Microglia-dependent excessive synaptic pruning leads to cortical underconnectivity and behavioral abnormality following chronic social defeat stress in mice.

Synapse loss in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been implicated in stress-related mood disorders, such as depression. However, the exact effect of synapse elimination in the depression and how it is triggered are largely unknown. Through repeated longitudinal imaging of mPFC in the living brain, we found both presynaptic and postsynaptic components were declined, together with the impairment of synapse remodeling and cross-synaptic signal transmission in the mPFC during chronic stress. Meanwhile, chronic stress also induced excessive microglia phagocytosis, leading to engulfment of excitatory synapses. Further investigation revealed that the elevated complement C3 during the stress acted as the tag of synapses to be eliminated by microglia. Besides, chronic stress induced a reduction of the connectivity between the mPFC and neighbor regions. C3 knockout mice displayed significant reduction of synaptic pruning and alleviation of disrupted functional connectivity in mPFC, resulting in more resilience to chronic stress. These results indicate that complement-mediated excessive microglia phagocytosis in adulthood induces synaptic dysfunction and cortical hypo-connectivity, leading to stress-related behavioral abnormality.

Baicalin ameliorates cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation in rats by modulating HDAC2/NF-κB/PAI-1 signalling.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease distinguished by airway remodelling and progressive inflammation. PAI-1 is an important regulator of fibrosis. Recent studies have shown that PAI-1 seems to be involved in COPD progression. Elevated levels of PAI-1 have been found in the lungs of patients with acute inflammation. PAI-1 has been shown to regulate the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the lungs, such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, indicating that PAI-1 may play a fundamental role during inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory role of baicalin, the main active component of Scutellaria baicalensis, against cigarette smoke (extract) (CS/CSE)-induced airway inflammation in vivo and in vitro. For the in vivo study, SD rats were exposed to CS for 1 h/day, 6 days/week, for 24 weeks and treated with baicalin (40, 80 and 160 mg/kg) or budesonide (0.2 mg/kg). For this study, HBE cells were pretreated with baicalin (10, 20, 40 µM) or dexamethasone (10-7 M) and then exposed to CSE. We found that baicalin treatment could ameliorate CS-induced airway inflammatory infiltration in rats and decrease PAI-1 expression. The ELISA results showed that baicalin significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß in CS/CSE-exposed rats and cells. Mechanistic studies showed that baicalin enhanced histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) protein expression and inhibited the expression of NF-κB and its downstream target PAI-1, and these effects were reversed by the HDAC2 inhibitor CAY-10683. In conclusion, baicalin ameliorated CS-induced airway inflammation in rats, and these effects were partially attributed to the modulation of HDAC2/NF-κB/PAI-1 signalling.

[Rapid identification of chemical components in Congrong Zonggan capsule by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS].

This study was aimed to qualitatively analyze the chemical components in Congrong Zonggan capsule by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry method (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). An Agilent SB-C18 Rapid Resolution HD (3.0 mm×100 mm,1.8 µm) was used with acetonitrile (A) - 0.1% formic acid solution (B) as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The flow rate was 0.2 mL•min⁻¹; the detection wavelength was set at 330 nm and the column temperature was maintained at 30 ℃. Electrospray ion (ESI) source was applied for the qualitative analysis under the negative ion mode. Finally, based on comparison with standard samples, database matching analysis and reviewing relevant literature, 41 compounds were identified from Congrong Zonggan capsule. This method could be used to rapidly detect the chemical components in Congrong Zonggan capsule, providing reference for the quality control of Congrong Zonggan capsule and laying a foundation for the further study on active components mechanism.

[Tea polyphenols reduces the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in rats with experimental varicocele].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of tea polyphenols (TP) on the apoptosis of germ cells in rats with experimental varicocele. METHODS: Thirty-two adolescent male Wistar rats were randomly and equally divided into groups A (sham-operation), B (high-dose TP), C (low-dose TP), and D (experimental left varicocele). Experimental varicocele was induced by partial ligation of the left renal vein in the latter three groups of rats. The animals in groups A and D were fed with normal saline, while those in B and C with TP at 40 and 10 mg per kg per d, respectively, all for 4 weeks. Then, all the rats were sacrificed and the left testes harvested for determination of the expression of HIF-1, Bcl-2, Bax, CytC, and caspase-3 by immunohistochemistry and measurement of the apoptosis index (AI) of spermatogenic cells. RESULTS: The expression of Bcl-2 was higher in groups B and C than in D but lower than in A (P < 0.05), and lower in C than in B (P < 0.05). However, the expressions of HIF-1, Bax, CytC, and caspase-3 were lower in groups B and C than in D but higher than in A (P < 0.05), and higher in C than in B (P < 0.05). The AI of spermatogenic cells was the lowest in group A, higher in D than in the other groups but lower in B than in C (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TP can reduce the apoptosis of spermatogenic cells in a dose-dependent manner in varicocele rats.

