Electroacupuncture Alleviates Neuroinflammation and Motor Dysfunction by Regulating Intestinal Barrier Function in a Mouse Model of Parkinson Disease

Author(s):  
Xue Ma ◽  
Qiang Wang ◽  
Wei Yuan ◽  
Yuan Wang ◽  
Feng Zhou ◽  
...  

Abstract Gastrointestinal dysfunction is the main nonmotor characteristic of Parkinson disease (PD), manipulation of gastrointestinal function by altering gut-brain axis is a potentially novel entry point for the treatment of PD. Acupuncture has been reported to confer beneficial effects in the gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects and mechanism of acupuncture on the pathophysiology and gastrointestinal function of PD. A PD mouse model was established by rotenone, and electroacupuncture was used to regulate the gastrointestinal function. Rotenone was found to induce the types of brain pathologies and gastrointestinal dysfunction that are similar to those observed with PD. Electroacupuncture significantly increased the spontaneous activity of mice with PD and increased the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, while reducing the expression of Iba-1 in substantia nigra (SN), suggesting that motor dysfunction and neurological damage was alleviated. In addition, electroacupuncture significantly reduced the deposition of α-synuclein in both colon and SN, reduced intestinal inflammation, and exerted protective effects on enteric nervous system and intestinal barrier. In conclusion, electroacupuncture confers beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal system of mice with PD and can alleviate neuroinflammation and neuropathic injury by inhibiting intestinal inflammation, promoting intestinal barrier repair and reducing α-synuclein deposition in the colon.

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanyifei Wang ◽  
Yan Zou ◽  
Jin Wang ◽  
Hui Ma ◽  
Bowei Zhang ◽  
...  

As the richest component in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) can reduce the colonization of harmful microbiota in vivo, thus lowering the risk of infection; however, the mechanism for this is still unclear. In this study, a model of Escherichia coli O157 infection in healthy adult mice was established to explore the effect of 2’-FL intervention on E. coli O157 colonization and its protective effects on mice. The results showed that 2’-FL intake reduced E. coli O157 colonization in mice intestine by more than 90% (p < 0.001), and it also reduced intestinal inflammation, increased the content of fecal short-chain fatty acids, and enhanced intestinal barrier function. These beneficial effects were attributed to the increased expression of mucins such as MUC2 (increased by more than 20%, p < 0.001), and inhibition of E. coli O157 cell adhesion (about 30% reduction, p < 0.001), and were associated with the modulation of gut microbiota composition. 2’-FL significantly increased the abundance of Akkermansia, a potential probiotic, which may represent the fundamental means by which 2’-FL enhances the expression of mucin and reduces the colonization of harmful bacteria. The current study may support the use of 2’-FL in the prevention of foodborne pathogen infections in human.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yala Stevens ◽  
Evelien Van Rymenant ◽  
Charlotte Grootaert ◽  
John Van Camp ◽  
Sam Possemiers ◽  
...  

Citrus flavanones, with hesperidin and naringin as the most abundant representatives, have various beneficial effects, including anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Evidence also indicates that they may impact the intestinal microbiome and are metabolized by the microbiota as well, thereby affecting their bioavailability. In this review, we provide an overview on the current evidence on the intestinal fate of hesperidin and naringin, their interaction with the gut microbiota, and their effects on intestinal barrier function and intestinal inflammation. These topics will be discussed as they may contribute to gastrointestinal health in various diseases. Evidence shows that hesperidin and naringin are metabolized by intestinal bacteria, mainly in the (proximal) colon, resulting in the formation of their aglycones hesperetin and naringenin and various smaller phenolics. Studies have also shown that citrus flavanones and their metabolites are able to influence the microbiota composition and activity and exert beneficial effects on intestinal barrier function and gastrointestinal inflammation. Although the exact underlying mechanisms of action are not completely clear and more research in human subjects is needed, evidence so far suggests that citrus flavanones as well as their metabolites have the potential to contribute to improved gastrointestinal function and health.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Runze Quan ◽  
Chaoyue Chen ◽  
Wei Yan ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
Xi Zhao ◽  
...  

