1. |
- Bull, Cecilia, 1977, et al.
(author)
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A novel mouse model of radiation-induced cancer survivorship diseases of the gut
- 2017
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In: American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 1522-1547 .- 0193-1857. ; 313:5, s. G456-G466
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A deeper understanding of the radiation-induced pathophysiological processes that develop in the gut is imperative to prevent, alleviate, or eliminate cancer survivorship diseases after radiotherapy to the pelvic area. Most rodent models of high-dose gastrointestinal radiation injury are limited by high mortality. We therefore established a model that allows for the delivering of radiation in fractions at high doses while maintaining long-term survival. Adult male C57/BL6 mice were exposed to small-field irradiation, restricted to 1.5 cm of the colorectum using a linear accelerator. Each mouse received 6 or 8 Gy, two times daily in 12-h intervals in two, three, or four fractions. Acute cell death was examined at 4.5 h postirradiation and histological changes at 6 wk postirradiation. Another group was given four fractions of 8 Gy and followed over time for development of visible symptoms. Irradiation caused immediate cell death, mainly limited to the colorectum. At 6 wk postirradiation, several crypts displayed signs of radiation-induced degeneration. The degenerating crypts were seen alongside crypts that appeared perfectly healthy. Crypt survival was reduced after the fourth fraction regardless of dose, whereas the number of macrophages increased. Angiogenesis was induced, likely as a compensatory mechanism for hypoxia. Four months postirradiation, mice began to show radiation-induced symptoms, and histological examination revealed an extensive crypt loss and fibrosis. Our model is uniquely suitable for studying the long-term trajectory and underlying mechanisms of radiation-induced gastrointestinal injury. NEW & NOTEWORTHY A novel mouse model for studying the long-term trajectory of radiation-induced gut injury. The method allows for the use of high doses and multiple fractions, with minor impact on animal health for at least 3 mo. Crypt loss and a slow progression of fibrosis is observed. Crypt degeneration is a process restricted to isolated crypts. Crypt degeneration is presented as a convenient proxy endpoint for long-term radiation-induced gut injury.
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2. |
- Doeltgen, Sebastian H., et al.
(author)
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Remifentanil alters sensory neuromodulation of swallowing in healthy volunteers : Quantification by a novel pressure-impedance analysis
- 2016
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In: American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. - Bethesda, USA : American Physiological Society. - 0193-1857 .- 1522-1547. ; 310:11, s. G1176-G1182
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Exposure to remifentanil contributes to an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration, likely through reduced pharyngeal contractile vigour and diminished bolus propulsion during swallowing. Here, we employed a novel high resolution pressure-flow analysis to quantify the biomechanical changes across the upper esophageal sphincter (UES). Eleven healthy young participants (mean age 23.3±3.1 years, 7 male) received remifentanil via intravenous target controlled infusion with an effect-site concentration of 3 ng/ml. Before and 30 min following commencement of remifentanil administration, participants performed ten 10 ml saline swallows while pharyngo-esophageal manometry and electrical impedance data were recorded using a 4.2 mm diameter catheter housing 36 circumferential pressure sensors. Remifentanil significantly shortened the time period of UES opening (p<0.001) and increased residual UES pressure (p=0.003). At the level of the hypopharynx, remifentanil significantly shortened the time latency from maximum bolus distension to peak contraction (p=0.004) and significantly increased intrabolus distension pressure (p=0.024). Novel mechanical states analysis revealed that the latencies between the different phases of the stereotypical UES relaxation sequence were shortened by remifentanil. Reduced duration of bolus flow during shortened UES opening in concert with increased hypopharyngeal distension pressures are mechanically consistent with increased flow resistance due to a more rapid bolus flow rate. These biomechanical changes are congruent with modification of the physiologic neuro-regulatory mechanism governing accommodation to bolus volume.
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3. |
- Gorreja, Frida, et al.