[Measurement of mass fraction of Sanjie Zhentong capsules with near infrared reflectance spectroscopy].

Sanjie Zhentong capsules were scanned by using a near infrared spectra probe with different drug mass fraction and the spectral information of capsule shells and contents in it were obtained. Then partial least squares (PLS) models were developed for the prediction of mass fraction of Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus and Resine draconis in Sanjie Zhentong capsules. The correlation coefficient (r9c)) and root mean standard error( RMSEC) of 0.949 5, 0.958 2 and 4.742 4, 4.135 7. The models obtained correlation coefficient (r(v)) of 0.919 2, 0.936 7 and root mean square error (RMSECV) of 6.158 9, 5.037 3 respectively in the training set. The paired T test analysis of statistics showed that there were no significant difference between predictive values and measure values. The established models reflected a strong prediction performance and can meet the needs of the production.

The perilous consequences of bowel preparation: a case study with literature review of Boerhaave syndrome.

Colonoscopy is widely acknowledged as a prevalent and efficacious approach for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. In order to guarantee an effective colonoscopy, it is imperative for patients to undergo an optimal bowel preparation regimen. This entails the consumption of a substantial volume of a non-absorbable solution to comprehensively purge the colon of any fecal residue. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy to acknowledge that the bowel preparation procedure may occasionally elicit adverse symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. In exceptional instances, the occurrence of excessive vomiting may lead to the rupture of the distal esophagus, a grave medical condition referred to as Boerhaave syndrome (BS). Timely identification and efficient intervention are imperative for the management of this infrequent yet potentially perilous ailment. This investigation presents a case study of a patient who developed BS subsequent to the ingestion of mannitol during bowel preparation. Furthermore, an exhaustive examination of extant case reports and pertinent literature on esophageal perforation linked to colonoscopy has been conducted. This analysis provides valuable insights into the prevention, reduction, and treatment of such serious complications.

[An animal model establishment of social stress and its effect evaluation].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a social defeat stress model for simulating the human mental disease, thus laying a foundation for in-depth laboratory research on depression. METHODS: Eight C57BL/6J mice (abbreviated as C57 mice) were recruited as the stress group. They were subject to psychological stress of social defeat for 10 successive days. Besides, another 8 C57 mice were selected as the normal control group (receiving no stress). The Noldus Ethovision was used to evaluate the depressive behavior of mice. The date was acquired in the case of with or without aggressive CD-1 mice in the social defeat open field (SDOF), and it included the two groups of mice's trajectory in the SDOF and the first time of the two groups of mice's entry into the interactive area of the SDOF, the residence time of the two groups of mice in the interactive area of the SDOF, the first time of the two groups of mice's entry into the corner areas of the SDOF and the residence time of the two groups of mice in the corner areas of the SDOF. All data were used to analyze the changes in the behavior of the C57, mice, thus inferring the psychological changes of C57 mice. RESULTS: The mice in the social stress group showed significant behavioral differences when compared with the normal control group. Their trajectories in the interactive area of the SDOF were significantly reduced. The trajectories of the mice in the social stress group were mainly distributed in the corner areas of the SDOF and its surrounding area within the smaller range. The residence time of mice in the social stress group in the interactive area of the SDOF was shortened (P < 0.05). The first time for the mice in the social stress group to enter the interactive area of the SDOF was extended (P < 0.05). Their residence time in the corner areas of the SDOF was shortened (P < 0.05). The first time for mice in the social stress group to enter the corner areas of the SDOF was extended (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An animal model of depressive behavior can be established by social defeat stress, which was consistent with human depression.

[Analysis of 'treating different diseases by the same method' from aspect of theoretical research and clinical application of 'replenishing Qi and strengthening Shen'].

