Challenges in translational research on probiotic lactobacilli: from in vitro assays to clinical trials

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Meijerink ◽  
A. Mercenier ◽  
J.M. Wells
Keyword(s):  
Translational Research ◽  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Probiotic Strain ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function

Beneficial effects of certain probiotic strains have been established in the treatment and prevention of various immune and intestinal disorders in humans, including allergic diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases and diarrhoea. The proposed mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics in humans are not understood in precise detail but include enhancement of intestinal barrier function, altered epithelial signalling, competition with pathogens and effects on immune cells and immunity depending on the probiotic strain. The publication of controversial or inconclusive probiotic studies in humans highlights the need for a better understanding of the mechanisms and improved strain selection criteria. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory properties of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in vitro and in vivo, current knowledge concerning the mechanisms in vivo and challenges in translational research on probiotics. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of probiotics, the effect of probiotic mixtures versus single strains, the effect of formulation of probiotics and the fate of ingested probiotics should help to clarify the value of immune assays as selection criteria for probiotics.

scholarly journals Fishing for Targets of Alien Metabolites: A Novel Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) Agonist from a Marine Pest

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. 431 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Vitale ◽  
Enrico D'Aniello ◽  
Stefania Gorbi ◽  
Andrea Martella ◽  
Cristoforo Silvestri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Native Species ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Invasion Biology ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Bioactive Metabolites ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Invasive Pests

Although the chemical warfare between invasive and native species has become a central problem in invasion biology, the molecular mechanisms by which bioactive metabolites from invasive pests influence local communities remain poorly characterized. This study demonstrates that the alkaloid caulerpin (CAU)—a bioactive component of the green alga Caulerpa cylindracea that has invaded the entire Mediterranean basin—is an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Our interdisciplinary study started with the in silico prediction of the ligand-protein interaction, which was then validated by in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro assays. On the basis of these results, we candidate CAU as a causal factor of the metabolic and behavioural disorders observed in Diplodus sargus, a native edible fish of high ecological and commercial relevance, feeding on C. cylindracea. Moreover, given the considerable interest in PPAR activators for the treatment of relevant human diseases, our findings are also discussed in terms of a possible nutraceutical/pharmacological valorisation of the invasive algal biomasses, supporting an innovative strategy for conserving biodiversity as an alternative to unrealistic campaigns for the eradication of invasive pests.

scholarly journals HO-1/CO Maintains Intestinal Barrier Integrity through NF-κB/MLCK Pathway in Intestinal HO-1-/- Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Zhenling Zhang ◽  
Lijing Zhang ◽  
Qiuping Zhang ◽  
Bojia Liu ◽  
Fang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Heme Oxygenase 1 ◽  
Zinc Protoporphyrin ◽  
Barrier Integrity ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Integrity ◽  
Deficient Mice

Background. Intestinal barrier injury is an important contributor to many diseases. We previously found that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and carbon monoxide (CO) protect the intestinal barrier. This study is aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms of HO-1/CO in barrier loss. Materials and Methods. We induced gut leakiness by injecting carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to wildtype or intestinal HO-1-deficient mice. In addition, we administrated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to cells with gain- or loss-of-HO-1 function. The effects of HO-1/CO maintaining intestinal barrier integrity were investigated in vivo and in vitro. Results. Cobalt protoporphyrin and CO-releasing molecule-2 alleviated colonic mucosal injury and TNF-α levels; upregulated tight junction (TJ) expression; and inhibited epithelial IκB-α degradation and phosphorylation, NF-κB p65 phosphorylation, long MLCK expression, and MLC-2 phosphorylation after administration of CCl4. Zinc protoporphyrin completely reversed these effects. These findings were further confirmed in vitro, using Caco-2 cells with gain- or loss-of-HO-1-function after TNF-α. Pretreated with JSH-23 (NF-κB inhibitor) or ML-7 (long MLCK inhibitor), HO-1 overexpression prevented TNF-α-induced TJ disruption, while HO-1 shRNA promoted TJ damage even in the presence of JSH-23 or ML-7, thus suggesting that HO-1 dependently protected intestinal barrier via the NF-κB p65/MLCK/p-MLC-2 pathway. Intestinal HO-1-deficient mice further demonstrated the effects of HO-1 in maintaining intestinal barrier integrity and its relative mechanisms. Alleviated hepatic fibrogenesis and serum ALT levels finally confirmed the clinical significance of HO-1/CO repairing barrier loss in liver injury. Conclusion. HO-1/CO maintains intestinal barrier integrity through the NF-κB/MLCK pathway. Therefore, the intestinal HO-1/CO-NF-κB/MLCK system is a potential therapeutic target for diseases with a leaky gut.

