Vitamin B6 ameliorates acute pancreatitis by suppressing the caspase3 signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a prevalent exocrine inflammatory disorder of the pancreas characterized by pancreatic inflammation and injury to acinar cells. Vitamin B6 (VB6) is a vital nutrient that plays a significant role in preserving human health and has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. METHODS: This study aimed to explore the potential pancreatic protective effects of VB6 in mitigating pancreatic inflammation and apoptosis induced by taurocholate sodium (TLCS) in an AP model and to assess the underlying mechanism of action. AP was induced in Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats through TLCS administration and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated AR42J cells, followed by treatment with VB6. RESULTS: Various parameters associated with AP were assessed in both plasma and pancreatic tissues. VB6 has been shown to ameliorate the severity of AP through various mechanisms. It effectively reduces the levels of serum amylase, lipase, and inflammatory factors, thereby mitigating histological injury to the pancreas. Moreover, VB6 inhibited pancreatic apoptosis by downregulating bax expression and up-regulating Bcl2 expression in TLCS-treated rats. Additionally, VB6 suppressed the expression of caspase3. The anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of VB6 observed in LPS-treated AR42J cells are consistent with those observed in a rat model of AP. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that VB6 exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects through inhibition of the caspase3 signaling pathway and has a protective effect against AP.

Total Content and Composition of Phenolic Compounds from Filipendula Genus Plants and Their Potential Health-Promoting Properties.

This current article was dedicated to the determination of the composition of phenolic compounds in extracts of four species of the genus Filipendula in order to establish a connection between the composition of polyphenols and biological effects. A chemical analysis revealed that the composition of the extracts studied depended both on the plant species and its part (leaf or flower) and on the extractant used. All four species of Filipendula were rich sources of phenolic compounds and contained hydrolyzable tannins, condensed tannins, phenolic acids and their derivatives, and flavonoids. The activities included data on those that are most important for creating functional foods with Filipendula plant components: the influence on blood coagulation measured by prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time, and on the activity of the digestive enzymes (pancreatic amylase and lipase). It was established that plant species, their parts, and extraction methods contribute meaningfully to biological activity. The most prominent result is as follows: the plant organ determines the selective inhibition of either amylase or lipase; thus, the anticoagulant activities of F. camtschatica and F. stepposa hold promise for health-promoting food formulations associated with general metabolic disorders.

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Revealing the Potential Mechanisms of Erythritol-Caused Mortality and Oviposition Inhibition in Drosophila melanogaster.

Erythritol has shown excellent insecticidal performance against a wide range of insect species, but the molecular mechanism by which it causes insect mortality and sterility is not fully understood. The mortality and sterility of Drosophila melanogaster were assessed after feeding with 1M erythritol for 72 h and 96 h, and gene expression profiles were further compared through RNA sequencing. Enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG revealed that expressions of the adipokinetic hormone gene (Akh), amylase gene (Amyrel), α-glucosidase gene (Mal-B1/2, Mal-A1-4, Mal-A7/8), and triglyceride lipase gene (Bmm) were significantly up-regulated, while insulin-like peptide genes (Dilp2, Dilp3 and Dilp5) were dramatically down-regulated. Seventeen genes associated with eggshell assembly, including Dec-1 (down 315-fold), Vm26Ab (down 2014-fold) and Vm34Ca (down 6034-fold), were significantly down-regulated or even showed no expression. However, there were no significant differences in the expression of three diuretic hormone genes (DH44, DH31, CAPA) and eight aquaporin genes (Drip, Big brain, AQP, Eglp1, Eglp2, Eglp3, Eglp4 and Prip) involved in osmolality regulation (all p value > 0.05). We concluded that erythritol, a competitive inhibitor of α-glucosidase, severely reduced substrates and enzyme binding, inhibiting effective carbohydrate hydrolysis in the midgut and eventually causing death due to energy deprivation. It was clear that Drosophila melanogaster did not die from the osmolality of the hemolymph. Our findings elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the mortality and sterility in Drosophila melanogaster induced by erythritol feeding. It also provides an important theoretical basis for the application of erythritol as an environmentally friendly pesticide.