B cell-activating factor (BAFF) production is increased in septic patients. However, the specific role of BAFF in sepsis remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the expression and function of BAFF in an experimental endotoxemia model and to identify the potential mechanisms. We established an endotoxemia mouse (6–8 weeks, 20–22 g) model by administering 30 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). BAFF levels in the circulating system and organ tissues were measured 4 and 8 h after LPS injection. Survival rates in the endotoxemia mice were monitored for 72 h after BAFF blockade. The effects of BAFF blockade on systemic and local inflammation, organ injuries, and intestinal barrier function were also evaluated 4 h after LPS treatment. BAFF production was systemically and locally elevated after LPS challenge. BAFF blockade improved the survival rate, systemic inflammation, and multi-organ injuries. Moreover, BAFF blockade attenuated both intestinal inflammation and impaired intestinal permeability. BAFF blockade upregulated ZO-1 and occludin protein levels via the NF-κB/MLCK/MLC signaling pathway. These results suggested that BAFF blockade protects against lethal endotoxemia at least partially by alleviating inflammation, multi-organ injuries, and improving intestinal barrier function and provides a novel focus for further research on sepsis and experimental evidence for clinical therapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yueqin Qiu ◽  
Jun Yang ◽  
Li Wang ◽  
Xuefen Yang ◽  
Kaiguo Gao ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a widespread mycotoxin that induces intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress in humans and animals. Resveratrol (RES) effectively exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. However, the protective effects of RES on alleviating DON toxicity in piglets and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of RES on growth performance, gut health and the gut microbiota in DON-challenged piglets. A total of 64 weaned piglets [Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire), 21-d-old, 6.97 ± 0.10 kg body weight (BW)] were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups (8 replicate pens per treatment, each pen containing 2 males; n = 16 per treatment) for 28 d. The piglets were fed a control diet (CON) or the CON diet supplemented with 300 mg RES/kg diet (RES group), 3.8 mg DON/kg diet (DON) or both (DON+RES) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Results DON-challenged piglets fed the RES-supplemented diet had significantly decreased D-lactate concentrations and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) mRNA and protein expression, and increased zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) mRNA and protein expression compared with those of DON-challenged piglets fed the unsupplemented diet (P < 0.05). Compared with unsupplemented DON-challenged piglets, infected piglets fed a diet with RES showed significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levelsand increased mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes and antioxidant genes (i.e., GCLC, GCLM, HO-1, SOD1 and NQO-1) and glutamate-cysteine-ligase modulatory subunit (GCLM) protein expression (P < 0.05). Moreover, RES supplementation significantly abrogated the increase in the proportion of TUNEL-positive cells and the protein expression of caspase3 in DON-challenged piglets (P < 0.05). Finally, RES supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Roseburia and butyrate concentrations, while decreasing the abundances of Bacteroides and unidentified-Enterobacteriaceae in DON-challenged piglets compared with DON-challenged piglets alone (P < 0.05). Conclusions RES supplementation improved gut health in DON-challenged piglets by strengthening intestinal barrier function, alleviating intestinal inflammation and oxidative damage, and positively modulating the gut microbiota. The protective effects of RES on gut health may be linked to increased Roseburia and butyrate concentrations, and decreased levels of Bacteroides and unidentified-Enterobacteriaceae.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1016
Author(s):  
María Jesús Rodríguez-Sojo ◽  
Antonio Jesús Ruiz-Malagón ◽  
María Elena Rodríguez-Cabezas ◽  
Julio Gálvez ◽  
Alba Rodríguez-Nogales

Probiotics microorganisms exert their health-associated activities through some of the following general actions: competitive exclusion, enhancement of intestinal barrier function, production of bacteriocins, improvement of altered microbiota, and modulation of the immune response. Among them, Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 has become one of the most promising probiotics and it has been described to possess potential beneficial effects on inflammatory processes and immunological alterations. Different studies, preclinical and clinical trials, have evidenced its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and elucidated the precise mechanisms of action involved in its beneficial effects. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide an updated overview of the effect on host health, mechanisms, and future therapeutic approaches.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 10839-10851
Author(s):  
Zhi-jie Ma ◽  
Huan-jun Wang ◽  
Xiao-jing Ma ◽  
Yue Li ◽  
Hong-jun Yang ◽  
...  

Ginger extract showed beneficial effects on rats with antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and the underlying mechanism might be associated with the recovery of gut microbiota and intestinal barrier function.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 2416
Author(s):  
Reza Barekatain ◽  
Tristan Chalvon-Demersay ◽  
Clive McLaughlan ◽  
William Lambert