(author)
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The developmentally regulated fetal enterocyte gene, ZP4, mediates anti-inflammation by the symbiotic bacterial surface factor polysaccharide A on Bacteroides fragilis
- 2019
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In: American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 0193-1857 .- 1522-1547. ; 317:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Initial colonizing bacteria play a critical role in completing the development of the immune system in the gastrointestinal tract of infants. Yet, the interaction of colonizing bacterial organisms with the developing human intestine favors inflammation over immune homeostasis. This characteristic of bacterial-intestinal interaction partially contributes to the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating premature infant intestinal inflammatory disease. However, paradoxically some unique pioneer bacteria (initial colonizing species) have been shown to have a beneficial effect on the homeostasis of the immature intestine and the prevention of inflammation. We have reported that one such pioneer bacterium, Bacteroides fragilis (B. fragilis), and its surface component polysaccharide A (PSA) inhibit IL-1β-induced inflammation in a human primary fetal small intestinal cell line (H4 cells). In this study, using transcription profiling of H4 cellular RNA after pretreatment with or without PSA before an inflammatory stimulation of IL-1β, we have begun to further determine the cellular mechanism for anti-inflammation. We show that a developmentally regulated gene, zona pellucida protein 4 (ZP4), is uniquely elevated after IL-1β stimulation and reduced with PSA exposure. ZP4 was known as a sperm receptor-mediating species-specific binding protein in the initial life of mammals. However, its intestinal epithelial function is unclear. We found that ZP4 is a developmentally regulated gene involved with immune function and regulated by both Toll-like receptor 2 and 4. Knockdown of ZP4-affected PSA inhibited IL-8 mRNA expression in response to IL-1β. This represents an initial study of ZP4 innate immune function in immature enterocytes. This study may lead to new opportunity for efficient treatment of NEC. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study extends previous observations to define the cellular mechanisms of polysaccharide A-induced anti-inflammation in immature enterocytes using transcription profiling of enterocyte genes after preexposure to polysaccharide A before an inflammatory stimulus with IL-1β.
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4. |
- Johansson, Maja, 1962-, et al.
(author)
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GR3027 antagonizes GABA(A) receptor-potentiating neurosteroids and restores spatial learning and motor coordination in rats with chronic hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy
- 2015
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In: American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 0193-1857 .- 1522-1547. ; 309:5, s. G400-G409
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the primary complications of liver cirrhosis. Current treatments for HE, mainly directed to reduction of ammonia levels, are not effective enough because they cannot completely eliminate hyperammonemia and inflammation, which induce the neurological alterations. Studies in animal models show that overactivation of GABA(A) receptors is involved in cognitive and motor impairment in HE and that reducing this activation restores these functions. We have developed a new compound, GR3027, that selectively antagonizes the enhanced activation of GABA(A) receptors by neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone and 3 alpha, 21-dihydroxy-5 alpha-pregnan-20-one (THDOC). This work aimed to assess whether GR3027 improves motor incoordination, spatial learning, and circadian rhythms of activity in rats with HE. GR3027 was administered subcutaneously to two main models of HE: rats with chronic hyperammonemia due to ammonia feeding and rats with portacaval shunts (PCS). Motor coordination was assessed in beam walking and spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze and the radial maze. Circadian rhythms of ambulatory and vertical activity were also assessed. In both hyperammonemic and PCS rats, GR3027 restores motor coordination, spatial memory in the Morris water maze, and spatial learning in the radial maze. GR3027 also partially restores circadian rhythms of ambulatory and vertical activity in PCS rats. GR3027 is a novel approach to treatment of HE that would normalize neurological functions altered because of enhanced GABAergic tone, affording more complete normalization of cognitive and motor function than current treatments for HE.
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5. |
- Kohler, A., et al.
(author)
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Portal hyperperfusion after major liver resection and associated sinusoidal damage is a therapeutic target to protect the remnant liver
- 2019
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In: American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 0193-1857 .- 1522-1547. ; 317:3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Extended liver resection results in loss of a large fraction of the hepatic vascular bed, thereby causing abrupt alterations in perfusion of the remnant liver. Mechanisms of hemodynamic adaptation and associated changes in oxygen metabolism after liver resection and the effect of mechanical portal blood flow reduction were assessed. A pig model (n = 16) of extended partial hepatectomy was established that included continuous observation for 24 h under general anesthesia. Pigs were randomly separated into two groups, one with a portal flow reduction of 70% compared with preoperative values, and the other as a control (n = 8, each). In controls, portal flow [mean (SD)] increased from 74 (8) mL.min(-1).100 preoperatively to 240 (48) mL.min(-1).100 g(-1) at 6 h after resection (P < 0.001). Hepatic arterial buffer response was abolished after resection. Oxygen uptake per unit liver mass increased from 4.0 (1.1) mL.min(-1) .100 g preoperatively to 7.7 (1.7) mL.min(-1) .100 g(-1) 8 h after resection (P = 0.004). Despite this increase in relative oxygen uptake, total hepatic oxygen consumption (Vo(2)) was not maintained, and markers of hypoxia and anaerobic metabolism were significantly increased in hepatocytes after resection. Reduced postoperative portal flow was associated with significantly decreased levels of aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin and increased hepatic clearance of indocyanine green. In conclusion, major liver resection was associated with persistent portal hyperperfusion, loss of the hepatic arterial buffer response, decreased total hepatic (V) over doto(2) and with increased anaerobic metabolism. Portal flow modulation by partial portal vein occlusion attenuated liver injury after extended liver resection. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Because of continuous monitoring. the experiments allow precise observation of the influence of liver resection on systemic and local abdominal hemodynamic alterations and oxygen metabolism. Major liver resection is associated with significant and persistent portal hyperperfusion and loss of hepatic arterial buffer response. The correlation of portal hyperperfusion and parameters of liver injury and dysfunction offers a novel therapeutic option to attenuate liver injury after extended liver resection.