ALKBH5 suppresses autophagic flux via N6-methyladenosine demethylation of ZKSCAN3 mRNA in acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence has demonstrated that N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification plays an essential role in a wide range of pathological conditions. Impaired autophagy is a critical hallmark of acute pancreatitis (AP). AIM: To explore the role of the m6A modification of ZKSCAN3 in the regulation of autophagy in AP. METHODS: The AP mouse cell model was established by cerulein-treated mouse pancreatic acinar cells (MPC-83), and the results were confirmed by the levels of amylase and inflammatory factors. Autophagy activity was evaluated by specific identification of the autophagy-related microstructure and the expression of autophagy-related genes. ZKSCAN3 and ALKBH5 were knocked down to study the function in AP. A m6A RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation assay was used to study how the m6A modification of ZKSCAN3 mRNA is regulated by ALKBH. RESULTS: The increased expression of amylase and inflammatory factors in the supernatant and the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles verified that the AP mouse cell model was established. The downregulation of LAMP2 and upregulation of LC3-II/I and SQSTM1 demonstrated that autophagy was impaired in AP. The expression of ZKSCAN3 was upregulated in AP. Inhibition of ZKSCAN3 increased the expression of LAMP2 and decreased the expression of the inflammatory factors, LC3-II/I and SQSTM1. Furthermore, ALKBH5 was upregulated in AP. Knockdown of ALKBH5 downregulated ZKSCAN3 expression and restored decreased autophagic flux in AP. Notably, the bioinformatic analysis revealed 23 potential m6A modification sites on ZKSCAN3 mRNA. The m6A modification of ZKSCAN3 mRNA was significantly decreased in AP. Knockdown of ALKBH5 increased the modification of ZKSCAN3 mRNA, which confirmed that ALKBH5 upregulated ZKSCAN3 expression in a m6A-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: ALKBH5 inhibits autophagic flux through m6A demethylation of ZKSCAN3 mRNA in AP, thereby aggravating the severity of the disease.

Impact of floral and geographical origins on honey quality parameters in Saudi Arabian regions.

This article examined the effect of geographical (different climate conditions) and floral origins on some quality parameters of honey including the activity of diastase enzyme. Moreover, some non-quality parameters were investigated such as the pH, fructose, glucose, ratio of fructose/glucose and invertase. The honey samples were collected from Asir (cold climate) and Jazan (hot climate) regions at the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia. The geographical origin significantly affected the mean value moisture of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.02), conductivity of the polyfloral honey (p-value = 0.03), sucrose of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.02), diastase activity of the Acacia (p-value = 0.001), Ziziphus (p-value = 0.046) and polyfloral honey (p-value ≤ 0.001), fructose of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.01), glucose of the Ziziphus honey (p-value = 0.03), fructose/ glucose ratio of the Ziziphus honey (p-value = 0.035), and invertase activity of the polyfloral honey (p-value ≤ 0.001). Regarding the effect of the floral origin of the honey from Asir region, the sucrose percentage of the Acacia honey was significantly more than that of the polyfloral honey (p- value = 0.003), the diastase activity of the Acacia honey was significantly more than its activity in the Ziziphus honey (p- value = 0.044), glucose percentage of the Ziziphus honey was significantly more the glucose percentage of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.009) and the fructose/ glucose ratio of the Ziziphus honey was significantly more than that of the Acacia and polyforal honeys (p-value = 0.011 and p-value = 0.045, respectively). Concerning the significant effects of the floral origin on the quality parameters of the honey samples from Jazan region, the moisture of the Ziziphus honey was significantly increased when compared to the moisture of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.038), the acidity of the polfloral honey was significantly more than the acidity of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.049), the sum of fructose and glucose of the polyfloral honey was significantly increased compared to that of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.015), the pH of the Ziziphus hiney was significantly more than the pH of the polyfloral honey (0.011) and the fructose of the polfloral honey was significantly more than that of the Acacia honey (p-value = 0.031). The effect of the geographical origin of the honey samples on their quality parameters depends on their floral origin and the effect of their floral origin differs according to their geographical origin. This article suggests considering collectively the geographical and floral origins effect when developing honey standards. However, the Codex standards for honey started considering this issue when it changed the standard concentration of HMF in honey from not more than 80-40 mg/Kg for honeys from cold climate and 80 mg/Kg for honeys from hot climates.

Light environment affects the efficiency of surgical suture training.