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of arginine (Arg); the combination of Arg and glutamine (Gln); as well as an amino acid-based solution (MIX) containing Arg, Gln, threonine (Thr), and grape extract, on performance, intestinal permeability, and expression of selected mechanistic genes. Using 240 male Ross 308 off-sex broiler chickens, four experimental treatments were replicated six times with 10 birds per replicate. The experimental treatments included 5 g/kg Arg, 2.5 g/kg Arg and 2.5 g/kg Gln, and 1 g/kg MIX added to a basal diet as control. In the second study, the four dietary treatments were then given to 24 birds with or without a synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone (DEX), as a gut dysfunction model. Feed conversion ratio was improved by all the supplemented treatments from day 7 to 35 of age (p < 0.001). DEX injections increased (p < 0.001) the intestinal permeability in all treatments, which tended to be reversed by Arg or MIX. Additional Arg, Arg-Gln, and MIX suppressed (p < 0.05) the overexpression of IL-1β generated by DEX. Feeding birds with MIX treatment increased (p < 0.05) expression of SGLT-1 and glutathione synthetase. In conclusion, tested amino acid supplements were effective in improving feed efficiency and restraining intestinal inflammation caused by DEX through IL-1β pathway.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 18-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan C. Valdez ◽  
Bradley W. Bolling

Chronic intestinal inflammation, occurring in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), is associated with compromised intestinal barrier function. Inflammatory cytokines disrupt tight junctions and increase paracellular permeability of luminal antigens. Thus, chronic intestinal barrier dysfunction hinders the resolution of inflammation. Dietary approaches may help mitigate intestinal barrier dysfunction and chronic inflammation. A growing body of work in rodent models of colitis has demonstrated that berry consumption inhibits chronic intestinal inflammation. Berries are a rich dietary source of polyphenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins. However, berry anthocyanins have limited bioavailability and are extensively metabolized by the gut microbiota and host tissue. This review summarizes the literature regarding the beneficial functions of anthocyanin-rich berries in treating and preventing IBD. Here, we will establish the role of barrier function in the pathogenesis of IBD and how dietary anthocyanins and their known microbial catabolites modulate intestinal barrier function.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaisa Hiippala ◽  
Hanne Jouhten ◽  
Aki Ronkainen ◽  
Anna Hartikainen ◽  
Veera Kainulainen ◽  
...  

The intestinal microbiota, composed of pro- and anti-inflammatory microbes, has an essential role in maintaining gut homeostasis and functionality. An overly hygienic lifestyle, consumption of processed and fiber-poor foods, or antibiotics are major factors modulating the microbiota and possibly leading to longstanding dysbiosis. Dysbiotic microbiota is characterized to have altered composition, reduced diversity and stability, as well as increased levels of lipopolysaccharide-containing, proinflammatory bacteria. Specific commensal species as novel probiotics, so-called next-generation probiotics, could restore the intestinal health by means of attenuating inflammation and strengthening the epithelial barrier. In this review we summarize the latest findings considering the beneficial effects of the promising commensals across all major intestinal phyla. These include the already well-known bifidobacteria, which use extracellular structures or secreted substances to promote intestinal health. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Roseburia intestinalis, and Eubacterium hallii metabolize dietary fibers as major short-chain fatty acid producers providing energy sources for enterocytes and achieving anti-inflammatory effects in the gut. Akkermansia muciniphila exerts beneficial action in metabolic diseases and fortifies the barrier function. The health-promoting effects of Bacteroides species are relatively recently discovered with the findings of excreted immunomodulatory molecules. These promising, unconventional probiotics could be a part of biotherapeutic strategies in the future.


Planta Medica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaqi Wu ◽  
Yuzheng Wu ◽  
Yue Chen ◽  
Mengyang Liu ◽  
Haiyang Yu ◽  
...  

AbstractUlcerative colitis has been recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease predominantly disturbing the colon and rectum. Clinically, the aminosalicylates, steroids, immunosuppressants, and biological drugs are generally used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis at different stages of disease progression. However, the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs does not satisfy the patients due to the frequent drug resistance. Herein, we reported the anti-ulcerative colitis activity of desmethylbellidifolin, a xanthone isolated from Gentianella acuta, in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice. C57BL/6 mice were treated with 2% dextran sulfate sodium in drinking water to induce acute colitis. Desmethylbellidifolin or balsalazide sodium was orally administrated once a day. Biological samples were collected for immunohistological analysis, intestinal barrier function evaluation, cytokine measurement, and gut microbiota analysis. The results revealed that desmethylbellidifolin alleviated colon shortening and body weight loss in dextran sulfate sodium-induced mice. The disease activity index was also lowered by desmethylbellidifolin after 9 days of treatment. Furthermore, desmethylbellidifolin remarkably ameliorated colonic inflammation through suppressing the expression of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. The intestinal epithelial barrier was strengthened by desmethylbellidifolin through increasing levels of occludin, ZO-1, and claudins. In addition, desmethylbellidifolin modulated the gut dysbiosis induced by dextran sulfate sodium. These findings suggested that desmethylbellidifolin effectively improved experimental ulcerative colitis, at least partly, through maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines, and modulating dysregulated gut microbiota.


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