Cinnamaldehyde Induces Release of Cholecystokinin and Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 by Interacting with Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 in a Porcine Ex-Vivo Intestinal Segment Model

Cinnamaldehyde and capsaicin have been reported to exert effects on the gastric function, mediated by the interaction with transient receptor potential ankyrin channel 1 (TRPA1) and transient receptor potential vanilloid channel 1 (TRPV1), respectively. This study examined whether these compounds could trigger the release of cholecystokinin (CCK) and/or glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in the pig’s gut in a porcine ex-vivo intestinal segment model. Furthermore, it was verified whether this response was mediated by TRPA1 or TRPV1 by using the channel’s antagonist. These gut peptides play a key role in the “intestinal brake", a feedback mechanism that influences the function of proximal parts of the gut. Structural analogues of cinnamaldehyde were screened as well, to explore structure-dependent activation. Results showed a significant effect of capsaicin on GLP-1 release in the proximal small intestine, TRPV1 independent. TRPA1 showed to be strongly activated by cinnamaldehyde, both in proximal and distal small intestine, evidenced by the release of CCK and GLP-1, respectively. Out of all structural derivates, cinnamaldehyde showed the highest affinity for TRPA1, which elucidates the importance of the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde moiety. In conclusion, cinnamaldehyde as a TRPA1 agonist, is a promising candidate to modulate gastric function, by activating intestinal brake mechanisms.

Acute intussusception in adults; study of two observations at the Friendship Hospital Sino-Guinean in Kipe

Aim The study aim to make our contribution to the study of intussusception in adults, rare pathology in adults, acute intussusception also called (AII) refers to penetration of an intestinal segment into the underlying segment, by turning into a glove finger (invagination roll). The aim of this work is to report two cases of acute intussusception in adults in the surgical department of the Sino-Guinean friendship hospital in kipe. Republic of Guinea. Material and Method This is a prospective two-year study, running from October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2020 Inclusive. All patients admitted for operated for acute intestinal invagination, whose age is between 25 and 50 years were included in our study. The operative specimen was analyzed anatomo pathologically after fixation with 10 percent formalin. Clinical presentation It concerned a man and a woman, in both cases the localization was ileal. Treatment was surgical and consisted of ileal resection followed by end-to-end ileoileale anastomosis in two planes. The operative consequences were simple. Conclusion Acute intussusception in adults is rare, the symptoms are noisy.

Rare cause of acute abdomen–cocaine-induced small intestinal perforation with coexisting lower gastrointestinal bleed: an unusual presentation

Cocaine, an alkaloid, is an addictive drug and its abuse as a recreational drug is on the increasing side with its associated complications. Gastrointestinal complications, after cocaine abuse, are less known and need to be addressed since the abuse is on the rise and the existing evidence is scarce. We report a case of a 22-year-old male patient who presented with abdominal pain following a cocaine injection. On examination, signs of peritonitis were noted and laparotomy revealed a 2×1 cm perforation in the distal ileum. The unhealthy intestinal segment was resected and taken out as a double-barrel ileostomy. The patient had an episode of severe lower gastrointestinal bleeding on postoperative day 6. CT and colonoscopy revealed signs of ischaemic bowel and tissue biopsy showed oedematous, inflamed and haemorrhagic bowel mucosa. The patient was managed conservatively and is doing well under follow-up in a de-addiction centre.

A Child’s Acute Intestinal Intussusception and Literature Review

Acute intestinal intussusception remains a surgical emergency in infants and young children aged 3 months to 3 years. It results from the incarceration of the upstream intestinal segment in the downstream segment. In the majority of cases it is idiopathic, but can be secondary to certain pathologies notably Meckel’s diverticulum. The site is most often ileo cecal. The symptomatological triad is made up of pain, vomiting, and rectal bleeding. The diagnosis is confirmed by imaging, dominated by ultrasound which remains the reference imaging. We report the case of a 3 year-old boy, followed for a malformation who presented with abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding. The diagnosis of acute ileo-ileal intussusception was made. After an attempt at hydrostatic reduction under ultrasound guidance, he underwent surgical management. The postoperative period was simple and uncomplicated. Intestinal intussusception remains a pathology with a low morbidity and mortality rate of 0% to 1% due to delayed diagnosis and delayed therapeutic management.

