SlS-treated group remained constant regardless of short- and long- term periods of culture (9.5±0.2 vs 10.2±1.2, P〉0.05). Much less apoptosis of islet cells occurred in SlS-treated group than in control group after the culture. CONCLUSION: Co-culture of isolated rat islets with native sheet-like SIS might build an extracellular matrix for islets and provide possible biotrophic and growth factors that promote the recovery and subsequent function of islets.展开更多
AIM:To examine the influence of ghrelin on the regenerative potential of gastrointestinal(GI)epithelium.METHODS:Damage to GI epithelium was induced in mice by two intravenous injections of doxorubicin(10 and 6 mg/kg)....AIM:To examine the influence of ghrelin on the regenerative potential of gastrointestinal(GI)epithelium.METHODS:Damage to GI epithelium was induced in mice by two intravenous injections of doxorubicin(10 and 6 mg/kg).Some of the doxorubicin-treated mice received a continuous subcutaneous infusion of ghrelin(1.25μg/h)for 10 d via implanted mini-osmotic pumps.To label dividing stem cells in the S-phase of the cell cycle,all mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine(BrdU)one hour before sacrifice.The stomach along with the duodenum were then removed and processed for histological examination and immunohistochemistry using anti-BrdU antibody.RESULTS:The results showed dramatic damage to the GI epithelium 3 d after administration of chemotherapy which began to recover by day 10.In ghrelintreated mice,attenuation of GI mucosal damage was evident in the tissues examined postchemotherapy.Immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in the number of BrdUlabeled cells and an alteration in their distribution along the epithelial lining in response to damage by doxorubicin.In mice treated with both doxorubicin and ghrelin,the number of BrdUlabeled cells was reduced when compared with mice treated with doxorubicin alone.CONCLUSION:The present study suggests that ghrelin enhances the regenerative potential of the GI epithelium in doxorubicintreated mice,at least in part,by modulating cell proliferation.展开更多
Human amniotic basement membrane (HABM) model and agarose drop explant method were used to in-vestigate the effects of retinoic acid(RA) on the invasive-ness alld adhesiveness to the basement membrane, and the migrati...Human amniotic basement membrane (HABM) model and agarose drop explant method were used to in-vestigate the effects of retinoic acid(RA) on the invasive-ness alld adhesiveness to the basement membrane, and the migration of a highly invassive human colorectal cancer cell line CCL229. Results showed that 5 ×106 MRA markedly reduced the in vitro invasiveness and adhesiveness to the HABM, and the migration of the CCL229 cells. In addi-tion, to elucidate the relation between expression of epider-mal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the invasiveness of the colorectal carcinoma cells, two well-differentiated, but with different invasiveness colorectal cancer cell lines were compared at mRNA level for expressioll of EGFR by using EGFR cDNA probe labeled with digoxigenin (DIG). Expression of EGFR was showll to be markedly higher in the highly invassive CCL229 cells than that in the low in- vasive CX-1 cells. Furthermore, expression of EGFR in RA treated CCL229 cells gradually decreased with time,the level being the lowest on day 6 of the RA treatment.展开更多
The origin of myofibroblasts or myofibroblastic cells in the desmoplastic stroma associated with carcinoma invasion has been controversial. In the early invasive area of a rectal adenocarcinoma reported here, an obvio...The origin of myofibroblasts or myofibroblastic cells in the desmoplastic stroma associated with carcinoma invasion has been controversial. In the early invasive area of a rectal adenocarcinoma reported here, an obvious transition between the muscularis mucosa and the bundles of eosinophilic stromal cells observed in the carcinomatous stroma was demonstrated both in morphology and in their cytoskeletal phenotype, which conceivably suggests that the smooth muscle cells of the muscularis mucosa could convert to the eosinophilic stromal cells, namely myofibroblasts. Moreover, type I procollagen was demonstrated in both protein and mRNA levels in the areas of eosinophilic stromal cells with a lesser degree of differentiated smooth muscle phenotype that showed a transition from the muscularis mucosa, implying that the myofibroblastic cells converted from smooth muscle cells of the muscularis mucosa could be responsible for type I collagen production. These findings suggest that the muscularis mucosae may not be a passive barrier through which colorectal carcinomas infiltrate into the submucosa, but may play an active role in the formation and remodeling of tumor stroma.展开更多