BACKGROUND: Suture knotting is the basis of surgical skills. In the process of surgical skills learning, the surrounding environment, especially the light, will affect the efficiency of learning. This study investigated the effect of optical environment on the learning of stitching and knotting skills. METHODS: A total of 44 medical students were randomly divided into four groups and participated in the study of suture knotting in four different optical environments. During the process, we assess objective pressure level by testing salivary amylase activity Likert scale and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) was used to estimate the subjective psychological state and overall skill mastery in surgical suturing respectively. RESULTS: Under high illumination conditions (700 lx), the salivary amylase activity of the high color temperature group (6000 K) was significantly higher than that of the low color temperature group (4000 K) (p < 0.0001). Similarly, under low illumination (300 lx), the salivary amylase activity of the high color temperature group was also significantly higher than that of the low color temperature group (p < 0.05). The student under high illumination conditions (700 lx) and the low color temperature (6000 K) have an autonomy score between 37-45, which is significantly higher compared to the other three groups (p < 0.0001). Group 2 has an average OSCE score of 95.09, which were significantly higher than those of the other three groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: High illumination combined with low color temperature is considered as the optimal training conditions, promoting trainees' optimism, reducing stress levels, and enhancing learning efficiency. These results highlight the pivotal role of light environment in improving the quality and efficiency of surgical skills training.

Profile of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Celery (Apium graveolens) Juices Obtained from Pulp after α-Amylase Treatment from Aspergillus oryzae.

The purpose of this study was to determine the content of certain phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, pressing efficiency, extract content, and sugars in celeriac juices obtained from the pulp after α-amylase treatment from Aspergillus oryzae. The test material consisted of peeled and unpeeled celery pulp kept at a temperature of 25 °C with and without the enzyme for a period of 30 and 60 min. The juices obtained from them were analyzed for the content of selected phenolic acids and flavonoids using the UPLC-PDA-ESI-MS/MS method, for antioxidant activity measured using the ABTS˙+ and DPPH˙ method, and for the total polyphenol content using the F-C method. Additionally, the juice pressing efficiency, the extract content using the refractometer method, and the sugar content using the HPLC method were checked. Significantly higher antioxidant activity, pressing yield, and average content of caffeic acid glucoside, quinic acid, kaempferol-3,7-di-O-glucoside, and chrysoeriol-7-O-apiosylglucoside were obtained in juices from peeled celery. Maceration of the pulp with amylase resulted in a significant reduction in antioxidant activity compared to control samples. An is-total increase of 17-41% in total flavonoid content was observed in all juices tested after treatment with the enzyme for 30 and 60 min, and the phenolic acid content increased by 4-41% after treatment of the pulp with amylase for 60 min. The 60 min holding of the pulp at 25 °C, including with the enzyme, was shown to decrease the antioxidant activity and the content of quinic acid, ferulic acid, and chrysoriol-7-O-apiose-glucoside in the juices tested compared to the samples held for 30 min, while the content of other phenolic acids and flavonoids increased. In addition, after 60 min of enzymatic maceration, the pressing yield of the juices increased.

PD-L1 blockade in mitigating severe acute pancreatitis induced pancreatic damage through modulation of immune cell apoptosis.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder. The immune response plays a crucial role in AP progression. However, the impact of immune regulatory checkpoint PD-L1 on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) remains uncertain. Hence, this study aimed to examine the influence of PD-L1 on SAP. We assessed PD-L1 expression in neutrophils and monocytes obtained from SAP patients. We induced SAP in C57BL/6J mice, PD-L1 gene-deficient mice, and PD-L1 humanized mice using intraperitoneal injections of cerulein plus lipopolysaccharide. Prior to the initial cerulein injection, a PD-L1 inhibitor was administered. Pancreatic tissues were collected for morphological and immunohistochemical evaluation, and serum levels of amylase, lipase, and cytokines were measured. Flow cytometry analysis was performed using peripheral blood cells. The expression of PD-L1 in neutrophils and monocytes was significantly higher in SAP patients compared to healthy individuals. Likewise, the expression of PD-L1 in inflammatory cells in the peripheral blood of SAP-induced C57BL/6J mice was notably higher than in the control group. In mice with PD-L1 deficiency, SAP model exhibited lower pancreatic pathology scores, amylase, lipase, and cytokine levels compared to wild-type mice. PD-L1 deletion resulted in reduced neutrophil apoptosis, leading to an earlier peak in neutrophil apoptosis. Furthermore, it decreased early monocyte apoptosis and diminished the peak of T lymphocyte apoptosis. Within the SAP model, administration of a PD-L1 inhibitor reduced pancreatic pathology scores, amylase, lipase, and cytokine levels in both C57BL/6J mice and PD-L1 humanized mice. These findings suggest that inhibiting PD-L1 expression can alleviate the severity of SAP.

