Chaos and complexity in the dynamics of nonlinear Alfvén waves in a magnetoplasma.

The nonlinear dynamics of circularly polarized dispersive Alfvén wave (AW) envelopes coupled to the driven ion-sound waves of plasma slow response is studied in a uniform magnetoplasma. By restricting the wave dynamics to a few number of harmonic modes, a low-dimensional dynamical model is proposed to describe the nonlinear wave-wave interactions. It is found that two subintervals of the wave number of modulation k of AW envelope exist, namely, (3/4)kc

Genetic Diversity and Variation in Mitochondrial COI Gene in Wild and Hatchery Populations of Saxidomus purpuratus.

To investigate the genetic diversity and genetic variations of four wild (Geoje, Jinhae, Yeosu, and Boryeong) and two hatchery (Goheung and Geoje) populations of purplish Washington clam (Saxidomus purpuratus), 421 bp sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene were analyzed. A total of 149 haplotypes were identified from 358 individuals from the four wild and two hatchery populations with 109 substitutions. The genetic diversity of the wild populations and Geoje hatchery population were high, whereas the total number of haplotypes, population-specific haplotypes, and haplotype diversity were comparatively low in the Goheung hatchery population. The fixation index (FST) indicated that there was no significant genetic difference between the four wild populations. However, the Goheung hatchery population was significantly different from that of the Geoje hatchery, exhibiting the most pronounced difference, and two wild populations (Jinhae and Yeosu). The low genetic diversity indices exhibited by the Goheung hatchery population might have resulted from farm propagation using a limited parental stock. Therefore, to maintain genetic diversity, a proper breeding management program using more progenitors is required in hatcheries, in addition to regular monitoring of both hatchery and wild populations.

Determination of γ-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid in rumen fluid of dairy cows by pre-column chiral derivatization-HPLC.

High concentrate (HC) diet feeding leads to the lysis of rumen microbes and the release of hazardous metabolites, which can trigger inflammatory responses, thereby impairing dairy cow health and production. γ-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP), which constitutes the peptidoglycan (PGN) layer of bacteria, is the minimum PGN structure capable of activating inflammatory signaling pathways. This research paper aimed to determine the iE-DAP concentration and investigate the effects of an HC diet on the concentration of iE-DAP in the rumen fluid of dairy cows. However, there are limited studies on the determination of iE-DAP concentration. Hence, we established a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method combined with pre-column chiral derivatization to detect the concentration of iE-DAP in rumen fluid. Moreover, we conducted an animal experiment that included 12 lactating Holstein cows, which were randomly divided into a low-concentrate (LC) group and an HC group. The results showed that the linear range of iE-DAP was 5-500 µg/mL and that the intra- and inter-day RSDs were lower than 7%. Meanwhile, this method was successfully applied to the analysis of iE-DAP in rumen fluid, and the results revealed that long-term feeding with an HC diet elevated the concentration of iE-DAP in rumen fluid of dairy cows.

Sodium butyrate pretreatment mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in bovine embryo trachea cells.

The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects and potential mechanisms of sodium butyrate (SB) in bovine embryo tracheal cells (EBTr) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). EBTr were exposed to either 1 mmol/L SB for 18 h for the SB group (SB) or to 0.4 µg/mL LPS for 6 h for the LPS group (LPS). PBS was added to EBTr for a control group (CON). EBTr were pretreated with SB for 18 h followed by 6 h of LPS stimulation for the LSB group (LSB). Results showed that with LPS stimulation, the gene expression of TLR4, NF-κB, IL6, and IL8, as well as cytokine production of IL6 and TNF-α, were significantly increased compared with the CON group. In contrast, protein expression of IL10 was decreased. However, these inflammatory effects induced by LPS were reversed in the LSB group. Compared with the CON group, protein expression of TLR4, phospho-NF-κB p65, phospho-IκBα, and IL1α were increased in the LPS group and these were decreased in the LSB group. Similarly, increased nuclear translocation of phospho-NF-κB p65 in the LPS group was suppressed with SB pretreatment. In conclusion, SB can reduce inflammation induced by LPS in EBTr, and this positive effect is mediated through the TLR4 and NF-κB signaling pathway.