AIM: To investigate β-catenin expression in patients with intestinal metaplasia, and to look for a possible relationship between β-catenin expression and either epithelial proliferation values or Helicobacter pylo...AIM: To investigate β-catenin expression in patients with intestinal metaplasia, and to look for a possible relationship between β-catenin expression and either epithelial proliferation values or Helicobacter pylori ( H pylori) infection.METHODS: Twenty patients with complete type intestinal metaplasia were studied. β-Catenin expression and epithelial cell proliferation in antral mucosa were assessed using an immunohistochemical analysis. H pylori infection was detected by histology and a rapid urease test.RESULTS: Reduced β-catenin expression on the surface of metaplastic cells was detected in 13 (65%) out of 20 patients. Moreover, in eight (40%) patients intranuclear expression of β-catenin was found. When patients were analyzed according to H pylori infection, the prevalence of both β-catenin reduction at the cell surface and its intranuclear localization did not significantly differ between infected and uninfected patients. Cell proliferation was higher in patients with intranuclear β-catenin expression as compared to the remaining patients, although the difference failed to reach the statistical significance (36±8.9 vs 27.2±11.4, P= 0.06). On the contrary, a similar cell proliferation value was observed between patients with reduced expression of β-catenin on cell surface and those with a normal expression (28.1±11.8 vs 26.1±8.8, P= 0.7).H pylori infection significantly increased cell proliferation (33.3±10.2% vs 24.6±7.4% , respectively, P= 0.04).CONCLUSION: Both cell surface reduction and intranuclear accumulation of β-catenin were detected in intestinal metaplasia. The intranuclear localization of β-catenin increases cell proliferation. H pylori infection does not seem to play a direct role in β-catenin alterations, whilst it significantly increases cell proliferation.展开更多
The aquaculture of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea) has grown rapidly during recent years and has become an important sector of the marine industry in Northern China. However, with th...The aquaculture of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea) has grown rapidly during recent years and has become an important sector of the marine industry in Northern China. However, with the rapid growth of the industry and the use of non-standard culture techniques, epidemic diseases of A. japonicus now pose increasing problems to the industry. To screen the genes with stress response to bacterial infection in sea cucumber at a genome wide level, we constructed a cDNA library from A. japonicus Selenka (Aspidochirotida: Stichopodidae) after infecting them with Vibrio sp. for 48 h. Total RNA was extracted from the intestine, mesentery and coelomocyte of infected sea cucumber using Trizol and mRNA was isolated by Oligotex mRNA Kits. The ligated cDNAs were transformed into DH5α, and a library of 3.24×105 clones (3.24×105 cfu mL-1) was obtained with the sizes of inserted fragments ranging from 0.8 to 2.5 kb. Sequencing the cDNA clones resulted in a total of 1106 ESTs that passed the quality control. BlastX and BlastN searches have identified 168 (31.5%) ESTs sharing significant homology with known sequences in NCBI protein or nucleotide databases. Among a panel of 25 putative immunity-related genes, serum lectin isoform, complement component 3, complement component 3-like genes were further studied by real-time PCR and they all increased more than 5 fold in response to Vibrio sp. challenge. Our library provides a valuable molecular tool for future study of invertebrate immunity against bacterial infection and our gene expression data indicates the importance of the immune system in the evolution and development of sea cucumber.展开更多
Disseminated signet ring cell carcinomas frequently arise from the stomach. However, primaries in the colon and rectum have also been reported. We present a 68 year old lady who presented with a change in her bowel ha...Disseminated signet ring cell carcinomas frequently arise from the stomach. However, primaries in the colon and rectum have also been reported. We present a 68 year old lady who presented with a change in her bowel habit. Colonoscopy showed a stenosing rectal tumour at 7 cm to 8 cm from the anal verge. Multiple scattered ulcers were also noted along the entire length of the colon. Biopsy of the lesions revealed signet ring cell adenocarcinoma. Gastroscopy showed multiple nodules with ulceration over several areas of the stomach which were similar in appearance to the colonic lesions. However, no primary tumour of the stomach was seen. Biopsy of the gastric lesions also showed signet ring cell adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed circumferential tumour at the rectosigmoid junction with possible invasion into the left ischiorectal fossa. The overall picture was that of a primary rectal signet ring cell carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination. The patient was referred for palliative chemotherapy in view of the disseminated disease. In the present report, we discuss this interesting pathological entity and review the role of various histolological techniques in helping to identify the primary tumor.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.39470706).
