scholarly journals Asparagine improves intestinal integrity, inhibits TLR4 and NOD signaling, and differently regulates p38 and ERK1/2 signaling in weanling piglets after LPS challenge

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 577-587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaokui Chen ◽  
Yulan Liu ◽  
Xiuying Wang ◽  
Haibo Wang ◽  
Shuang Li ◽  
...  

Asparagine (Asn), an activator of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), stimulates cell proliferation in intestinal epithelial cells. We hypothesized that Asn can mitigate LPS-induced injury of intestinal structure and barrier function by regulating inflammatory signaling pathways. We executed the following experiment using weanling pigs for each of the groups: (1) non-challenged control; (2) LPS-challenged control; (3) LPS + 0.5% Asn; (4) LPS + 1.0% Asn. After 21-d feeding, pigs received an i.p. injection of either saline or LPS. Four h after injection, the mid-jejunum and mid-ileum samples were collected. We found that Asn restored ODC expression that was decreased by LPS treatment. Asn also restored intestinal morphology and barrier function that were impaired by LPS treatment. In addition, Asn down-regulated intestinal caspase-3 protein expression and TNF-α concentration, and decreased the mRNA expression of intestinal TLR4, TLR4 downstream signals (myeloid differentiation factor 88, IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 and TNF-α receptor-associated factor 6 and NOD1, NOD2 and their adaptor molecule (receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 2). Moreover, Asn decreased p38 phosphorylation but increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Our results suggest that Asn improves intestinal integrity during an inflammatory insult, which appears to be related to the decrease of intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokine (via TLR4, NODs and p38) and of enterocyte apoptosis (via p38 and ERK1/2).

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kan Xiao ◽  
Shuting Cao ◽  
Lefei Jiao ◽  
Zehe Song ◽  
Jianjun Lu ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of TGF-β1 on intestinal epithelial barrier, as well as canonical Smad and MAPK signal pathways involved in these protection processes by a IPEC-J2 model stimulated with TNF-α. IPEC-J2 monolayers were treated without or with TNF-α in the absence or presence of TGF-β1. The results showed that TGF-β1 pretreatment ameliorated TNF-α-induced intestinal epithelial barrier disturbances as indicated by decrease of transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and increase of paracellular permeability. TGF-β1 also dramatically alleviated TNF-α-induced alteration of TJ proteins ZO-1 and occludin. Moreover, TGF-β1 pretreatment increased TβRII protein expression in IPEC-J2 monolayers challenged with TNF-α. In addition, a significant increase of Smad4 and Smad7 mRNA was also observed in the TGF-β1 pretreatment after TNF-α challenge compared with the control group. Furthermore, TGF-β1 pretreatment enhanced smad2 protein activation. These results indicated that the canonical Smad signaling pathway was activated by TGF-β1 pretreatment. Finally, TGF-β1 pretreatment decreased the ratios of the phosphorylated to total JNK and p38 (p-JNK/JNK and p-p38/p38) and increased the ratio of ERK (p-ERK/ERK). Anti-TGF-β1 Abs reduced these TGF-β1 effects. These results indicated that TGF-β1 protects intestinal integrity and influences Smad and MAPK signal pathways in IPEC-J2 after TNF-α challenge.


2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (9) ◽  
pp. 1019-1028 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Xu ◽  
Shaokui Chen ◽  
Haibo Wang ◽  
Zhixiao Tu ◽  
Shuhui Wang ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate whether medium-chain TAG (MCT) could alleviate Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal injury by regulating intestinal epithelial inflammatory response, as well as necroptosis. A total of twenty-four weanling piglets were randomly allotted to one of four treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement including diet type (5 % maize oil v. 4 % MCT+1 % maize oil) and immune stress (saline v. E. coli LPS). The piglets were fed diets containing maize oil or MCT for 21 d. On 21 d, piglets were injected intraperitoneally with saline or LPS. The blood and intestinal samples were collected at 4 h post injection. Supplementation with MCT improved intestinal morphology, digestive and barrier function, indicated by increased jejunal villus height, increased jejunal and ileal disaccharidases (sucrase and maltase) activities, as well as enhanced protein expression of claudin-1. Furthermore, the protein expression of heat-shock protein 70 in jejunum and the concentration of TNF-α in plasma were reduced in the piglets fed diets supplemented with MCT. In addition, MCT down-regulated the mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain proteins (NOD) signalling-related genes in jejunum and ileum. Finally, MCT inhibited jejunal and ileal enterocyte necroptosis indicated by suppressed mRNA expression of the receptor-interacting protein 3 and mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein. These results indicate that MCT supplementation may be closely related to inhibition of TLR4, NOD and necroptosis signalling pathways and concomitant improvement of intestinal integrity under an inflammatory condition.