Computer-Aided Design and Synthesis of (Functionalized quinazoline)-(α-substituted coumarin)-arylsulfonate Conjugates against Chikungunya Virus.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has repeatedly spread via the bite of an infected mosquito and affected more than 100 countries. The disease poses threats to public health and the economy in the infected locations. Many efforts have been devoted to identifying compounds that could inhibit CHIKV. Unfortunately, successful clinical candidates have not been found yet. Computations through the simulating recognition process were performed on complexation of the nsP3 protein of CHIKV with the structures of triply conjugated drug lead candidates. The outcomes provided the aid on rational design of functionalized quinazoline-(α-substituted coumarin)-arylsulfonate compounds to inhibit CHIKV in Vero cells. The molecular docking studies showed a void space around the ß carbon atom of coumarin when a substituent was attached at the α position. The formed vacancy offered a good chance for a Michael addition to take place owing to steric and electronic effects. The best conjugate containing a quinazolinone moiety exhibited potency with EC50 = 6.46 µM, low toxicity with CC50 = 59.7 µM, and the selective index (SI) = 9.24. Furthermore, the corresponding 4-anilinoquinazoline derivative improved the anti-CHIKV potency to EC50 = 3.84 µM, CC50 = 72.3 µM, and SI = 18.8. The conjugate with 4-anilinoquinazoline exhibited stronger binding affinity towards the macro domain than that with quinazolinone via hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions.

Synthesis and Screening of a DNA-Encoded Library of Non-Peptidic Macrocycles.

There is considerable interest in the development of libraries of non-peptidic macrocycles as a source of ligands for difficult targets. We report here the solid-phase synthesis of a DNA-encoded library of several hundred thousand thioether-linked macrocycles. The library was designed to be highly diverse with respect to backbone scaffold diversity and to minimize the number of amide N-H bonds, which compromise cell permeability. The utility of the library as a source of protein ligands is demonstrated through the isolation of compounds that bind Streptavidin, a model target, with high affinity.

γ-d-Glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid induces autophagy in bovine hepatocytes during nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1-mediated inflammation.

Autophagy is a crucial cellular homeostatic process and an important part of the host defense system. Dysfunction in autophagy enhances tissue susceptibility to infection and multiple diseases. However, the role of nucleotide oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1) in autophagy in bovine hepatocytes is not well known. Therefore, our aim was to study the contribution of NOD1 to autophagy during inflammation in response to a specific ligand γ-d-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP). To achieve this aim, hepatocytes separated from cows at ∼160 days in milk (DIM) were divided into six groups: the nontreated control (CON) group, the rapamycin-treated (RAP) group as a positive control, the iE-DAP-treated (DAP) group, the 3-MA-treated (MA) group, the rapamycin with 3-MA (RM) group, and the iE-DAP with 3-MA (DM) group. iE-DAP administration significantly increased the mRNA expression of NOD1, ATG16L1, RIPK2, ULK1, AMBRA1, DFCP1, WIPI1, ATG5, ATG7, ATG10, ATG4A, IκBα, NF-κB, CXCL1, IL-8, and STAT6 and significantly decreased PIK3C3. The protein expression of NOD1, p-IκBα, p-NF-κB/p-p65, LC3-II, ATG5, and beclin 1 were significantly upregulated and that of SQSTM1/p62, p-mTOR, and FOXA2 were significantly downregulated in response to iE-DAP. iE-DAP also induced the formation of LC3-GFP autophagic puncta in bovine hepatocytes. We also knocked down the NOD1 with siRNA. NOD1 silencing suppressed the autophagy and inflammation-related genes and proteins. The application of the autophagy inhibitor increased the expression of inflammatory molecules and alleviated autophagy-associated molecules. Taken together, these findings suggest that NOD1 is a key player for regulating both ATG16L1 and RIPK2-ULK1 directed autophagy during inflammation in response to iE-DAP in bovine hepatocytes.

