Intermittent antibiotic treatment accelerated the development of colitis in IL-10 knockout mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many epidemiological studies suggest an association between antibiotic exposure and the development of inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. However, the majority of these studies are observational and still the question remains, "Does the specific antibiotic administration regimen play a role in the development of colitis?" This study aimed to compare the possible effects of continuous and intermittent antibiotic exposure on the development of colitis using a colitis-susceptible IL-10 knockout [IL-10-/-] mouse model. METHODS: IL-10-/- mice [C57BL/6] were randomly assigned to a non-antibiotic group, continuous antibiotic group and intermittent antibiotic group, and observed for 30 weeks. The antibiotic cocktail was given via the drinking water. The differential response to antibiotics was assessed. RESULTS: Intermittent antibiotic treatment resulted in severe colitis with early disease onset in IL-10-/- mice. Higher unit colon weight and spleen weight were observed in intermittent antibiotic-treated mice but not in the continuous antibiotic group. Moreover, intermittent antibiotic treatment aggravated epithelial damage and colonic inflammation, mucosal barrier dysfunction and colonic allergic sensitization in IL-10-/- mice, whereas continuous antibiotic treatment ameliorated these symptoms. Male IL-10-/- mice with intermittent antibiotic exposure were more susceptible to colonic inflammation and allergic response than females. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, intermittent antibiotic exposure accelerated the development of severe colitis more than continuous antibiotic exposure in IL-10-/- male mice. In addition to the colonic damage and impaired barrier function, stimulation of allergic response may play a role in accelerating the development of colitis in genetically susceptible mice.

Analysis of primary metabolites of Morchella fruit bodies and mycelium based on widely targeted metabolomics.

As a medicinal and edible homologous fungi, Morchella is rich in multiple metabolites. The metabolite is a kind of essential substance with active components. In this study, Morchella fruit bodies and mycelium were selected to identify their metabolite components. The primary metabolites of the two experimental groups were analyzed using a method of widely targeted metabolome based on UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. A total of 354 different metabolites were characterized, including 188 upregulated ones and 166 downregulated ones in the fruit bodies. Further, the main 20 metabolic pathways of the metabolites were analyzed. The first 9 ones are tyrosine metabolites, thyroid hormone biosynthetic pathway, phenylalanine metabolites, linoleic metabolites synthetic pathway, glycerophosphate metabolic pathway, choline in tumors, methyl butyl metabolites, arginine synthetic pathway, arginine and proline metabolites. This study provides theoretical basis for the analysis of metabolic pathway of Morchella fruit bodies and mycelium that serve for further research of their medicinal mechanism and effective components.

Efficient Homogenization-Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Anthocyanins and Flavonols from Bog Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) Marc with Carnosic Acid as an Antioxidant Additive.

To explore the optimum conditions for the extraction of anthocyanins and flavonols from bog bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum L.) marc on a single-factor experimental basis, a response surface methodology was adopted for this intensive study. The extraction procedure was carried out in a Waring blender and followed an ultrasonic bath, and the natural antioxidant carnosic acid was added to inhibit oxidation. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: a volume fraction of ethanol of 70%, an antioxidant content of 0.02% (the mass of sample) carnosic acid, a liquid-solid ratio of 16 mL/g, a homogenization time of 3 min, a reaction temperature of 55 °C, an ultrasound irradiation frequency of 80 kHz, an ultrasound irradiation power of 200 W, and an ultrasound irradiation time of 40 min. Satisfactory yields of anthocyanins (13.95 ± 0.37 mg/g) and flavonols (3.51 ± 0.16 mg/g) were obtained. The experimental results showed that the carnosic acid played an effective antioxidant role in the extraction process of anthocyanins and flavonols with a green and safety guarantee.