Enzyme modified biodegradable plastic preparation and performance in anaerobic co-digestion with food waste.

A modified biodegradable plastic (PLA/PBAT) was developed by through covalent bonding with proteinase K, porcine pancreatic lipase, or amylase, and was then investigated in anaerobic co-digestion mixed with food waste. Fluorescence microscope validated that enzymes could remain stable in modified the plastic, even after co-digestion. The results of thermophilic anaerobic co-digestion showed that, degradation of the plastic modified with Proteinase K increased from 5.21 ± 0.63 % to 29.70 ± 1.86 % within 30 days compare to blank. Additionally, it was observed that the cumulative methane production increased from 240.9 ± 0.5 to 265.4 ± 1.8 mL/gVS, and the methane production cycle was shortened from 24 to 20 days. Interestingly, the kinetic model suggested that the modified the plastic promoted the overall hydrolysis progression of anaerobic co-digestion, possibly as a result of the enhanced activities of Bacteroidota and Thermotogota. In conclusion, under anaerobic co-digestion, the modified the plastic not only achieved effective degradation but also facilitated the co-digestion process.

Retrogradation inhibition of starches in staple foods with maltotetraose-forming amylase.

To effectively inhibit the retrogradation of staple foods, the effects of maltotetraose-forming amylase(G4-amylase) on the short and long-term retrogradation of different staple starches such as rice starch (RS), wheat starch (WS), potato starch (PS) were studied. The results indicated that G4-amylase decreased the content of amylose. Amylose contents (21.09%) of WSG4 were higher than that (14.82%) of RSG4 and (13.13%) of PSG4. WS had the most obvious change in the chain length distribution of amylopectin. A chains decreased by 18.99% and the B1 chains decreased by 12.08% after G4-amylase treatment. Compared to RS (662 cP) and WS (693 cP), the setback viscosity of RSG4 (338 cP) and WSG4 (385 cP) decreased. Compared to RS (0.41), WS (0.45), and PS (0.51), the long-term retrogradation rate of RSG4 (0.33), WSG4 (0.31), and PSG4 (0.38) significantly reduced. It indicated that G4-amylase significantly inhibited the long-term retrogradation of WS, followed by RS and PS.

Investigating the effect of SUMO fusion on solubility and stability of amylase-catalytic domain from Pyrococcus abyssi.

Alpha amylase belonging to starch hydrolyzing enzymes has significant contributions to different industrial processes. The enzyme production through recombinant DNA technology faces certain challenges related to their expression, solubility and purification, which can be overcome through fusion tags. This study explored the influence of SUMO, a protein tag reported to enhance the solubility and stability of target proteins when fused to the N-terminal of the catalytic domain of amylase from Pyrococcus abyssi (PaAD). The insoluble expression of PaAD in E. coli was overcome when the enzyme was expressed in a fusion state (S-PaAD) and culture was cultivated at 18 °C. Moreover, the activity of S-PaAD increased by 1.5-fold as compared to that of PaAD. The ligand binding and enzyme activity assays against different substrates demonstrated that it was more active against 1 % glycogen and amylopectin. The analysis of the hydrolysates through HPLC demonstrated that the enzyme activity is mainly amylolytic, producing longer oligosaccharides as the major end product. The secondary structure analyses by temperature ramping in CD spectroscopy and MD simulation demonstrated the enzymes in the free, as well as fusion state, were stable at 90 °C. The soluble production, thermostability and broad substrate specificity make this enzyme a promising choice for various foods, feed, textiles, detergents, pharmaceuticals, and many industrial applications.

Differences in glucose homeostasis and islet injury among diverse mice strains post acute pancreatitis.