Acid-catalyzed, regioselective [3 + 3] annulation of enaminones and α-substituted cinnamic acids: access to 3,4-dihydropyridones and 2-piperidinones.

An efficient strategy for the synthesis of structurally diverse 3,4-dihydropyridones and 2-piperidinones is reported. The former was prepared via acid-catalyzed Michael addition of enaminones to electron-deficient α-substituted cinnamic acids followed by lactamization, whereas the latter was synthesized by the same methodology except that cinnamic acids were replaced with coumarin 3-carboxylic acids. A unique regioselective reactivity of the enaminones toward different cinnamic acid derivatives is described.

Sodium butyrate attenuated iE-DAP induced inflammatory response in the mammary glands of dairy goats fed high-concentrate diet.

BACKGROUND: Long-term high-concentrate (HC) diet feeding increased bacterial endotoxins, which translocated into the mammary glands of dairy goats and induced inflammatory response. γ-d-Glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP), bacterial peptidoglycan component, triggered inflammatory response through activating nucleotide oligomerization domain protein 1 (NOD1) signaling pathway. While dietary supplemented with sodium butyrate (SB) relieved inflammatory response and improved animal health and production. To investigate the effects and the mechanisms of action of SB on the inflammatory response in the mammary glands of dairy goats fed HC diet, 12 Saanen dairy goats were randomly assigned into HC group and SB regulated (BHC) group. RESULTS: The results showed that SB supplementation attenuated ruminal pH decrease caused by HC diet in dairy goats resulting in a decrease of proinflammatory cytokines and iE-DAP plasma concentration and the mRNA expression of NOD1 and other inflammation-related genes. The protein levels of NOD1, NF-κB p65 and NF-κB pp65 were decreased by the SB supplementation. The expression of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) was also inhibited by the SB supplementation. Meanwhile, the chromatin compaction ratios and DNA methylation levels of NOD1 and receptor-interacting protein 2 (RIP2) of BHC group were upregulated. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the SB supplementation mitigated the inflammatory response in the mammary glands of dairy goats during HC-induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) by inhibiting the activation of the NOD1/NF-κB signaling pathway through the decrease of the iE-DAP concentration in the rumen fluid and plasma and HDAC3 expression. DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling also contributed to the anti-inflammatory effect of SB. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

High-Throughput Quality Control Assay for the Solid-Phase Synthesis of DNA-Encoded Libraries of Macrocycles*.

There is considerable interest in the development of libraries of scaffold-diverse macrocycles as a source of ligands for difficult targets, such as protein-protein interaction surfaces. A classic problem in the synthesis of high-quality macrocyclic libraries is that some linear precursors will cyclize efficiently while some will not, depending on their conformational preferences. We report here a powerful quality control method that can be employed to readily distinguish between scaffolds that do and do not cyclize efficiently during solid-phase synthesis of thioether macrocycles without the need for tedious liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. We demonstrate that this assay can be employed to identify linear impurities in a DNA-encoded library of macrocycles. We also use the method to establish a useful quality control protocol for re-synthesis of putative macrocyclic screening hits.

Domino Reaction for the Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyrroles and Lamellarin R.

A three-component annulation reaction was developed for the synthesis of pyrroles, a class of compounds with various properties valuable to biomedical and polymer industries. Treatment of α-silylaryl triflates, Schiff bases, and alkynes generated polysubstituted pyrroles in good yields (61-86%) with regioselectivity. This domino reaction involved completion of five sequential steps in a single flask, which comprised aryne formation through 1,2-elimination, their alkylation by Schiff bases through 1,2-addition, 1,4-intramolecular proton transfer, Hüisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, and dehydrogenative aromatization. It was then successfully applied as the key step in the synthesis of the natural product lamellarin R. This new reaction represents an efficient, sustainable process for the production of chemical materials.