Lactobacillus plantarum IS-20506 Probiotic Restores Galectin-4 and Myosin-1a Expressions in Duodenum, Jejunum and Ileum of Lipopolysaccharide-induced Rats

BACKGROUND: Galectin-4 and Myosin-1a are important proteins for normal intestinal brush border structure and composition. Damage of these proteins by inflammation may alter digestion, absorption and barrier function. Probiotic has been widely known in maintaining gut health. However, the molecular mechanism of Lactobacillus plantarum IS-2056 probiotic in repairing intestinal brush border is not well defined. Therefore, current study was conducted by investigating the Galectin-4 and Myosin-1a expressions in a rodent model.METHODS: Male Wistar rats were induced with/without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and treated with/without L. plantarum IS-2056 probiotic. On the seventh day, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected and analyzed with western blot and immunohistochemistry for Galectin-4 and Myosin-1a expressions.RESULTS: Rats administrated with L. plantarum IS-2056 probiotic showed significant increase of Galectin-4 and Myosin-1a expressions in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared to the control group (p<0.05). While in control group, Galectin-4 level tended to increase in more distal of intestinal segment and Myosin-1a level tended to decrease in more distal intestinal segment.CONCLUSION: L. plantarum IS-20506 probiotic may facilitate the repairment of damaged intestinal brush border as demonstrated by significant restoration of Galectin-4 and Myosin-1a expressions in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of LPS-induced rats.KEYWORDS: Lactobacillus plantarum, IS-20506, probiotic, galectin-4, myosin-1a, duodenum, jejunum, ileum

The Effects of Short-Term Zinc Feeding on Zinc Absorption and Zinc Transporter Expression in the Small Intestine of Mice

Objectives Zinc homeostasis is primarily maintained by zinc transporters that regulate zinc uptake and efflux in the small intestine; however, no study to date has comprehensively examined zinc transporter expression in the small intestine of mice fed varying levels of dietary zinc. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of zinc absorption and zinc transporter expression in the small intestine of mice fed varying levels of zinc for one week. Methods Seven-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were randomized to either a standard AIN-93 G diet containing 30 ppm zinc (zinc adequate) or modified AIN-93 G diets containing &lt;1 ppm (zinc deficient) or 100 ppm zinc (zinc supplemented) for one week (n = 5–10/diet). Mice were given an oral gavage containing a slurry of zinc deficient feed and 10 μg 67 Zn; plasma isotope appearance was determined 6-h later by ICP-MS. Gene expression of Slc39a1–14 and Slc30a1–10 was determined in each intestinal segment (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) by RT-qPCR. Results Plasma and liver zinc concentrations were not different after one week of feeding (P &gt; 0.05 for both). Plasma appearance of 67 Zn was greater in mice fed the zinc deficient (mean ± SD: 0.36 ± 0.03 ng/mL) compared to the zinc adequate (0.22 ± 0.03 ng/mL) and zinc supplemented (0.22 ± 0.03 ng/mL, P &lt; 0.0001 for both) diets. With the exception of Slc39a12, Slc30a3, and Slc30a8, the remaining zinc transporters were expressed across all diets and intestinal segments. Expression of Slc39a1, Slc39a4, Slc39a5, Slc39a7, Slc39a9, Slc39a11, Slc39a14, Slc30a2, Slc30a4, Slc30a5, Slc30a6, and Slc30a9 changed with diet (Pdiet &lt; 0.05 for all); expression of Slc39a3, Slc39a7, Slc39a9 and Slc30a5 changed by intestinal segment (Psegment &lt; 0.05 for all). Of those transporters expressed, Slc39a4 was positively associated with plasma appearance of 67 Zn (r = 0.645, P &lt; 0.0001) and increased 7-fold in mice consuming the zinc deficient diet compared to the zinc adequate and zinc supplemented diets (P &lt; 0.0001 for both). Conclusions Although most zinc transporters are expressed in the small intestine and likely function in concert, fluctuations in fractional zinc absorption are positively correlated with Slc39a4 expression in the small intestine. Funding Sources The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not reflect official policy of the Army, DoD, or US Government. Supported by MRDC.

Grass as a linear gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction in four dogs

Four dogs presented with linear gastrointestinal foreign body (FB) obstruction caused by impacted grass fibres. The material had become anchored within the pylorus in three dogs, causing necrosis and perforation of the mesenteric border of the affected intestinal segment. Gastrotomy and intestinal resection and anastomosis were performed. The fourth case presented acutely with no intestinal necrosis or perforation, with the fibres removed via enterotomy. One dog suffered severe postoperative ileus that failed to respond to medical management. Continued deterioration prompted euthanasia 12 days postoperatively. The other three dogs survived and were discharged without complication. Grass has not previously been reported as a cause of linear gastrointestinal obstruction in dogs. It has, however, the potential to cause severe necrosis and perforation of the intestine and should be recognised as a potential linear FB in dogs.