Diverse animal models have been used to study postpancreatitis diabetes mellitus (PPDM) development; however, no study has yet conducted a comparative analysis of the specific differences in glucose homeostasis and islet injury between these models. Therefore, we investigated the differences in pancreatic islet injury and glucose homeostasis among diverse strains in a cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) model to determine the appropriate animal model for PPDM. BALB/cJ, C57BL/6J, C57BL/6 N, and FVB/NJ mice were administered cerulein to induce AP. Serum amylase levels, pancreatic acinar injury, blood glucose homeostasis, islet function, and islet injury were measured and analyzed. All strains exhibited elevated amylase secretion post pancreatitis, and BALB/cJ, C57BL/6J, and C57BL/6 N mice exhibited sex-related differences. All strains exhibited pancreatic acinar injury post pancreatitis but mostly recovered within 15 days. Overall, glucose homeostasis remained balanced post pancreatitis in all strains compared to that in the control groups, except in FVB/NJ male and female mice, which exhibited an imbalance in glucose homeostasis on day 7 post pancreatitis. All the strains, except BALB/cJ mice, exhibited a decline in Homeostasis model assessment-ß(HOMA-ß) values post pancreatitis, with significant decrease in C57BL/6J females and FVB/NJ males. Islet size decreased post pancreatitis in all strains, except BALB/cJ mice. Pancreatic islet insulin secretion levels significantly decreased in male FVB/NJ mice post pancreatitis onset and did not recover within 15 days. Therefore, FVB/NJ male mice are a useful model for studying PPDM.

Analysis of the clinical profile and treatment efficiency of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP) has been increasing annually. However, population-based morbidity assessments need to be updated. Early, rapid, and effective lipid-lowering may minimize pancreatic injury and improve clinical prognosis. It is essential to choose the proper treatment. However, treatment options for HLAP are controversial, and there is no uniform treatment protocol. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 127 patients with hyperlipidemic severe acute pancreatitis (HL-SAP) were registered from January 2018 to December 2022 at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University. Medical and radiological records of hospitalized patients were collected to determine clinical features, severity, complications, mortality, recurrence rate, and treatment. Risk factors for HL-SAP were analyzed using multifactorial logistic regression. A propensity score matching method was used to compare the clinical outcomes of standard and plasma exchange therapies. RESULTS: In this research, the prevalence of HLAP increased about 1.6 times, and the prevalence of HL-SAP was 50.60%. HL-SAP occurs most often in people between the ages of 30 and 39. Amylase exceeded 110 U/L in 84.3% of patients and 330 U/L in only 47.2%. 83.5% of HL-SAP patients had fatty livers and high body mass index (BMI). A total of 48.0% of patients experienced organ failure, ICU treatment (55.1%), recurrence (33.1%), and death (21.3%). Between the hyperlipidemic group and the biliary group in terms of age, gender, BMI, fatty liver, pleural effusion, abdominal constriction syndrome (ACS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), length of hospital, medical costs, morbidity and mortality, triglyceride, cholesterol, creatinine, blood glucose, D-dimer, amylase, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, serum phosphorus, serum calcium, oxygenation index, and recurrence rate were statistically significant (P < 0.05). High BMI (P = 0.0038, odds ratio (OR) = 1.336, 95%CI: 0.99-1.804), high C-reactive protein (CRP) (P = 0.022, OR = 1.011, 95%CI: 1.003-1.019), low calcium (P = 0.003, OR = 0.016, 95%CI. 0.001-0.239), low albumin (P = 0.012, OR = 0.045, 95%CI: -0.062-0.192), and high D-dimer (P = 0.041, OR = 0.619, 95%CI: 0.053-2.510) were risk factors for HL-SAP, according to multifactorial logistic regression analysis. Adjusted for propensity score matching (PSM), Serum triglyceride (TG) was significantly lower in both the standard treatment (P < 0.001) and plasma exchange (P < 0.001) groups at 48 h compared with the initial test after the attack. Clearance (83.20% ± 0.0% vs. 84.4% ± 0.0%, P = 0.531), length of hospital stay (19.9 ± 4.9 vs. 19.8 ± 11.1, P = 0.092), and death (26.3% vs. 23.6%, P = 0.791) showed no difference between the two groups. However, the difference in medical costs(P = 0.039)between the two groups was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The incidence of HLAP exhibited a significant increase, remarkable severity, recurrent trend, and mortality. High BMI, high CRP, low calcium, low albumin, and high D-dimer are risk factors for HL-SAP. Compared with standardized treatment, plasma exchange does not improve the prognosis of HL-SAP patients, and standardized treatment is equally effective, safe, and low-cost in early treatment.