Sodium butyrate suppresses NOD1-mediated inflammatory molecules expressed in bovine hepatocytes during iE-DAP and LPS treatment.

Nucleotide oligomerization domain protein-1 (NOD1), a cytosolic pattern recognition receptor for the γ-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP) is associated with the inflammatory diseases. Very little is known how bovine hepatocytes respond to specific ligands of NOD1 and sodium butyrate (SB). Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the role of bovine hepatocytes in NOD1-mediated inflammation during iE-DAP or LPS treatment or SB pretreatment. To achieve this aim, hepatocytes separated from cows at ∼160 days in milk (DIM) were divided into six groups: The nontreated control group (CON), the iE-DAP-treated group (DAP), the lipopolysaccharide-treated group (LPS), iE-DAP with SB group (DSB), LPS with SB group (LSB), and the SB group. Both iE-DAP and LPS highly increased the expression of both NOD1 and RIPK2, the two key factors for the immune response in hepatocytes. IκBα, NF-κB/p65, and MAP kinases (ERK, JNK, and p38) were activated through phosphorylation. The activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathway consequently increased the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and IFN-γ and the chemokines CCL5, CCL20, and CXCL-10. Both treatments improved iNOS/NOS2 expression. However, iE-DAP was failed to express acute phase protein SAA3, but HP and LPS HP but SAA3. These ligands also increased LRRK2, TAK1, TAB1, and ß-defensins expression. The SB pretreatment at lower dose restored the function of hepatocytes by suppressing these increased molecules, as HDAC3 was inhibited. The activated NOD1 negatively regulated the expression of FOXA2. Altogether these data suggest an important role of bovine hepatocytes to promote immune responses via NOD1 expression during infection in the liver and a key role of SB to attenuate inflammation.

Overfeeding with a high-concentrate diet activates the NOD1-NF-κB signalling pathway in the mammary gland of mid-lactating dairy cows.

Long term high-concentrate (HC) diet feeding induces subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), which is reported to trigger a pro-inflammatory response. This study aimed to investigate the role of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein 1 (NOD1) in initiating the pro-inflammatory response triggered by grain-induced SARA in the mammary gland of mid-lactating dairy cows. Twelve multiparous mid-lactating Holstein cows (455 ±â€¯28 kg) were randomly assigned into two groups to conduct the experiment for 18 weeks as follows: one group was fed a low-concentrate (LC) diet as a control (40% grain), and the other was fed an HC diet as a treatment (60% grain). Overall, the results showed that a decreased rumen pH and elevated γ-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP) concentrations in the HC group compared with LC group. The concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), significantly increased in the lacteal vein of the HC group than LC group. The mRNA expression levels of NOD1, receptor-interacting protein2 (RIP2), NF-κBp65 (p65), IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, which involved in inflammatory response, were up-regulated in the HC-induced mammary gland. The changes of the target proteins, including NOD1, p65 and pp65 presented the same tendency as those of the target genes. Collectively, long-term high concentrate feeding-induced SARA increased the rumen iE-DAP concentration which activated NOD1-NF-κB signalling pathway-dependent inflammation in the mammary gland of mid-lactating cows.

Lipopolysaccharide induces oxidative stress by triggering MAPK and Nrf2 signalling pathways in mammary glands of dairy cows fed a high-concentrate diet.