scholarly journals Long noncoding RNA FAM225A promotes the malignant progression of gastric cancer through the miR-326/PADI2 axis

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang Ma ◽  
Gang Wang ◽  
Hao Fan ◽  
Zengliang Li ◽  
Wangwang Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Noncoding Rna ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Therapeutic Targets ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Advanced Tumor Stage ◽  
Advanced Tumor ◽  
Mechanistic Investigation

AbstractGastric cancer (GC) is a global health problem and further studies of its molecular mechanisms are needed to identify effective therapeutic targets. Although some long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be involved in the progression of GC, the molecular mechanisms of many GC-related lncRNAs remain unclear. In this study, a series of in vivo and in vitro assays were performed to study the relationship between FAM225A and GC, which showed that FAM225A levels were correlated with poor prognosis in GC. Higher FAM225A expression tended to be correlated with a more profound lymphatic metastasis rate, larger tumor size, and more advanced tumor stage. FAM225A also promoted gastric cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Further mechanistic investigation showed that FAM225A acted as a miR-326 sponge to upregulate its direct target PADI2 in GC. Overall, our findings indicated that FAM225A promoted GC development and progression via a competitive endogenous RNA network of FAM225A/miR-326/PADI2 in GC, providing insight into possible therapeutic targets and prognosis of GC.

scholarly journals Anti-Cancer Effects of Green Tea Polyphenols Against Prostate Cancer

Molecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuyoshi Miyata ◽  
Yohei Shida ◽  
Tomoaki Hakariya ◽  
Hideki Sakai
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Tea Polyphenols ◽  
Green Tea Polyphenols ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Prevention And Treatment

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Green tea consumption is reported to play an important role in the prevention of carcinogenesis in many types of malignancies, including prostate cancer; however, epidemiological studies show conflicting results regarding these anti-cancer effects. In recent years, in addition to prevention, many investigators have shown the efficacy and safety of green tea polyphenols and combination therapies with green tea extracts and anti-cancer agents in in vivo and in vitro studies. Furthermore, numerous studies have revealed the molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects of green tea extracts. We believe that improved understanding of the detailed pathological roles at the molecular level is important to evaluate the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Therefore, in this review, we present current knowledge regarding the anti-cancer effects of green tea extracts in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms of action, such as influencing tumor growth, apoptosis, androgen receptor signaling, cell cycle, and various malignant behaviors. Finally, the future direction for the use of green tea extracts as treatment strategies in patients with prostate cancer is introduced.

scholarly journals Health-Promoting Properties of Proanthocyanidins for Intestinal Dysfunction

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos González-Quilen ◽  
Esther Rodríguez-Gallego ◽  
Raúl Beltrán-Debón ◽  
Montserrat Pinent ◽  
Anna Ardévol ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Barrier Function ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Grape Seeds ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Bacterial Endotoxins ◽  
Health Promoting

The intestinal barrier is constantly exposed to potentially harmful environmental factors, including food components and bacterial endotoxins. When intestinal barrier function and immune homeostasis are compromised (intestinal dysfunction), inflammatory conditions may develop and impact overall health. Evidence from experimental animal and cell culture studies suggests that exposure of intestinal mucosa to proanthocyanidin (PAC)-rich plant products, such as grape seeds, may contribute to maintaining the barrier function and to ameliorating the pathological inflammation present in diet-induced obesity and inflammatory bowel disease. In this review, we aim to update the current knowledge on the bioactivity of PACs in experimental models of intestinal dysfunction and in humans, and to provide insights into the underlying biochemical and molecular mechanisms.