文摘AIMS To explore the possible effects of basic fibrob- last growth factor (bFGF) on ischemic gut and liver in- juries after trauma. METHODS Animal model of super mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion was used in this study. Seventy-two Wistar rats were divided into three groups of 24 rats each. Each animal in group 1 (bFGF treated) was in- jected with 4 μg of bFGF in 0.15 ml of normal saline solution containing 0.1%(w/v) heparin through the jugular vein at the onset of reperfusion. Animals in group 2 (saline treated) received the same vehicle, but without bFGF. Group 3 (sham-operated) ani- mals were treated with the same operations,but without SMA occlusion. Liver function parameters, serum TNFα,bacterial examination and pathological study were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS In group 1,the amounts of ALT and AST and serum TNFα were reduced significantly at 6,24 and 48 hours as compared with group 2. Bacterial ex- amination showed that the bacterial translocation from gut to liver,spleen and MLN in group 1 was much lower than that in group 2. The pathological results support the concept of significant protecting effects of bFGF. CONCLUSIONS Venous administration of bFGF may help reduce gut and liver injuries after ischemia and reperfusion. Its mechanism of action may involve the mitogenic and non-mitogenic effects of bFGF.
基金Supported by the Key Clinical Project (2004) from the National Ministry of Health, No. 2004-56
文摘AIM: To investigate if there are changes in serotonin (5-HT) levels, enterochromaffin (EC) cells and mast cells in small intestinal mucosa of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: Diarrhea-predominant (IBS-D, n = 20), or constipation-predominant (IBS-C, n = 18) IBS patients and healthy controls (n = 20) underwent colonoscopy and peroral small intestinal endoscopy, and mucosal samples were obtained at the descending part of the duodenum, proximal end of jejunum and terminal ileum. High-performance liquid chromatography- electrochemistry and immunohistochemical methods were used to detect 5-HT content, EC cells and mast cells. RESULTS: (1) There were no differences in the number and distribution of EC cells between IBS patients and the normal group. (2) The mucosal 5-HT contents at the duodenum, jejunum and ileum in IBS-C patients were 182 ± 90, 122 ± 54, 61 ± 35 ng/mg protein, respectively, which were all lower than those in the normal group (256 ± 84, 188 ± 91, and 93 ± 45 ng/ mg protein, respectively), with a significant difference at the jejunum (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the small intestinal mucosal 5-HT contents between IBS-D patients and the normal group. The mucosal 5-HT contents at the duodenum were significantly higher than those at the ileum in the three groups (P < 0.001). (3) The numbers of mast cells in patients with IBS-C and IBS-D at the ileum were 38.7 ± 9.4 and 35.8 ± 5.5/highpower field (hpf), respectively, which were significantly more than that in the normal group (29.8 ± 4.4/hpf) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the numbers of mast cells at the other two parts between IBS patients and the normal group. The numbers of mast cells in IBS-C, IBS-D, and normal groups were all significantly higher at the ileum (38.7 ± 9.4, 35.8 ± 5.5, 29.8 ± 4.4/hpf, respectively) than at the duodenum (19.6 ± 4.7, 18.5 ± 6.3, 19.2 ± 3.3/hpf, respectively, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The changes in the 5-HT signaling pathway at the jejunum of IBS-C patients and the increase in mast cells in patients with IBS at the terminal ileum may offer evidence to explain the pathogenesis of IBS.