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6. |
- Krattinger, Regina, et al.
(author)
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microRNA-192 suppresses the expression of the farnesoid X receptor
- 2016
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In: American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 0193-1857 .- 1522-1547. ; 310:11, s. G1044-G1051
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Farnesoid X receptor (FXR, NR1H4) plays an important role in the regulation of bile acid homeostasis in liver and intestine and may exert protective effects against certain forms of cancer such as colon carcinoma. However, the role of FXR in cell growth regulation, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis is still controversial. Similar to FXR, microRNA-192 (miR-192) is mainly expressed in the liver and colon and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of colon carcinoma. In this study, we investigated the extent to which FXR is regulated by miR-192. Two in silico-predicted binding sites for miR-192-3p within the NR1H4-3' untranslated region (UTR) were examined in vitro by luciferase reporter assays. Wild-type and mutated forms of the NR1H4-3' UTR were subcloned into a pmirGLO vector and cotransfected into Huh-7 cells with miR-192-3p. To study the effects of miR-192 on the expression of FXR, FXR target genes and cell proliferation, Huh-7 and Caco-2 cells were transfected with miR-192-5p and -3p mimics or antagomirs. In addition, the correlation between FXR and miR-192 expression was studied by linear regression analyses in colonic adenocarcinoma tissue from 27 patients. MiR-192-3p bound specifically to the NR1H4-3' UTR and significantly decreased luciferase activity. Transfection with miR-192 led to significant decreases in NR1H4 mRNA and protein levels as well as the mRNA levels of the FXR-inducible bile acid transporters OST alpha-OST beta and OATP1B3. Significant inverse correlations were detected in colonic adenocarcinoma between NR1H4 mRNA and miR-192-3p expression. In summary, microRNA-192 suppresses the expression of FXR and FXR target genes in vitro and in vivo.
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7. |
- Lehmann, Anders, et al.
(author)
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Intestinal SGLT1 in metabolic health and disease
- 2016
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In: American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 0193-1857 .- 1522-1547. ; 310
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- © 2016 the American Physiological Society. The Na+-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1/SLC5A1) is predominantly expressed in the small intestine. It transports glucose and galactose across the apical membrane in a process driven by a Na+ gradient created by Na+-K+-ATPase. SGLT2 is the major form found in the kidney, and SGLT2-selective inhibitors are a new class of treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recent data from patients treated with dual SGLT1/2 inhibitors or SGLT2-selective drugs such as canagliflozin (SGLT1 IC50 + 663 nM) warrant evaluation of SGLT1 inhibition for T2DM. SGLT1 activity is highly dynamic, with modulation by multiple mechanisms to ensure maximal uptake of carbohydrates (CHOs). Intestinal SGLT1 inhibition lowers and delays the glucose excursion following CHO ingestion and augments glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY (PYY) secretion. The latter is likely due to increased glucose exposure of the colonic microbiota and formation of metabolites such as L cell secretagogues. GLP-1 and PYY secretion suppresses food intake, enhances the ileal brake, and has an incretin effect. An increase in colonic microbial production of propionate could contribute to intestinal gluconeogenesis and mediate positive metabolic effects. On the other hand, a threshold of SGLT1 inhibition that could lead to gastrointestinal intolerability is unclear. Altered Na+ homeostasis and increased colonic CHO may result in diarrhea and adverse gastrointestinal effects. This review considers the potential mechanisms contributing to positive metabolic and negative intestinal effects. Compounds that inhibit SGLT1 must balance the modulation of these mechanisms to achieve therapeutic efficacy for metabolic diseases.
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8. |
- Li, M, et al.