scholarly journals FAM64A Promotes Prostate Cancer Growth In Vivo and In Vitro

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feilun Cui ◽  
Zhipeng Xu ◽  
Yumei Lv ◽  
Jianpeng Hu
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Human Cancer ◽  
Bioinformatic Analysis ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Multiple Cancer ◽  
Cell Matrix ◽  
Public Datasets

Abstract Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common type of human cancer in males. However, the mechanisms underlying PCa tumorigenesis remained unclear.Methods The present study evaluated the expression levels of FAM64A in PCa by using 5 public datasets, including GSE8511, GSE45016, GSE55945, GSE38241 and GSE17951. Then, in vivo and in vitro assays were conducted to detect the biological functions of FAM64A in PCa. Microarray and bioinformatic analysis were carried out to detect the downstream targets and pathways regulated by FAM64A.Results In this study, we for first time demonstrate FAM64A as a biomarker for PCa. FAM64A was found to be overexpressed in PCa compared to normal samples. Higher FAM64A expression were found in Gleason score (GS) ≥ 8 PCa compared to GS < 8 PCa samples, in N1 staging compared to N1 staging PCa samples, and T3/4 staging compared to T1 staging PCa. Moreover, higher FAM64A expression was correlated to shorter survival time in PCa. Knockdown of FAM64A significantly suppressed PCa cell proliferation and colony formation, however, induced PCa apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Bioinformatics analysis combined with microarray analysis revealed FAM64A played crucial roles in regulating multiple cancer related pathways, including cell-matrix adhesion and cAMP signaling pathway. Conclusions These results showed FAM64A could serve as a novel biomarker for PCa and will be helpful to understand the underlying FAM64A -related molecular mechanisms in the progression of PCa.

scholarly journals L1CAM promotes ovarian cancer stemness and tumor initiation via FGFR1/SRC/STAT3 signaling

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Giordano ◽  
Alessandra Decio ◽  
Chiara Battistini ◽  
Micol Baronio ◽  
Fabrizio Bianchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
Tumor Formation ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Tumor Initiation ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Stat3 Signaling

Abstract Background Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been implicated in tumor progression. In ovarian carcinoma (OC), CSC drive tumor formation, dissemination and recurrence, as well as drug resistance, thus contributing to the high death-to-incidence ratio of this disease. However, the molecular basis of such a pathogenic role of ovarian CSC (OCSC) has been elucidated only to a limited extent. In this context, the functional contribution of the L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) to OC stemness remains elusive. Methods The expression of L1CAM was investigated in patient-derived OCSC. The genetic manipulation of L1CAM in OC cells provided gain and loss-of-function models that were then employed in cell biological assays as well as in vivo tumorigenesis experiments to assess the role of L1CAM in OC cell stemness and in OCSC-driven tumor initiation. We applied antibody-mediated neutralization to investigate L1CAM druggability. Biochemical approaches were then combined with functional in vitro assays to study the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional role of L1CAM in OCSC. Results We report that L1CAM is upregulated in patient-derived OCSC. Functional studies showed that L1CAM promotes several stemness-related properties in OC cells, including sphere formation, tumor initiation and chemoresistance. These activities were repressed by an L1CAM-neutralizing antibody, pointing to L1CAM as a druggable target. Mechanistically, L1CAM interacted with and activated fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1), which in turn induced the SRC-mediated activation of STAT3. The inhibition of STAT3 prevented L1CAM-dependent OC stemness and tumor initiation. Conclusions Our study implicate L1CAM in the tumorigenic function of OCSC and point to the L1CAM/FGFR1/SRC/STAT3 signaling pathway as a novel driver of OC stemness. We also provide evidence that targeting this pathway can contribute to OC eradication.

scholarly journals Cancer Initiation, Progression and Resistance: Are Phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L. Promising Compounds?