基金supported by funding from Guangdong Natural Science Foundation (grants:S2012010009211,S2012010009538)Key Specialty Projects of Guangzhou Board of Health (grant:20121A021014)
文摘Rotavirus diarrhea is a major worldwide cause of infantile gastroenteritis; however, the mechanism responsible for intestinal fluid loss remains unclear. Water transfer across the intestinal epithelial membrane seems to occur because of aquaporins(AQPs). Accumulating evidence indicates that alterations in AQPs may play an important role in pathogenesis. Here, we focus on changes in AQPs in a mouse model of rotavirus diarrhea. In the present study, 32 of 35 mice developed diarrhea and mild dehydration within 24 hours after infection with rotavirus strain SA11. Intestinal epithelial cells demonstrated cytoplasmic vacuolation, malaligned villi, and atrophy. AQP1 expression was significantly attenuated in the ileum and colon in comparison with controls; likewise, AQP4 and-8 protein expression were significantly decreased in the colon of rotavirus diarrhea-infected mice. In contrast, AQP3 protein expression was significantly increased in the colon of rotavirus-infected mice in comparison with controls. These results indicate that rotavirus diarrhea is associated with the downregulation of AQP1,-4, and-8 expression. Therefore, AQPs play an important role in rotavirus diarrhea.
文摘AIM: To pharmacologically modulate Th polarization in the ileum exposed to ionizing radiation by using the immuno-modulatory/apoptotic properties of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE). METHODS: Rats received CAPE (30 mg/kg) treatment ip 15 min prior to intestinal 10 Gy γ-irradiation and once a day for a 6 d period alter irradiation. Expression of genes implicated in Th differentiation in ileal mucosa (IL-23/IL-12Rβ2), Th cytokine responses (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-13), Th migratory behaviour (CXCR3, CCR5, CCR4), Th signalling suppressors (SOCS1, SOCS3), transcription factor (T-Bet, GATA-3) and apoptosis (FasL/Fas, TNF/TNFR, XIAP, Bax, caspase-3) was analyzed by RT-PCR 6 h and 7 d post-irradiation. CD4^+ and TUNEL positive cells were visualized by immunostaining. RESULTS: The expression of Thl-related cytokine/ chemokine receptors (IFN-γ, IL-2, CXCR3, CCR5) was repressed at 7 d post-irradiation while Th2 cell cytokine/ chemokines (IL-4, IL-13, CCR4) were not repressed or even upregulated. The irradiation-induced Th2 profile was confirmed by the upregulation of both Th2-specific transcription factor GATA-3 and SOCS3. Although an apoptosis event occurred 6 h alter 10 Gy of intestinal γ-irradiation, apoptotic mediator analysis showed a tendency to apoptotic resistance 7 d post-irradiation. CAPE amplified apoptotic events at 6h and normalized Bax/FasL expressions at 7 d. CONCLUSION: CAPE prevented the ileal Th2 immune response by modulating the irradiation-influenced cytokine environment and apoptosis.
基金The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, No. Ni575/4-1
文摘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.
文摘AIM:To assess B1a cell expression in the rectal mucosa of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in comparison with healthy controls.METHODS:Rectal mucosa biopsies were collected from 15 UC patients and 17 healthy controls.CD5 + B cells were analysed by three colour flow cytometry from rectal mucosal samples after mechanical disaggregation by Medimachine.Immunohistochemical analysis of B and T lymphocytes was also performed.Correlations between,on the one hand,rectal B1a cell concentrations and,on the other,erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels and clinical,endoscopic and histological disease activity indices were evaluated.RESULTS:Rectal B-lymphocyte (CD19 + /CD45 +) rate and concentration were higher in UC patients compared with those in healthy controls (47.85% ± 3.12% vs 26.10% ± 3.40%,P=0.001 and 501 ± 91 cells/mm 2 vs 117 ± 18 cells/mm 2,P < 0.001);Rectal B1a cell density (CD5 + CD19 +) was higher in UC patients than in healthy controls (85 ± 15 cells/mm 2 vs 31 ± 6.7 cells/mm 2,P=0.009).Rectal B1a cell (CD5/CD19 +) rate correlated inversely with endoscopic classification (Rs=-0.637,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:B1a lymphocytes seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of UC,however,the role they play in its early phases and in disease activity,have yet to be defined.