The goal of current investigations was to reveal the molecular mechanism triggered through feeding a diet with high-concentrate to dairy cows for subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) induction and to examine the oxidative stress parameters in their mammary epithelial tissue. In an eighteen-weeks feeding trial, 12 Holstein Friesian cows with a standard weight of 455 ±â€¯28 kg were evenly divided into two groups and given either a low-concentrate (LC, forage to concentrate ratio = 6:4) or a high-concentrate (HC, forage to concentrate ratio = 4:6) diet. A remarkable reduction in ruminal pH also increased ruminal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration that was observed in the high-concentrate group of cows at 4 h post-feeding in the morning. Moreover, reduced milk yield was observed in the HC group. The relative mRNA abundance of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) 1 and 3 and superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 and 2 were down-regulated in high-concentrate fed animals than in the LC, while mRNA was expressed with no change in the of SOD3 among groups. In addition, genes responsible for oxidative stress e.g., ERK, JNK, and p38 were also showed dramatically high mRNA intensity in HC group. The protein concentration of ERK, pERK, pJNK, with pp38, were up-regulated significantly as JNK & p38 showed no big difference. While Nrf2 and pNrf2 were down-regulated considerably in HC group. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significantly decreased but of Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was raised in HC group than in LC. We thus proposed that higher levels of endogenous LPS may affect the Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent antioxidant response.

Efficacy of sodium butyrate in alleviating mammary oxidative stress induced by sub-acute ruminal acidosis in lactating goats.

Sub-acute ruminal acidosis (SARA) [1] is one of the most common problems of dairy animals causing great economical loss due to decreased milk production. Here we determined the antioxidant effect of sodium butyrate (NaB) [2] in experimentally induced SARA and its effects on mammary epithelial tissues of goat. Goats (n = 12) were equally divided into two groups: high-concentrate (HC) as control group fed with HC diet (concentrate: forage = 6:4) whereas HC + NaB as treatment group fed HC diet with NaB at 1% by weight for 24 weeks. Mammary epithelial tissue samples were analyzed for the expression of genes and proteins responsible for oxidative stress as well as biochemical markers of antioxidant activity in the form of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of antioxidant enzymes was also calculated. Butyrate induced antioxidant effect by increasing mRNA and protein abundance of antioxidants in mammary gland of HC + NaB group compared to HC group. Likewise, the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significantly increased and Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was decreased in HC + NaB group compared to HC group. It is concluded that oxidative stress in mammary gland of goats induced by high concentrate diet was alleviated by NaB supplementation.

Microbial community shifts elicit inflammation in the caecal mucosa via the GPR41/43 signalling pathway during subacute ruminal acidosis.

BACKGROUND: Dietary structure in ruminants is closely connected with the composition of gastrointestinal microbiota. Merging study has shown that dietary induced SARA causes the alteration of microbial community in the cecum leading to the local inflammation. However, the mechanisms of cecum inflammation elicited by the shift of microbial flora in ruminants are largely unknown, and whether the development of this inflammation is modified by epigenetic modifications. RESULTS: Ten multiparous lactating goats were randomly seperated into two groups and received either a low concentrate diet (LC, 40% concentrate, n = 5) or a high concentrate diet (HC, 60% concentrate) to induce subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). Compared with LC, HC-induced SARA altered the predominant phyla and genera, thereby increasing the concentration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Meanwhile, HC-induced SARA enhanced the mRNA expression of cytokines and chemokines and the expression of mRNA and protein of GPR41, GPR43, p38 and ERK1/2, while HC-induced SARA had no effect on TLR4 and p65. Furthermore, HC-induced SARA decreased the percentage of chromatin compaction and DNA methylation at the area of the promoters of GPR41 and GPR43. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that HC diet induced SARA resulted in the alteration in the composition of cecal microbiota. This alteration increased the concentration of LPS, but failing to activate TLR4 signaling pathway due to the tolerance effect of intestinal epithelial cell to certain level of LPS, as well as elevated the concentration of SCFAs, thereby activating GPR41 and GPR43 signaling pathway to produce cytokines and chemokins and cause the cecal inflammation. And epigenetic mechanisms contributed to the development of this inflammation in the lactating goats suffering from SARA.

Allenyl esters as quenching agents for ruthenium olefin metathesis catalysts.