Treating different diseases by the same method is one of the most important characteristics in Chinese medicine, and as the main principle of treatment it has been widely applied in Chinese clinics. Its clinical effect is clear. The integration of 'differentiation of diseases' and 'differentiation of syndrome' should be the prerequisite and basis of 'treating different diseases by the same method'. Only if different diseases have the same syndrome, the same treatment can be used on them. Replenishing qi and strengthening Shen is a widely used method that carries out 'treating different diseases by the same method'. It is indicated that the method of 'replenishing qi and strengthening Shen' has preferable effects on many diseases. Part of its mechanism is associated with the improvement of function of neuro-endocrine-immune network, and therefore, it has the clinical effect of 'adjustment of the whole and improvement of the part' on partial disorders. Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), uterine bleeding in puberty, anovulatory infertility, Kidney syndrome and aging, although they are attributed to different diseases and states, only if they have the syndrome of Shen deficiency, the principle of 'treating different diseases by the same method' and the method of 'replenishing qi 'and strengthening Shen' can be used effectively.

Intestinal erosion caused by meshoma displacement: A case report.

BACKGROUND: A meshoma formation and erosion to the small intestine is rare. Herein, we report one case of a meshoma that was not treated early; causing it to displace and erode the small intestine, with infection, complete control of symptoms was achieved after removal of the infected patch mass, no recurrence of hernia after 2 years of follow-up. CASE SUMMARY: A 62-year-old male patient presented with recurrent abdominal pain repeatedly for 1 wk, which has worsened 2 d before admition, accompanied by fever. Five years before presentation he underwent right inguinal hernia Plug and patch repair approach. Two years ago, a computed tomography scan revealed a right lower abdominal mass with soft tissue density, measuring approximately 30 mm × 17 mm, which was diagnosed as meshoma that was not treated. The patient had poorly controlled diabetes in the past year. CONCLUSION: The formation of meshoma is rare, and that if not treated in time it might erode and require resection of the involved organ.

Prevalence and risk factors for colonisation and infection with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in intensive care units: A prospective multicentre study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales colonisation/infection at admission and acquisition among patients admitted to the intensive care unit. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/DESIGN: A prospective and multicentre study. SETTING: This study was conducted in 24 intensive care units in Anhui, China. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic and clinical data were collected, and rectal carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales colonisation was detected by active screening. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyse factors associated with colonisation/infection with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales at admission and acquisition during the intensive care unit stay. RESULTS: There were 1133 intensive care unit patients included in this study. In total, 5.9% of patients with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales colonisation/infection at admission, and of which 56.7% were colonisations. Besides, 8.5% of patients acquired carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales colonisation/infection during the intensive care stay, and of which 67.6% were colonisations. At admission, transfer from another hospital, admission to an intensive care unit within one year, colonisation/infection/epidemiological link with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales within one year, and exposure to any antibiotics within three months were risk factors for colonisation/infection with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales. During the intensive care stay, renal disease, an epidemiological link with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, exposure to carbapenems and beta-lactams/beta-lactamase inhibitors, and intensive care stay of three weeks or longer were associated with acquisition. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of colonisation/infection with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales in intensive care units is of great concern and should be monitored systematically. Particularly for the 8.5% prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales acquisition during the intensive care stay needs enhanced infection prevention and control measures in these setting. Surveillance of colonisation/infection with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales at admission and during the patient's stay represents an early identification tool to prevent further transmission of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales colonization screening at admission and during the patient's stay is an important tool to control carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales spread in intensive care units.

5-min mindfulness audio induction alleviates psychological distress and sleep disorders in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness meditation is beneficial to mitigate the negative effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the general population, but no study examined such meditation in the COVID-19 patients themselves. AIM: To explore the short-term efficacy of mindfulness meditation in alleviating psychological distress and sleep disorders in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled patients with mild COVID-19 treated at Wuhan Fangcang Hospital in February 2020. The patients were voluntarily divided into either a mindfulness or a conventional intervention group. The patients were evaluated before/after the intervention using the Short Inventory of Mindfulness Capability (SMI-C), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: Seventy-five participants were enrolled in this study, with 43 and 32 in the mindfulness and conventional groups, respectively. Before the intervention, there were no differences in SMI-C, HADS, or PSQI scores between the two groups. After the 2-wk intervention, the mindfulness level (from 30.16 ± 5.58 to 35.23 ± 5.95, P < 0.001) and sleep quality (from 12.85 ± 3.06 to 9.44 ± 3.86, P < 0.001) were significantly increased in the mindfulness group. There were no differences in the conventional group. After the intervention, the mindfulness level (35.23 ± 5.95 vs 31.17 ± 6.50, P = 0.006) and sleep quality (9.44 ± 3.86 vs 11.87 ± 4.06, P = 0.011) were significantly higher in the mindfulness group than in the conventional group. Depression decreased in the mindfulness group (from 14.15 ± 3.21 to 12.50 ± 4.01, P = 0.038), but there was no difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Short-term mindfulness meditation can increase the mindfulness level, improve the sleep quality, and decrease the depression of patients with COVID-19.