基金Technological Foundation Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine Science of Zhejiang Province, No. 2003C130 and No. 2004C142Foundation Project for Medical Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province, No. 2003B134+5 种基金Grave Foundation Project for Technological and Development of Hangzhou, No. 2003123B19Intensive Foundation Project for Technology of Hangzhou No. 2004Z006Foundation Project for Medical Science and Technology of Hangzhou No. 2003A004Foundation Project for Technology of Hangzhou, No. 2005224
文摘AIM: To study the influence and mechanisms of dexamethasone on mesenteric lymph node of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: The SAP rats were assigned to model, treated or sham-operated groups. The mortality, pathological changes of mesenteric lymph nodes, expression levels of NF-kB, P-selectin, Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 protein and changes in apoptotic indexes in lymph nodes were observed at 3, 6 and 12 h after operation. The blood levels of endotoxin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in blood were determined. RESULTS: SOD content, expression of Bax protein and apoptotic index were significantly higher in the treated group than in the model group at different time points (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Other blood-detecting indexes and histopathological scores of mesenteric lymphnodes were lower in the treated than in the model group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 or P < 0.01). NF-kB protein expression was negative in all groups. Comparing P-selectin and caspase-3 expression levels among all three groups, there was no marked difference between the model and treated group. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone can protect mesen-teric lymph nodes. The mechanism may be by reducing the content of inflammatory mediators in the blood and inducing lymphocyte apoptosis.
基金Supported by NIH/NIBIB No. EB001858, EB-000873, EB005123
文摘Using animal mesentery with intravital optical microscopy is a well-established experimental model for studying blood and lymph microcirculation in vivo. Recent advances in cell biology and optical techniques provide the basis for extending this model for new applications, which should generate significantly improved experimental data. This review summarizes the achievements in this specific area, including in vivo label-free blood and lymph photothermal flow cytometry, super-sensitive fluorescence image cytometry, light scattering and speckle flow cytometry, microvessel dynamic microscopy, infrared (IR) angiography, and high-speed imaging of individual cells in fast flow. The capabilities of these techniques, using the rat mesentery model, were demonstrated in various studies; e.g., real-time quantitative detection of circulating and migrating individual blood and cancer cells, studies on vascular dynamics with a focus on lymphatics under normal conditions and under different interventions (e.g. lasers, drugs, nicotine), assessment of lymphatic disturbances from experimental lymphedema, monitoring cell traffic between blood and lymph systems, and high-speed imaging of cell transient deformability in flow. In particular, the obtained results demonstrated that individual cell transportation in living organisms depends on cell type (e.g., normal blood or leukemic cells), the cell’s functional state (e.g., live, apoptotic, or necrotic), and the functional status of the organism. Possible future applications, including in vivo early diagnosis and prevention of disease, monitoring immune response and apoptosis, chemo- and radio-sensitivity tests, and drug screening, are also discussed.
基金Supported by the Key Program of Science and Technique of Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, No.104169
文摘AIM: To evaluate the recovery and function of isolated rat pancreatic islets during in vitro culture with small intestinal submucosa (SIS). METHODS: Pancreatic islets were isolated from Wistar rats by standard surgical procurement followed by intraductal collagenase distension, mechanical dissociation and Euroficoll purification. Purified islets were cultured in plates coated with multilayer SIS (SIS-treated group) or without multilayer SIS (standard cultured group) for 7 and 14 d in standard islet culture media of RPMI 1640. After isolation and culture, islets from both experimental groups were stained with dithizone and counted. Recovery of islets was determined by the ratio of counts after the culture to the yield of islets immediately following islet isolation. Viability of islets after the culture was assessed by the glucose challenge best with low (2.7 mmol/L) and high glucose (16.7 mmol/L) solution supplemented with 50 mmol/L 3-isobutyl-1- methylxanthine (IBMX) solution. Apoptosis of islet cells after the culture was measured by relative quantification of histone-complexed DNA fragments using ELISA. RESULTS: After 7 or 14 d of in vitro tissue culture, the recovery of islets in SIS-treated group was significantly higher than that cultured in plates without SIS coating. The recovery of islets in SIS-treated group was about twice more than that of in the control group. In SIS treated group, there was no significant difference in the recovery of islets between short- and long-term periods of culture (95.8±1.0% vs 90.8±1.5%, P〉0.05). When incubated with high glucose (16.7 mmol/L) solution, insulin secretion in SIS-treated group showed a higher increase than that in control group after 14 d of culture (20.7±1.1 mU/L vs 11.8±1.1 mU/L, P〈0.05). When islets were placed in high glucose solution containing IBMX, stimulated insulin secretion was higher in SlS-treated group than in control group. Calculated stimulation index of SlS-treated group was about 23 times of control group. In addition, the stimulation index of SlS-treated group remained constant regardless of short- and long- term periods of culture (9.5±0.2 vs 10.2±1.2, P〉0.05). Much less apoptosis of islet cells occurred in SlS-treated group than in control group after the culture. CONCLUSION: Co-culture of isolated rat islets with native sheet-like SIS might build an extracellular matrix for islets and provide possible biotrophic and growth factors that promote the recovery and subsequent function of islets.
