Bachu Mushroom Polysaccharide Alleviates Colonic Injury by Modulating the Gut Microbiota.

Objective: This study was to define the protective effect of purified Helvella leucopus polysaccharide (p-HLP) against dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis. Methods: The novel p-HLP was isolated from Bachu mushroom through hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation, and column chromatography. Then, we evaluated the potential effects of p-HLP on colonic histopathology, inflammation, and microbiota composition in DSS-induced colitis mice. Results: p-HLP was a homopolysaccharide with an average molecular weight of 39.14 × 108 Da. Functionally, p-HLP significantly attenuated DSS-induced body weight loss and colon shortening. The histological score of the colon lesion was significantly decreased upon p-HLP treatment. Also, p-HLP treatment led to decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators (IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α, and COX-2 and iNOS) and increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the colon tissues. Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed that p-HLP modulated the composition of the gut microbiota. Conclusion: p-HLP is a potent regulator that protects the lesions from DSS-induced colitis.

Testicular AQP1 expression in a rat model of testicular Ischemia-Reperfusion injury.

Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) is the archetype of all aquaporins and involved in rapid cellular water fluxes and cell volume regulation. AN OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted for the investigation of AQP1 expression in normal testicular tissues and those with I/R injury in a rat model. STUDY DESIGN: A TT rat model was established using male Wister rats (4 weeks old, 180-220 g), and AQP1 distribution in the testicular tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. The wet/dry (W/D) weight ratios of the testes were determined at 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, or 5 days after the establishment of the TT model. At each time point, pathological sections were prepared and the mRNA and protein expression levels of AQP1 were determined by RT-qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining indicated that AQP1 distributes in testicular vascular endothelial cells and interstitial connective tissues. The testicular edema was observed 12 and 24 h after TT, as indicated by the increase in wet/dry weight ratio and pathological changes, such as enlarged testicular interstitium, atrophy of spermatogenic tubules, and epineurium tubule exfoliation. Increase in the expression levels of Aqp1 mRNA and AQP1 protein levels peaked at 24 h. Edema was alleviated at 36 and 48 h, as manifested by the gradual thinning of the spermatogenic tubules epithelium with narrowed interstitium and weakened inflammatory cell infiltration. Meanwhile, the mRNA and protein levels of AQP1 dramatically decreased. At 5 days after TT, edema was nearly absent, and the mRNA and protein levels of AQP1 were restored to basal levels. DISCUSSION: Testicular torsion increases AQP1 expression and W/D ratios in testis tissues. The upregulation of AQP1 expression and decline in AQP1 level are consistent to the development and alleviation of edema in testis tissues that underwent testicular torsion. CONCLUSION: Changes in AQP1 expression were consistent with edema severity in the testes, indicating a close relationship between the expression of AQP1 and the extent of edema in testicular I/R.