Deeper insight into the role of IL-17 in the relationship beween hypertension and intestinal physiology.

With the incidence of hypertension increasing worldwide, more and more the mechanisms of hypertension from the perspective of immunity have found. Intestinal microbiota as well as its metabolites relationship with hypertension has attracted great attention from both clinicians and investigators. However, the associations of hypertension with lesions of a large number of immune factors including IL-17, MCP-1, IL-6, TGF-ß, IL-10 and others have not been fully characterized. In this review, after introducing the immune factors as the most potent anti/pro-hypertension agents known, we provide detailed descriptions of the IL-17 involved in the pathology of hypertension, pointing out the underlying mechanisms and suggesting the clinical indications.

An Unexpected Alteration Colonic Mucus Appearance in the Constipation Model via an Intestinal Microenvironment.

Due to the lack of research between the inner layers in the structure of colonic mucous and the metabolism of fatty acid in the constipation model, we aim to determine the changes in the mucous phenotype of the colonic glycocalyx and the microbial community structure following treatment with Rhubarb extract in our research. The constipation and treatment models are generated using adult male C57BL/6N mice. We perform light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to detect a Muc2-rich inner mucus layer attached to mice colon under different conditions. In addition, 16S rDNA sequencing is performed to examine the intestinal flora. According to TEM images, we demonstrate that Rhubarb can promote mucin secretion and find direct evidence of dendritic structure-linked mucus structures with its assembly into a lamellar network in a pore size distribution in the isolated colon section. Moreover, the diversity of intestinal flora has noticeable changes in constipated mice. The present study characterizes a dendritic structure and persistent cross-links have significant changes accompanied by the alteration of intestinal flora in feces in models of constipation and pretreatment with Rhubarb extract.

GLP-1 and Underlying Beneficial Actions in Alzheimer's Disease, Hypertension, and NASH.

GLP-1 is derived from intestinal L cells, which takes effect through binding to GLP-1R and is inactivated by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Since its discovery, GLP-1 has emerged as an incretin hormone for its facilitation in insulin release and reduction of insulin resistance (IR). However, GLP-1 possesses broader pharmacological effects including anti-inflammation, neuro-protection, regulating blood pressure (BP), and reducing lipotoxicity. These effects are interconnected to the physiological and pathological processes of Alzheimer's disease (AD), hypertension, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Currently, the underlying mechanism of these effects is still not fully illustrated and a better understanding of them may help identify promising therapeutic targets of AD, hypertension, and NASH. Therefore, we focus on the biological characteristics of GLP-1, render an overview of the mechanism of GLP-1 effects in diseases, and investigate the potential of GLP-1 analogues for the treatment of related diseases in this review.

Functions of Dendritic Cells and Its Association with Intestinal Diseases.

Dendritic cells (DCs), including conventional DCs (cDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), serve as the sentinel cells of the immune system and are responsible for presenting antigen information. Moreover, the role of DCs derived from monocytes (moDCs) in the development of inflammation has been emphasized. Several studies have shown that the function of DCs can be influenced by gut microbes including gut bacteria and viruses. Abnormal changes/reactions in intestinal DCs are potentially associated with diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and intestinal tumors, allowing DCs to be a new target for the treatment of these diseases. In this review, we summarized the physiological functions of DCs in the intestinal micro-environment, their regulatory relationship with intestinal microorganisms and their regulatory mechanism in intestinal diseases.

Rhubarb extract relieves constipation by stimulating mucus production in the colon and altering the intestinal flora.

BACKGROUND: Constipation, mainly characterized by the difficulty in defecation, is a clinical symptom caused by a variety of factors. It can be manifested as normal or slow colonic transport abnormalities, which can occur alone or concurrently with defecation disorders. As there is not uniform definition and assessment standard, no clear plan could be used for the treatment of constipation. Although rhubarb, a traditional Chinese medicine, plays a therapeutic role in diseases involving constipation symptoms, the detailed mechanism of it in treating constipation remains unclear. METHODS: A model of constipation-induced by diphenoxylate was prepared. Immunofluorescent staining was used to detect the expression of mucin 2 (MUC2), calnexin and chymase in colon. Western blotting was used to detect changes of tryptase and calnexin in the colon. And real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was utilized to detect the changes of immunoglobulin-binding protein (Bip), X-box binding protein 1 (Xbp1) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) of colonic goblet cells in mRNA levels. ELISA and biochemical kits were utilized to detect the changes of MUC2, Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), acetylcholine, histamine and C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) in the colon. And the changes of colonic mucosa and intestinal flora of constipation model mice caused by rhubarb extract (RE) were analyzed to identify the mechanism of RE on the treatment of constipation. RESULTS: RE promotes the secretion of colonic mucus by recruiting mast cells and enhancing the content of histamine and Ach in the mice colon. In the process, RE causes up-regulation of Bip and CHOP mRNA expression and down-regulation of Xbp1 and Xbp1s mRNA expression that induces ER stress of colonic epithelium associated with changes in the intestinal flora diversity and short-chain fatty acids content. CONCLUSION: RE could relieve constipation by promoting the secretion of colonic mucus via mast cells activation and improving the intestinal microenvironment.