mSystems ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Sun ◽  
Yalei Cui ◽  
Yingying Su ◽  
Zimin Gao ◽  
Xinying Diao ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Weaning of piglets is accompanied by intestinal inflammation, impaired intestinal barrier function, and intestinal microflora disorder. Regulating intestinal microflora structure can directly or indirectly affect intestinal health and host growth and development. However, whether dietary fiber (DF) affects the inflammatory response and barrier function by affecting the intestinal microflora and its metabolites is unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of intestinal microflora in relieving immune stress and maintaining homeostasis using piglets with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal injury as a model. DF improved intestinal morphology and barrier function, inhibited the expression of inflammatory signal pathways (Toll-like receptor 2 [TLR2], TLR4, and NF-κB) and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1β [IL-1β], IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]), and upregulated the expression of barrier-related genes (encoding claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1). The contents of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and the activity of diamine oxidase in plasma were decreased. Meanwhile, DF had a strong effect on the composition and function of intestinal microflora at different taxonomic levels, the relative abundances of cellulolytic bacteria and anti-inflammatory bacteria were increased, and the concentrations of propionate, butyrate, and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in intestinal contents were increased. In addition, the correlation analysis also revealed the potential relationship between metabolites and certain intestinal microflora, as well as the relationship between metabolites and intestinal morphology, intestinal gene expression, and plasma cytokine levels. These results indicate that DF improves intestinal barrier function, in part, by altering intestinal microbiota composition and increasing the synthesis of SCFAs, which subsequently alleviate local and systemic inflammation. IMPORTANCE Adding DF to the diet of LPS-challenged piglets alleviated intestinal and systemic inflammation, improved intestinal barrier function, and ultimately alleviated the growth retardation of piglets. In addition, the addition of DF significantly increased the relative abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria and the production of SCFAs. We believe that the improvement of growth performance of piglets with LPS-induced injury can be attributed to the beneficial effects of DF on intestinal microflora and SCFAs, which reduced the inflammatory response in piglets, improving intestinal barrier function and enhancing body health. These research results provide a theoretical basis and guidance for the use of specific fiber sources in the diet to improve intestinal health and growth performance of piglets and thus alleviate weaning stress. Our data also provide insights for studying the role of DF in regulating gastrointestinal function in human infants.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 1924-1934 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akihiro Watari ◽  
Yuta Sakamoto ◽  
Kota Hisaie ◽  
Kazuki Iwamoto ◽  
Miho Fueta ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Although proinflammatory cytokine–induced disruption of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity is associated with intestinal inflammatory disease, effective treatment for barrier dysfunction is lacking. Previously, we demonstrated that rebeccamycin alleviates epithelial barrier dysfunction induced by inflammatory cytokines in Caco-2 cell monolayers; however, the underlying mechanism remained unclear. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which rebeccamycin protects the epithelial barrier function of Caco-2 cells exposed to TNF-α. Methods: To confirm the epithelial barrier function of Caco-2 cell monolayers, transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and paracellular permeability were measured. Production levels and localization of tight junction (TJ) proteins were analyzed by immunoblot and immunofluorescence, respectively. Phosphorylated myosin light chain (pMLC) and MLC kinase (MLCK) mRNA expression levels were determined by immunoblot and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Results: Rebeccamycin attenuated the TNF-α-induced reduction in TER and increase in paracellular permeability. Rebeccamycin increased claudin-5 expression, but not claudin-1, -2, -4, occludin or ZO-1 expression, and prevented the TNF-α-induced changes in ZO-1 and occludin localization. Rebeccamycin suppressed the TNF-α-induced increase in MLCK mRNA expression, thus suppressing MLC phosphorylation. The rebeccamycin-mediated reduction in MLCK production and protection of epithelial barrier function were alleviated by Chk1 inhibition. Conclusion: Rebeccamycin attenuates TNF-α-induced disruption of intestinal epithelial barrier integrity by inducing claudin-5 expression and suppressing MLCK production via Chk1 activation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
Ping Kang ◽  
Xingfa Huang ◽  
Zhicheng Wan ◽  
Tianzeng Liang ◽  
Yang Wang ◽  
...  

To test the dynamic changes of the expression of genes and microRNA in the gastrocnemius muscle after LPS challenge, 36 piglets were assigned to a control group (slaughtered 0 h after saline injection) and LPS groups (slaughtered at 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, and 12 h after LPS treatment, respectively). After LPS treatment, the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α reached maximal levels at 1 h, 2 h, and 1 h, respectively ( P < 0.05), and mRNA expression of TLR4, NODs, muscle-specific ring finger 1, and muscle atrophy F-box peaked at 12 h ( P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of miR-122, miR-135a, and miR-370 reduced at 1 h, 1 h, and 2 h, respectively ( P < 0.05), and miR-34a, miR-224, miR-132, and miR-145 reached maximum expression levels at 1 h, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h, respectively ( P < 0.05). These results suggested that mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was elevated in the early stage, mRNA expression of genes related to TLR4 and NODs signaling pathways and protein degradation increased in the later phase, and the expression of microRNA related to muscle inflammation and protein degradation changed in the early stage after LPS injection.