(author)
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Changes in gluconeogenesis and intracellular lipid accumulation characterize uremic human hepatocytes ex vivo
- 2016
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In: American journal of physiology. Gastrointestinal and liver physiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 1522-1547 .- 0193-1857. ; 310:11, s. G952-G961
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- It is well known that reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) leads to an increased risk of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular mortality. The liver is a central organ for metabolism, but its function in the uremic setting is still poorly characterized. We used human primary hepatocytes isolated from livers of nine donors with normal renal function to investigate perturbations in key metabolic pathways following exposure to uremic ( n = 8) or healthy ( n = 8) sera, and to serum-free control medium. Both uremic and healthy elicited consistent responses from hepatocytes from multiple donors and compared with serum-free control. However, at physiological insulin concentrations, uremic cells accumulated 56% more intracellular lipids. Also, when comparing uremic with healthy medium after culture, it contained more very-low-density lipoprotein-triglyceride and glucose. These changes were accompanied by decreased phosphorylation of AktS473. mRNA levels of key regulators of gluconeogenesis in uremic sera-treated hepatocytes such as phospho enolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 and glucose 6-phosphate were elevated. We also found increased expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNA in uremic cells, along with high phosphorylation of downstream p53 and phospholipase C-γ1Y783. Thus our ex vivo data suggest that the uremic hepatocytes rapidly develop a glycogenic and lipogenic condition accompanied by perturbations in a large number of signaling networks.
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9. |
- Liu, Yong, et al.
(author)
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Resolvin D1 protects against inflammation in experimental acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury
- 2016
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In: American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. - : AMER PHYSIOLOGICAL SOC. - 0193-1857 .- 1522-1547. ; 310:5, s. G303-G309
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that may lead to multisystemic organ failure with considerable mortality. Recently, resolvin D1 (RvD1) as an endogenous anti-inflammatory lipid mediator has been confirmed to protect against many inflammatory diseases. This study was designed to investigate the effects of RvD1 in acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury. Acute pancreatitis varying from mild to severe was induced by cerulein or cerulein combined with LPS, respectively. Mice were pretreated with RvD1 at a dose of 300 ng/mouse 30 min before the first injection of cerulein. Severity of AP was assessed by biochemical markers and histology. Serum cytokines and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in pancreas and lung were determined for assessing the extent of inflammatory response. NF-kappa B activation was determined by Western blotting. The injection of cerulein or cerulein combined with LPS resulted in local injury in the pancreas and corresponding systemic inflammatory changes with pronounced severity in the cerulein and LPS group. Pretreated RvD1 significantly reduced the degree of amylase, lipase, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 serum levels; the MPO activities in the pancreas and the lungs; the pancreatic NF-kappa B activation; and the severity of pancreatic injury and associated lung injury, especially in the severe acute pancreatitis model. These results suggest that RvD1 is capable of improving injury of pancreas and lung and exerting anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of NF-kappa B activation in experimental acute pancreatitis, with more notable protective effect in severe acute pancreatitis. These findings indicate that RvD1 may constitute a novel therapeutic strategy in the management of severe acute pancreatitis.
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10. |
- Marchesi, Silvia, et al.
(author)
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Abdominal organ perfusion and inflammation in experimental sepsis : a magnetic resonance imaging study
- 2019
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In: American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. - : American Physiological Society. - 0193-1857 .- 1522-1547. ; 316:1, s. G187-G196
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) uses water as contrast and enables the study of perfusion in many organs simultaneously in situ. We used DW-MRI in a sepsis model, comparing abdominal organs perfusion with global hemodynamic measurements and inflammation. Sixteen anesthetized piglets were randomized into 3 groups: HighMAP (mean arterial pressure, MAP > 65 mmHg), LowMAP (MAP between 50 and 60 mmHg) and Healthy Controls (HC). Sepsis was obtained with endotoxin and the desired MAP maintained with noradrenaline. After 6 hours DW-MRI was performed. Acute inflammation was assessed with IL-6 and TNFα in abdominal organs, ascites, and blood and by histology of intestine (duodenum). Perfusion of abdominal organs was reduced in the LowMAP group compared to the HighMAP group and HC. Liver perfusion was still reduced by 25% in the HighMAP group compared with HC. Intestinal perfusion did not differ significantly between the study groups. Cytokines concentration were generally higher in the LowMAP group but did not correlate with global hemodynamics. However, cytokines correlated with regional perfusion and, for liver and intestine, also with intra-abdominal pressure. Histopathology of intestine worsened with decreasing perfusion. In conclusion, although a low MAP (≤60 mmHg) indicated impeded abdominal perfusion in experimental sepsis, it did not predict inflammation, nor did other global measures of circulation. Decreased abdominal perfusion predicted partially inflammation but intestine, occupying most of the abdomen, and liver, were also affected by intra-abdominal pressure.
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