CXCR4 inhibitor, AMD3100, down-regulates PARP1 expression and Synergizes with olaparib causing severe DNA damage in BRCA-proficient triple-negative breast cancer.

Poly ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) treatment is effective in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with BRCA mutation. However, its efficacy in BRCA-proficient TNBC remains unexplored. It is, therefore, an exciting proposition to broaden the indication of PARPi for BRCA-proficient TNBC patients. Chemokine receptor (CXCR4) is a transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor, which is involved in cell migration, proliferation, apoptosis, and damage repair, and it initiates many signalling pathways. Although administration of CXCR4 inhibitor alone is not ideal as a target drug, it can play a strong synergistic role in combination with other drugs. We explored the effect of CXCR4 and PARP1 on tumour cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo and found that a CXCR4 inhibitor, AMD3100, enhanced the anti-tumour effect of PARP1 inhibitor, olaparib, on BRCA-proficient TNBC. When CXCR4 was inhibited and silenced, DNA damage repair and DNA replication fork activity were suppressed by up-regulating caspase-3-mediated increase in PARP1 cleavage; in combination with the inhibition of PARP1, AMD3100 resulted in the accumulation of fatal DNA damage and induction of apoptosis. This combination regimen can be effective against BRCA-proficient TNBC.

Multiple lines of evidence supports the two varieties of Halenia elliptica (Gentianaceae) as two species.

Delimiting species requires multiple sources of evidence. Here, we delimited two varieties of Halenia elliptica (Gentianaceae) using several lines of evidence, including morphological traits and mating system in a sympatric population, phylogenetic relationships based on nrITS and cpDNA (rpl16) data, and complete chloroplast genome sequences. Comparative analysis of 21 morphological traits clearly separates the two varieties of H. elliptica. Examination of the flowering process and pollination treatments indicate that H. elliptica var. grandiflora produces seeds via outcrossing, whereas H. elliptica var. elliptica produces seeds via mixed mating. Furthermore, hand-pollinated hybridization of the two varieties produced no seeds. Observations of pollinators showed that when bees began a pollination bout on H. elliptica var. grandiflora they preferred to continue pollinating this variety; however, when they began a pollination bout on H. elliptica var. elliptica, they showed no preference for either variety. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the monophyly of H. elliptica, which was further divided into two monophyletic clades corresponding to the two varieties. A large number of variants from the chloroplast genomes reflected remarkable genetic dissimilarities between the two varieties of H. elliptica. We recommend that the two varieties of H. elliptica should be revised as two species (H. elliptica and H. grandiflora). Our findings indicate that H. elliptica varieties may have split into two separate species due to a shift in mating system, changes in flowering phenology and/or post-pollination reproductive isolation.

Peroxiredoxin 1 as an inflammatory marker in diarrhea-predominant and postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade inflammation occurs in some patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). However, the exact inflammatory markers of IBS and the relationship of these markers with IBS subtypes and symptoms are poorly defined. Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) plays an important role in inflammatory responses, including intestinal inflammation. We investigated whether PRDX1 is associated with the diagnosis, subtypes, and symptom severity of IBS. METHODS: A total of 177 IBS patients and 174 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The PRDX1 levels in the sera and colonic mucosa of the participants were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunohistochemistry. The severity of IBS symptoms was assessed using the IBS Severity Scoring System (SSS) questionnaire. RESULTS: The PRDX1 levels in the sera (F = 71.81, P < .001) and colonic mucosa (F = 5.359, P < .001) of postinfectious (PI-IBS) and diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) groups were significantly higher than those of the other three IBS subtypes and HC group. The PRDX1 level in the serum and colonic mucosa of IBS-D (serum, P < .01, mucosa, P < .001) and PI-IBS (serum, P < .05, mucosa, P < .001) groups with the most severe symptoms was significantly higher than that in the groups with mild and moderate symptoms. Correlation analysis revealed that in patients with IBS-D (P < .001) and PI-IBS (P < .05), the levels of PRDX1 and TNF-α in sera had a significant positive correlation with IBS-SSS. CONCLUSION: Elevated PRDX1 in the serum and colon mucosa may be closely related to the progression of IBS (especially IBS-D and PI-IBS) and the expression of gastrointestinal symptoms.