Biological characteristics of IL-6 and related intestinal diseases.

The intestine serves as an important digestive and the largest immune organ in the body. Interleukin-6(IL-6), an important mediator of various pathways, participates in the interactions between different kinds of cells and closely correlates with intestinal physiological and pathological condition. In this review we summarize the signaling pathways of IL-6 and its functions in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. We also explored its relation with nervous system and highlight its potential role in Parkinson's disease. Based on its specialty of the double-side influences on intestinal tumors and inflammation, we summarize how they are done through distinctive process.

A ruptured pulmonary arteriovenous fistula after laparoscopic operation.

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare anomaly in the lung, and hemothorax or massive hemoptysis due to spontaneous rupture of the fistula sac is even rarer. The patient described here was a 47-year-old woman who presented with massive hemoptysis resulting from the rupture of her PAVF just after laparoscopic operation. To our knowledge, this may be the first case ever reported that the rupture of PAVF may be correlated with a laparoscopic operation. The patient survived without adverse events after emergency pulmonary lobectomy.

Establishment of an animal model of non-transthoracic cardiopulmonary bypass in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To establish an animal model of non-transthoracic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in rats. METHODS: Ten adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 350-500 g, were used in this study. CPB was established in these animals through cannulating the left carotid and right jugular vein for arterial perfusion and venous return. The components of perfusion circuit, especially the miniature oxygenator and cannula, were specially designed and improved. The mean arterial pressure was measured with a blood pressure meter through cannulating the left femoral artery. The hemodynamic and blood gas parameters were also monitored. RESULTS: The rat model of non-transthoracic CPB was established successfully. The hemodynamical parameters were changed within an acceptable region during CPB. The miniature oxygenator was sufficient to meet the standard of satisfactory CPB. CONCLUSIONS: The rat model of non-transthoracic CPB established through the carotid and jugular cannulation is feasible, easily operated, safe, reliable, and economic. It is an ideal model for the pathophysiological research of CPB.

Co-expression of heat shock protein 70 and glucose-regulated protein 94 in human gastric carcinoma cell line BGC-823.

AIM: To investigate the co-expression and significance of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and glucose-regulated protein 94 (grp94) in human gastric carcinoma cell line BGC-823. METHODS: The expression and localization of HSP70 and grp94 in human gastric carcinoma cell line BGC-823 were determined by immunocytochemistry and indirect immunofluorescence cytochemical staining. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the correlation between expression of HSP70, grp94 and cell cycle in BGC-823 cell line. RESULTS: Gastric cancer cell line BGC-823 expressed high level of HSP70 and grp94. The positive rate of HSP70 and grp94 was 84.9+/-4.94% and 79.6+/-5.16%, respectively. Both of them were stained in cell plasma. There was a significant difference compared with control group (1.9+/-0.94%, P<0.01). During the cell cycle, HSP70 and grp94 were continuously expressed in BGC-823. CONCLUSION: HSP70 and grp94 are highly expressed in human gastric carcinoma BGC-823 cells through the whole cell cycle. There is no relationship between expression of HSP70, grp94 and cell cycle.

[Effect of herbal compound 861 on expression and activity of nitric oxide synthase in hepatic stellate cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of herbal compound 861 (HB861) on expression and activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in hepatic stellate cells (HSC), and to explore the feasibility of its application in preventing and treating the early portal hypertension. METHODS: HSC of HSC-T6 cell line (1 x 10(5)/ml) were cultured in dish with 95% O2 plus 5% CO2 under 37 degrees C for 24 hrs, then divided into 5 groups, 6 dishes in each group. Group A was the blank control group. To Group B-E, HB861 2 mg/ml, HB861 4 mg/ml, HB861 8 mg/ml, HB861 4 mg/ml + NW-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME)4 mg/ml were added separately, and continuously cultured for 24 hrs. NOS activity was measured using colorimetry, NO level was determined by nitrate reductase technique. The cells were fixed by 4% paraformaldehyde for 2 hrs for test HSC-T6 iNOS expression by immunocyto-chemical method. RESULTS: HB861 in 2 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml and 8 mg/ml could increase HSC-T6 NOS activity from 1.7 +/- 0.1 to 2.5 +/- 0.3, 3.5 +/- 0.4 and 3.7 +/- 0.9 respectively (P < 0.01), the NO levels in supernatant were increased in parallel from 56.1 +/- 4.8 to 90.7 +/- 4.6, 99.7 +/- 4.1 and 109.0 +/- 2.7 respectively (P < 0.01). L-NAME could not inhibit the effect of HB861 in increasing the synthesis and secretion of NO by activated HSC-T6. Immuno-cyto-chemical study showed that there was iNOS expression in cytoplasm, and which could be increased by HB861. CONCLUSION: The activated HSC-T6 showed positive iNOS expression, suggesting it could produce NO. HB861 could markedly increase HSC-T6 iNOS expression and NOS activity, enhance the NO synthesis and secretion, it also could inhibit the contractility of activated HSC by way of increase HSC to secrete NO, so as to lower the resistance in hepatic sinusoid, therefore would play important role in preventing and treating of early portal hypertension.