Author(s):  
Bangmin Liu ◽  
Xianren Jiang ◽  
Long Cai ◽  
Xuemei Zhao ◽  
Zhaolai Dai ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Polyamines are essential for cell growth and beneficial for intestinal maturation. To evaluate the effects of putrescine on alleviating intestinal atrophy and underlying molecular mechanisms, both in vivo feeding trial and in vitro cell culture were conducted. Weanling pigs were fed a diet supplemented with 0, 0.1%, 0.2% or 0.3% putrescine dihydrochloride, whereas porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence of 200 μmol/L putrescine. Results Dietary supplementation with 0.2% putrescine dihydrochloride decreased the incidence of diarrhea with an improvement in intestinal integrity. Inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase activity decreased the proliferation and migration of IPEC-J2 cells, and this effect was alleviated by the supplementation with putrescine. The phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase and focal adhesion kinase was enhanced by putrescine. LPS increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8], and inhibited cell proliferation and migration in IPEC-J2 cells. Adding exogenous putrescine suppressed the expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, and recovered cell migration and proliferation in LPS-treated IPEC-J2 cells. Dietary putrescine supplementation also reduced the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 and their upstream regulator nuclear receptor kappa B p65 subunit in the jejunal mucosa of piglets. Conclusions Dietary supplementation with putrescine mitigated mucosal atrophy in weanling piglets through improving anti-inflammatory function and suppressing inflammatory response. Our results have important implications for nutritional management of intestinal integrity and health in weanling piglets and other neonates.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Fengming Chen ◽  
Houjun Wang ◽  
Jiayi Chen ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Wei Wen ◽  
...  

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus delbrueckii (LAB) on intestinal morphology, barrier function, immune response, and antioxidant capacity in weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 36 two-line crossbred (Landrace × large Yorkshire) weaned piglets (28 days old) were divided into three groups: (1) nonchallenged control (CON); (2) LPS-challenged control (LPS); and (3) LAB+LPS treatment (0.2% LAB+LPS). Compared to the LPS piglets, the LAB+LPS piglets improved intestinal morphology, indicated by greater (P<0.05) villus height in the duodenum and ileum; villus height : crypt depth ratio in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, as well as decreased (P<0.05) crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum; and better intestinal barrier function, indicated by upregulated (P<0.05) mRNA expression of tight junction proteins in the intestinal mucosa. Moreover, compared to the LPS piglets, LAB significantly decreased (P<0.05) concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β in the small intestine and increased (P<0.05) IL-10 levels in the jejunum and ileum. Additionally, LAB increased (P<0.05) T-AOC activities of the colon, GSH concentrations of the jejunum, and mRNA expression of CAT and Cu/Zn-SOD, while reduced (P<0.05) MDA concentrations in the jejunum and ileum in LPS-changed piglets. Collectively, our results indicate that supplementation of LAB improved intestinal integrity and immune response and alleviated intestinal oxidative damage in LPS-challenged piglets.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Xu ◽  
Shunli Yang ◽  
Joshua Seun Olajide ◽  
Zigang Qu ◽  
Zhenxing Gong ◽  
...  

Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens, is an economically important disease in the broiler. Among normal flora in the broiler intestinal region, Clostridium butyricum has been identified as a probiotic agent that reduces the susceptibility of broilers to C. perfringens. However, the effects of C. butyricum supplement on broiler intestinal integrity during NE are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of C. butyricum on the growth performance, intestinal morphology and barrier function, and the functions of immune-related cytokines under NE in broilers. Chickens were divided into five groups: control group (NC), supplement C. butyricum only group (CB), NE-infected group (PC), supplement C. butyricum from Day 14 (NECB1) to Day 22 NE-infected group, and supplement C. butyricum from Day 1 (NECB2) to Day 22 NE-infected group. The results showed that there were significantly decreased average daily weight gain and increased feed conversion rate in the infected group (PC) compared with the C. butyricum-supplemented groups (NECB1 and NECB2) through the diet. Histopathological observation on the Hematoxylin–Eosin staining avian small intestine sections revealed that supplementation of C. butyricum (NECB1 and NECB2) could increase the intestinal villus height/crypt depth and lessen the intestinal damage under NE. ELISA and Limulus test showed that broilers infected with NE (PC) had higher serum IgA and lipopolysaccharide content; however, after C. butyricum supplementation (NECB1 and NECB2), they returned to a normal level. Furthermore, real-time PCR and Western blot results indicated that compared with PC, supplementing C. butyricum (NECB1 and NECB2) could initialize the expressions of genes related to the intestinal barrier-associated molecules (such as CLDN-1, CLDN-3, OCLN, MUC2, ZO-1, and CLDN5), cytokines (such as IL-10, IL-6, and TGFB1), and C. perfringens plc gene expression. Moreover, the results detected by the Ussing chamber suggested that C. butyricum (NECB1 and NECB2) could amend the decrease in conductivity value and short-circuit current value caused by NE. In addition, NECB2 significantly reduced the upregulation of fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran flux caused by the NE disease. In conclusion, these findings suggest that dietary supplementation of C. butyricum in broilers with NE improved chicken growth performance, intestinal integrity and barrier function, and immunological status. Notably, no statistical difference was observed with the addition of C. butyricum on day 1 or day 14.


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