文摘AIM:To examine the influence of ghrelin on the regenerative potential of gastrointestinal(GI)epithelium.METHODS:Damage to GI epithelium was induced in mice by two intravenous injections of doxorubicin(10 and 6 mg/kg).Some of the doxorubicin-treated mice received a continuous subcutaneous infusion of ghrelin(1.25μg/h)for 10 d via implanted mini-osmotic pumps.To label dividing stem cells in the S-phase of the cell cycle,all mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of 5'-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine(BrdU)one hour before sacrifice.The stomach along with the duodenum were then removed and processed for histological examination and immunohistochemistry using anti-BrdU antibody.RESULTS:The results showed dramatic damage to the GI epithelium 3 d after administration of chemotherapy which began to recover by day 10.In ghrelintreated mice,attenuation of GI mucosal damage was evident in the tissues examined postchemotherapy.Immunohistochemical analysis showed an increase in the number of BrdUlabeled cells and an alteration in their distribution along the epithelial lining in response to damage by doxorubicin.In mice treated with both doxorubicin and ghrelin,the number of BrdUlabeled cells was reduced when compared with mice treated with doxorubicin alone.CONCLUSION:The present study suggests that ghrelin enhances the regenerative potential of the GI epithelium in doxorubicintreated mice,at least in part,by modulating cell proliferation.
文摘Human amniotic basement membrane (HABM) model and agarose drop explant method were used to in-vestigate the effects of retinoic acid(RA) on the invasive-ness alld adhesiveness to the basement membrane, and the migration of a highly invassive human colorectal cancer cell line CCL229. Results showed that 5 ×106 MRA markedly reduced the in vitro invasiveness and adhesiveness to the HABM, and the migration of the CCL229 cells. In addi-tion, to elucidate the relation between expression of epider-mal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the invasiveness of the colorectal carcinoma cells, two well-differentiated, but with different invasiveness colorectal cancer cell lines were compared at mRNA level for expressioll of EGFR by using EGFR cDNA probe labeled with digoxigenin (DIG). Expression of EGFR was showll to be markedly higher in the highly invassive CCL229 cells than that in the low in- vasive CX-1 cells. Furthermore, expression of EGFR in RA treated CCL229 cells gradually decreased with time,the level being the lowest on day 6 of the RA treatment.
文摘The origin of myofibroblasts or myofibroblastic cells in the desmoplastic stroma associated with carcinoma invasion has been controversial. In the early invasive area of a rectal adenocarcinoma reported here, an obvious transition between the muscularis mucosa and the bundles of eosinophilic stromal cells observed in the carcinomatous stroma was demonstrated both in morphology and in their cytoskeletal phenotype, which conceivably suggests that the smooth muscle cells of the muscularis mucosa could convert to the eosinophilic stromal cells, namely myofibroblasts. Moreover, type I procollagen was demonstrated in both protein and mRNA levels in the areas of eosinophilic stromal cells with a lesser degree of differentiated smooth muscle phenotype that showed a transition from the muscularis mucosa, implying that the myofibroblastic cells converted from smooth muscle cells of the muscularis mucosa could be responsible for type I collagen production. These findings suggest that the muscularis mucosae may not be a passive barrier through which colorectal carcinomas infiltrate into the submucosa, but may play an active role in the formation and remodeling of tumor stroma.