Preparation of type 3 rice resistant starch using high-pressure homogenous coenzyme treatment and investigating its potential therapeutic effects on blood glucose and intestinal flora in db/db mice.

Resistant starch from rice was prepared using high-pressure homogenization and branched chain amylase treatment. The yield, starch external structure, thermal properties, and crystal structure of rice-resistant starch prepared in different ways were investigated. The results showed that the optimum homogenizing pressure was 90 MPa, the optimum digestion time was 4 h, the optimum concentration of branched-chain amylase was 50 U/g and the yield of resistant starch was 38.58 %. Scanning electron microscopy results showed a rougher surface and more complete debranching of the homogenized coenzyme rice-resistant starch granules. FT-IR and X-ray diffraction results showed that the homogenization treatment exhibited a spiral downward trend on rice starch relative crystallinity and a spiral upward trend on starch debranching and recrystallization. The 4-week dietary intervention in db/db type 2 diabetic mice showed that homogeneous coenzyme rice-resistant starch had a better glycemic modulating effect than normal debranched starch and had a tendency to interfere with the index of liver damage in T2DM mice. Additionally, homogeneous coenzyme rice-resistant starch proved more effective in improving intestinal flora disorders and enhancing the abundance of probiotics in T2DM mice.

Evaluation of coriander seed powder supplementation on body composition, growth performance, hematology, and serum biochemical indices in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings.

This study aimed to investigate the role of coriander seed powder (Coriandrum sativum) on growth indices, feed utilization, body composition, and haemato-biochemical parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings over 84 days. One hundred and forty-four common carp (25.24±0.05 g) were assigned into four groups fed with different diets, namely 0 (basal diet), 1%, 2%, and 4% of coriander seed powder (CSP). In the current study, C. carpio fed with dietary CSP revealed significant improvement in weight gain, final weight, specific growth rate, total feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, feed conversion ratio, protein intake, and protein efficiency ratio, in comparison to control fish fed after 84 days (P>0.05). It was also found that fish fed with 1%CSP-supplemented dietary had the best growth performance and feed utilization. The crude protein of fish fed with CSP dietary treatments increased, and significant differences were only found in the fish fed with 1%CSP diet, in comparison to the control group. The CSP supplementation groups showed significant increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, albumin, total protein, and globulin compared to the control group. Nevertheless, differential white blood cells, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, cholesterols, and triglycerides were significantly reduced in the CSP dietary group in comparison to the control group. It was also found that CSP dietary treatment significantly increased lipase and amylase in comparison to the control group (P>0.05). However, the highest lipase and amylase levels were obtained at 1%CSP and 2%CSP dietary treatment groups, compared to the control basal diet. Based on the results, CSP supplementation could improve the overall health status and growth performance of common carp fingerlings.

A combined score for predicting clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula based on inflammatory parameters and drainage fluid culture results on postoperative day 3.

BACKGROUND: Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) after pancreatic resection can lead to severe postoperative complications. POPF is defined based on postoperative day (POD) 3 drainage fluid amylase level. POPF correlates with inflammatory parameters as well as drainage fluid bacterial infection. However, a standardized model based on these factors for predicting CR-POPF remains elusive. We aimed to identify inflammatory parameter- and drainage fluid culture-related risk factors for CR-POPF on POD 3 after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatectomy (DP). METHODS: Data from 351 patients who underwent PD or DP between 2013 and 2022 at a single institution were retrospectively analyzed. Risk factors for CR-POPF were investigated using multivariate analyses, and a prediction model combining the risk factors for CR-POPF was developed. RESULTS: Of the 351 patients, 254 and 97 underwent PD and DP, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that drainage fluid amylase level ≥722 IU/L, culture positivity, as well as neutrophil count ≥5473/mm3 on POD 3 were independent risk factors for CR-POPF in PD group. Similarly, drainage fluid, amylase level ≥500 IU/L, and culture positivity on POD 3 as well as pancreatic thickness ≥11.1 mm were independent risk factors in the DP group. The model for predicting CR-POPF achieved the maximum overall accuracy rate when the number of risk factors was ≥2 in both the PD and DP groups. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory parameters on POD 3 significantly influence the risk of CR-POPF onset after pancreatectomy. The combined models based on these values can accurately predict the risk of CR-POPF after pancreatectomy.