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 2668
Author(s):  
Ersilia Nigro ◽  
Marialuisa Formato ◽  
Giuseppina Crescente ◽  
Aurora Daniele
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Cannabis Sativa ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Cancer Initiation

Cannabis sativa L. is a source of over 150 active compounds known as phytocannabinoids that are receiving renewed interest due to their diverse pharmacologic activities. Indeed, phytocannabinoids mimic the endogenous bioactive endocannabinoids effects through activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors widely described in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. All phytocannabinoids have been studied for their protective actions towards different biological mechanisms, including inflammation, immune response, oxidative stress that, altogether, result in an inhibitory activity against the carcinogenesis. The role of the endocannabinoid system is not yet completely clear in cancer, but several studies indicate that cannabinoid receptors and endogenous ligands are overexpressed in different tumor tissues. Recently, in vitro and in vivo evidence support the effectiveness of phytocannabinoids against various cancer types, in terms of proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, actions partially due to their ability to regulate signaling pathways critical for cell growth and survival. The aim of this review was to report the current knowledge about the action of phytocannabinoids from Cannabis sativa L. against cancer initiation and progression with a specific regard to brain, breast, colorectal, and lung cancer as well as their possible use in the therapies. We will also report the known molecular mechanisms responsible for such positive effects. Finally, we will describe the actual therapeutic options for Cannabis sativa L. and the ongoing clinical trials.

scholarly journals Aflatoxin B1 and Aflatoxin M1 Induce Compromised Intestinal Integrity through Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 184
Author(s):  
Yanan Gao ◽  
Xiaoyu Bao ◽  
Lu Meng ◽  
Huimin Liu ◽  
Jiaqi Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Fluorescein Isothiocyanate ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Aflatoxin M1 ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Simultaneous Exposure ◽  
Intestinal Integrity

With the growing diversity and complexity of diet, humans are at risk of simultaneous exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which are well-known contaminants in dairy and other agricultural products worldwide. The intestine represents the first barrier against external contaminants; however, evidence about the combined effect of AFB1 and AFM1 on intestinal integrity is lacking. In vivo, the serum biochemical parameters related to intestinal barrier function, ratio of villus height/crypt depth, and distribution pattern of claudin-1 and zonula occluden-1 were significantly affected in mice exposed to 0.3 mg/kg b.w. AFB1 and 3.0 mg/kg b.w. AFM1. In vitro results on differentiated Caco-2 cells showed that individual and combined AFB1 (0.5 and 4 μg/mL) and AFM1 (0.5 and 4 μg/mL) decreased cell viability and trans-epithelial electrical resistance values as well as increased paracellular permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, AFM1 aggravated AFB1-induced compromised intestinal barrier, as demonstrated by the down-regulation of tight junction proteins and their redistribution, particularly internalization. Adding the inhibitor chlorpromazine illustrated that clathrin-mediated endocytosis partially contributed to the compromised intestinal integrity. Synergistic and additive effects were the predominant interactions, suggesting that these toxins are likely to have negative effects on human health.

scholarly journals A Novel Role of A2AR in the Maintenance of Intestinal Barrier Function of Eteric Glia from Hypoxia-Induced Injury by Combining with mGluR5

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lihua Sun ◽  
Xiang Li ◽  
Haidi Guan ◽  
Shuaishuai Chen ◽  
Xin Fan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Metabotropic Glutamate ◽  
Enteric Glial Cells ◽  
Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion

During acute intestinal ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury, the intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) function is often disrupted. Enteric glial cells (EGCs) play an important role in maintaining the integrity of IEB functions. However, how EGCs regulate IEB function under IR stimulation is unknown. The present study reveals that the adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) is important for mediating the barrier-modulating roles of EGCs. A2AR knockout (KO) experiments revealed more serious intestinal injury in A2AR KO mice than in WT mice after IR stimulation. Moreover, A2AR expression was significantly increased in WT mice when challenged by IR. To further investigate the role of A2AR in IEB, we established an in vitro EGC-Caco-2 co-culture system. Hypoxia stimulation was used to mimic the process of in vivo IR. Treating EGCs with the CGS21680 A2AR agonist attenuated hypoxia-induced intestinal epithelium damage through up-regulating ZO-1 and occludin expression in cocultured Caco-2 monolayers. Furthermore, we showed that A2AR and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) combine to activate the PKCα-dependent pathway in conditions of hypoxia. This study shows, for the first time, that hypoxia induces A2AR-mGluR5 interaction in EGCs to protect IEB function via the PKCα pathway.

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