文摘AIM: To investigate β-catenin expression in patients with intestinal metaplasia, and to look for a possible relationship between β-catenin expression and either epithelial proliferation values or Helicobacter pylori ( H pylori) infection.METHODS: Twenty patients with complete type intestinal metaplasia were studied. β-Catenin expression and epithelial cell proliferation in antral mucosa were assessed using an immunohistochemical analysis. H pylori infection was detected by histology and a rapid urease test.RESULTS: Reduced β-catenin expression on the surface of metaplastic cells was detected in 13 (65%) out of 20 patients. Moreover, in eight (40%) patients intranuclear expression of β-catenin was found. When patients were analyzed according to H pylori infection, the prevalence of both β-catenin reduction at the cell surface and its intranuclear localization did not significantly differ between infected and uninfected patients. Cell proliferation was higher in patients with intranuclear β-catenin expression as compared to the remaining patients, although the difference failed to reach the statistical significance (36±8.9 vs 27.2±11.4, P= 0.06). On the contrary, a similar cell proliferation value was observed between patients with reduced expression of β-catenin on cell surface and those with a normal expression (28.1±11.8 vs 26.1±8.8, P= 0.7).H pylori infection significantly increased cell proliferation (33.3±10.2% vs 24.6±7.4% , respectively, P= 0.04).CONCLUSION: Both cell surface reduction and intranuclear accumulation of β-catenin were detected in intestinal metaplasia. The intranuclear localization of β-catenin increases cell proliferation. H pylori infection does not seem to play a direct role in β-catenin alterations, whilst it significantly increases cell proliferation.
基金supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (No. 2006BAD09A01)the Special Fund for Ocean-scientific Research in the Public Interest (200905020)the Key Project of Youth Marine Science funded for Oceanography (No. 2009119)
文摘The aquaculture of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea) has grown rapidly during recent years and has become an important sector of the marine industry in Northern China. However, with the rapid growth of the industry and the use of non-standard culture techniques, epidemic diseases of A. japonicus now pose increasing problems to the industry. To screen the genes with stress response to bacterial infection in sea cucumber at a genome wide level, we constructed a cDNA library from A. japonicus Selenka (Aspidochirotida: Stichopodidae) after infecting them with Vibrio sp. for 48 h. Total RNA was extracted from the intestine, mesentery and coelomocyte of infected sea cucumber using Trizol and mRNA was isolated by Oligotex mRNA Kits. The ligated cDNAs were transformed into DH5α, and a library of 3.24×105 clones (3.24×105 cfu mL-1) was obtained with the sizes of inserted fragments ranging from 0.8 to 2.5 kb. Sequencing the cDNA clones resulted in a total of 1106 ESTs that passed the quality control. BlastX and BlastN searches have identified 168 (31.5%) ESTs sharing significant homology with known sequences in NCBI protein or nucleotide databases. Among a panel of 25 putative immunity-related genes, serum lectin isoform, complement component 3, complement component 3-like genes were further studied by real-time PCR and they all increased more than 5 fold in response to Vibrio sp. challenge. Our library provides a valuable molecular tool for future study of invertebrate immunity against bacterial infection and our gene expression data indicates the importance of the immune system in the evolution and development of sea cucumber.
文摘Disseminated signet ring cell carcinomas frequently arise from the stomach. However, primaries in the colon and rectum have also been reported. We present a 68 year old lady who presented with a change in her bowel habit. Colonoscopy showed a stenosing rectal tumour at 7 cm to 8 cm from the anal verge. Multiple scattered ulcers were also noted along the entire length of the colon. Biopsy of the lesions revealed signet ring cell adenocarcinoma. Gastroscopy showed multiple nodules with ulceration over several areas of the stomach which were similar in appearance to the colonic lesions. However, no primary tumour of the stomach was seen. Biopsy of the gastric lesions also showed signet ring cell adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed circumferential tumour at the rectosigmoid junction with possible invasion into the left ischiorectal fossa. The overall picture was that of a primary rectal signet ring cell carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination. The patient was referred for palliative chemotherapy in view of the disseminated disease. In the present report, we discuss this interesting pathological entity and review the role of various histolological techniques in helping to identify the primary tumor.