The role of the Flb protein family in the life cycle of Aspergillus niger.

Genes flbA-E are involved in sporulation and vegetative growth in Aspergillus nidulans. Inactivation of either of these genes results in a fluffy phenotype with delayed or even abolished sporulation. Previously, a non-sporulating phenotype was obtained by inactivating flbA in Aspergillus niger, which was accompanied by lysis, thinner cell walls, and an increased secretome complexity. Here, we further studied the role of the flb genes of A. niger. Strains ΔflbA, ΔflbB and ΔflbE showed increased biomass formation, while inactivation of flbA-D reduced, or even abolished, formation of conidia. Strain ΔflbA was more sensitive to H2O2, DTT, and the cell wall integrity stress compounds SDS and Congo Red (CR). Also, ΔflbC was more sensitive to SDS, while ΔflbB, ΔflbD, and ΔflbE were more sensitive to CR. On the other hand, inactivation of flbE increased resistance to H2O2. Enzyme secretion was impacted when the Δflb strains were grown on xylose. Strain ΔflbE showed reduced xylanase, cellulase and amylase secretion. On the other hand, amylase secretion at the periphery of the ΔflbA colony was reduced but not in its center, while secretion of this enzyme was increased in the center of the ΔflbB colony but not at its periphery. Inactivation of flbC and flbD also impacted zonal cellulase and amylase activity. Together, the Flb protein family of A. niger function in biomass formation, sporulation, stress response, and protein secretion.

Liver resection volume-dependent pancreatic strain following living donor hepatectomy.

The liver and pancreas work together to recover homeostasis after hepatectomy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of liver resection volume on the pancreas. We collected clinical data from 336 living liver donors. They were categorized into left lateral sectionectomy (LLS), left lobectomy, and right lobectomy (RL) groups. Serum pancreatic enzymes were compared among the groups. Serum amylase values peaked on postoperative day (POD) 1. Though they quickly returned to preoperative levels on POD 3, 46% of cases showed abnormal values on POD 7 in the RL group. Serum lipase levels were highest at POD 7. Lipase values increased 5.7-fold on POD 7 in the RL group and 82% of cases showed abnormal values. The RL group's lipase was twice that of the LLS group. A negative correlation existed between the remnant liver volume and amylase (r = - 0.326)/lipase (r = - 0.367) on POD 7. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between POD 7 serum bilirubin and amylase (r = 0.379)/lipase (r = 0.381) levels, indicating cooccurrence with liver and pancreatic strain. Pancreatic strain due to hepatectomy occurs in a resection/remnant liver volume-dependent manner. It would be beneficial to closely monitor pancreatic function in patients undergoing a major hepatectomy.

Interleukin-22 Alleviates Caerulein-Induced Acute Pancreatitis by Activating AKT/mTOR Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common acute abdominal disorders; due to the lack of specific treatment, the treatment of acute pancreatitis, especially serious acute pancreatitis (SAP), is difficult and challenging. We will observe the changes of Interleukin -22 levels in acute pancreatitis animal models, and explore the mechanism of Interleukin -22 in acute pancreatitis. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the potential protective effect of Interleukin -22 on caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis and to explore its mechanism. METHODS: Blood levels of amylase and lipase and Interleukin -22 were assessed in mice with acute pancreatitis. In animal model and cell model of caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis, the mRNA levels of P62 and Beclin-1 were determined using PCR, and the protein expression of P62, LC3-II, mTOR, AKT, p-mTOR, and p-AKT were evaluated through Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Interleukin -22 administration reduced blood amylase and lipase levels and mitigated tissue damage in acute pancreatitis mice model. Interleukin -22 inhibited the relative mRNA levels of P62 and Beclin-1, and the Interleukin -22 group showed a decreased protein expression of LC3-II and P62 and the phosphorylation of the AKT/mTOR pathway. Furthermore, we obtained similar results in the cell model of acute pancreatitis. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that Interleukin -22 administration could alleviate pancreatic damage in caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. This effect may result from the activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway, leading to the inhibition of autophagy. Consequently, Interleukin -22 shows potential as a treatment.