In the attempt to synthesize substituted allenyl esters through a metathesis coupling of unsubstituted allenyl esters and alkenes using a variety of ruthenium catalysts, it was discovered that allenyl esters themselves cleanly arrested the activity of the catalysts. Further studies suggests possible utility of allene esters as general quenching agents for metathesis reactions. To explore this idea, several representative olefin metathesis reactions, including ring closing, were successfully terminated by the addition of simple allenyl esters for more convenient purification.

Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Brown Croaker (Miichthys miiuy) in Korea and China Inferred from mtDNA Control Region.

Brown croaker (Miichthys miiuy), a species of fish with significant commercial value, is found in the coastal seas of Korea, China, and Japan. The genetic diversity and population structure of a representative sample of brown croaker specimens were assessed based on the control region of their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Samples from a total of 115 individuals were collected from three separate locations, one in China (Lianyungang) and two in Korea (Mokpo and Gyeongnyeolbiyeoldo Island). Analysis of the 436-base-pair mtDNA control region revealed that the haplotype diversity ranged from 0.973 ± 0.025 to 0.988 ± 0.008, while the nucleotide diversity ranged from 0.012 ± 0.006 to 0.017 ± 0.009. The level of genetic diversity, star-shaped haplotype network, significant Fu's Fs test, and analysis of the mismatch distribution all suggested that this species has experienced population expansion. Fixation index analysis indicated that the population collected at the site in China differed significantly from the two populations obtained in Korea. The findings of this study extend the general understanding of the population structure of M. miiuy and can be used to develop strategies for effective resource management.

RNAi-Based Therapy: Combating Shrimp Viral Diseases.

Shrimp aquaculture has become a vital industry, meeting the growing global demand for seafood. Shrimp viral diseases have posed significant challenges to the aquaculture industry, causing major economic losses worldwide. Conventional treatment methods have proven to be ineffective in controlling these diseases. However, recent advances in RNA interference (RNAi) technology have opened new possibilities for combating shrimp viral diseases. This cutting-edge technology uses cellular machinery to silence specific viral genes, preventing viral replication and spread. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of RNAi-based therapies in various model organisms, paving the way for their use in shrimp health. By precisely targeting viral pathogens, RNAi has the potential to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to combat viral diseases in shrimp aquaculture. This review paper provides an overview of RNAi-based therapy and its potential as a game-changer for shrimp viral diseases. We discuss the principles of RNAi, its application in combating viral infections, and the current progress made in RNAi-based therapy for shrimp viral diseases. We also address the challenges and prospects of this innovative approach.

Glutamine Supplementation Attenuates the Inflammation Caused by LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice by Regulating the TLR4/MAPK Signaling Pathway.

Bacterial infection is one of the main causes of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), which can cause tremendous losses for the herd farming industry worldwide. L-Glutamine (GLN), a neutral amino acid, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to explore the potential protective effects and mechanisms of GLN on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. Forty ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10): a PBS intratracheal instillation group, a LPS intratracheal instillation group, a GLN gavage group, and a LPS+GLN group (GLN was given 1 h before the LPS stimulation). Twelve hours after LPS administration, the lung tissue and blood were collected. The results showed that the concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1ß; the protein abundance of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), phosphorylated p38 (p-p38), phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), and phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK); and the expression level of genes associated with inflammation, such as IL-1ß, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-6, TLR4, p38, ERK1/2, and JNK, were significantly increased in the LPS group compared with those in the PBS group. However, these increases were attenuated by GLN pretreatment in the LPS+GLN group. Furthermore, the pathological change of the structure of lung tissue from the LPS group was obvious compared to that from the PBS group; however, with GLN administration, these pathological changes were alleviated. Additionally, the secretion level of mucus and the percentage of positive MUC5AC staining on the epithelial surface area of the airway increased dramatically in the LPS group; however, GLN pretreatment in the LPS+GLN group markedly decreased these phenomena compared with that of the LPS group. These results indicate that GLN supplementation ameliorates LPS-induced ALI in mice and this effect may be mediated by the TLR4/MAPK signaling pathway.