[Effects of icariin on inflammation model stimulated by lipopolysaccharide in vitro and in vivo].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of icariin, from aspects of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules. METHODS: Mouse inflammation model in vitro was established by stimulating macrophage cell line RAW264. 7 with lipopolysaccharide (LPS); and the inflammation model in vivo was established by stimulating C57BL/6J mouse with LPS. Taking dexamethasone as the positive control, both models were treated with icariin, and the cell viability in model mice was detected with CCK-8 kit; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cell culture medium and serum were detected by ELISA; nitric oxide (NO) in cell culture medium by Griess Reagent method; CD11b expression on the surface of neutrophil in mice by flow cytometry, and pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration in mice by pathological section as well. RESULTS: in vitro studies showed that icariin at the doses of 1 microg/mL, 10 microg/mL and 100 microg/mL, all displayed no cytotoxicity (P < 0.01); 10 microg/mL and 100 microg/mL icariin effectively lowered the levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 (P < 0.01) in medium; and 100 microg/mL icariin significantly reduced level of NO (P < 0.01) in medium. in vivo studies showed that icariin at the dose of 20 mg/kg significantly lowered serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels (P < 0.01), reduced the average fluorescence intensity of adhesion molecules CD11b (P < 0.01), and alleviated pulmonary inflammatory cell infiltration. CONCLUSION: Icariin is a safe and effective natural anti-inflammatory drug, its partial mechanism is possible the multiple links intervention on pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-6), inflammatory mediators (NO) and adhesion molecules (CD11b).

[Intercellular transfer of P-glycoprotein in hepatocellular cell line HepG2].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether there is intercellular transfer of functional P-glycoprotein(P-gp) from P-gp-positive cells to P-gp-negative cells in vitro. METHODS: HepG2/GFP cells, a HepG2 cell line stably expressing GFP, were co-cultured with HepG2/ADM cells, an adriamycin-resistant cell line derived from HepG2 cells. The distribution of P-gp in hepatocellular carcinoma cell was observed under laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). Immunomagnetic beads were used to separate HepG2/GFP cells from the mixed culture. The abundance of P-gp was analyzed by western blot, and the expression of mdr1 mRNA was detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Yellow fluorescence was detected in HepG2/aqMDR cells, green fluorescence was detected in HepG2/GFP cells, red fluorescence was detected in HepG2/ADM cells by LSCM. The level of P-gp protein in HepG2/aqMDR cells was lower than that in HepG2/ADM cells, but higher than that in HepG2/GFP cells (q = 35.07, P < 0.05) and HepG2 cells (q = 36.87, P < 0.05). The expression of mdr1 mRNA in HepG2/ADM cells was higher than that in HepG2/aqMDR, HepG2 and HepG2/GFP cells, but there was no significant difference in mdr1 mRNA among HepG2/aqMDR, HepG2 and HepG2/GFP cells (F = 2.30, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: P-gp can transfer from drug resistant hepatocellular cells to sensitive hepatocellular carcinoma cells. This study suggests a novel mechanism of multidrug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Up-regulation of major histocompatibility complex class I-related molecules A (MICA) induced by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine].

OBJECTIVE: Major histocompatibility complex class I C-related molecules A and B (MICA and MICB) are innate immune system ligands for the NKG2D receptor expressed by natural killer cells and activated CD8(+)T cells. Our previous study showed that 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC), a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, can induce the expression of MICB and sensitized cells to NKL-cell-mediated cytolysis. The aim of this study was to determine the expression level of MICA in HepG2 cells (an HCC cell line) and L02 cells ( a normal liver cell), and to investigate the effect of 5-aza-dC on MICA expression in HepG2 cells. METHODS: Cells were treated with 5-aza-dC, caffeine and ATM-specific siRNA. The cell surface MICA protein on HepG2 cells and L02 cells was determined using flow cytometry. The mRNA level was detected using real time RT-PCR. RESULTS: MICA was undetectable on the surface of L02 cells, but was highly expressed on HepG2 cells. MICA expression was upregulated in response to 5-aza-dC treatment (P less than 0.05), and the upregulation of MICA was partially prevented by pharmacological or genetic inhibition of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase (P less than 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that 5-aza-dC induces the expression of MICA by a DNA damage-dependent mechanism.

[Effects of Electroaupuncture Stimulation of "Xiajuxu" (ST 39), etc. on Duodenal Mucosal Injury, Serum Pro-inflammatory Factors Levels and Duodenal Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor alpha 7 Expression in Duodenal Ulcer Rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the relatively specific effect of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Xiajuxu" (ST 39, the lower hesea paint of the small intestine), etc. on the level of serum TNF-alpha, lnterleukin-1 P (IL-1 P) and high mobility group protein B 1 (HMGB 1) contents, and duodenum a7 nicotinic acetyicholine receptor (nAchR) expression in duodenal ulcer rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improving duodenal ulcer. METHODS: Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal control, model, Xiajuxu (ST 39), Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and Yanglingquan (GB 34). The duodenal ulcer model was established by subcutaneous injection of 10% Cysteamine Hydrochloride (300 mg/kg), following by giving the rats with access to water containing Cysteamine. EA (10 Hz/50 Hz, 1- 3 mA) was applied to bilateral ST 39, ST 36, ST 37 and GB 34 for 30 min, once daily for 10 days. The ulcer scores (0-5 points) of the duodenal mucosa were assessed according to modified Moraes' methods. Serum TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and HMGB 1 levels were assayed by ELISA and the expression of neuronal a7 nAchR in the duodenal tissue was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: After modeling, the ulcer score, serum TNF-alpha, IL-i p and HMGB 1 contents were significantly increased (P<0.01) and the expression level of a7 nAchR in the duodenal tissue was significantly down- regulated in comparison with the normal control group (P<0.01). Following EA intervention, the serum TNF-alpha and HMGB 1 con- tents in the Xiajuxu(ST 39), Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and Yanglingquan (GB 34) groups, and the ulcer scores and IL-1 beta content of the Xiajuxu(ST 39), Zusanli (ST 36) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) groups were considerably reduced, and the expression of alpha7 nAchR in both Xiajuxu (ST 39) and Zusanli (ST 36) groups was evidently increased (P<0.05, P<0.0.1). No significant changes were found in the ulcer score, serum IL-1 beta content, and a7 nAchR expression in the Yanglingquan (GB 34) group and a 7 nAchR expression in the Shangjuxu (ST 37) group in comparison with the model group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: EA stimulation of ST 36, ST 37 and ST 39 can reduce ulcer injury in duodenal ulcer model rats, which may be associated with their effects in down-regulating serum TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and HMGB 1 contents and up-regulating alpha7 nAchR expression of the duodenal tissue, possibly by suppressing immune and inflammatory reactions and regulating nicotinic activity.

[Intestinal bacterial community is indicative for the healthy status of Litopenaeus vannamei].

High density and intensive Litopenaeus vannamei aquaculture has increased the frequency of shrimp disease, however, it remains uncertain whether change in intestinal bacteria could be indicative of shrimp health state (healthy or diseased). Therefore, we collected water and shrimp intestine samples from ponds with or without diseased shrimps. Using bacterial 16S rRNA gene as a biomarker, the bacterial community structure and diversity were evaluated with the Illumina MiSeq sequencing technique. The results showed that the variations of bacterioplankton community were primarily shaped by the levels of NO2(-)-N, chlorophyll a and PO4(3-)-P. Bacterial diversity was signif-7 icantly lower in diseased shrimps than in healthy ones. Using a response ratio analysis, we screened 28 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), and their abundances significantly changed in the intestines between healthy and diseased shrimps. In general, the abundances of OTUs belonged to Actinobacteria, Flavobacteria and Bacilli significantly decreased in diseased shrimps compared with those in healthy shrimps., while the OTUs affiliated to Clostridia showed an opposite pattern. In addition, we obtained 61 indicator species that primarily affiliated to Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Planctomycetes and Actinobacteria. Notably, the identified indicator taxa exhibited clearly discriminative patterns among habitats (water or intestine) and health status. Collectively, this study provided scientific information for development of new probiotics and disease prevention.