Search Results (653)

The present study investigated the effects of low-protein (LP) diets on growth performance, intestinal morphology, apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and jejunal amino acid (AA) transporter mRNA expression in heat-stressed Pekin ducks. A total of 108 fourteen-day-old male ducks were randomly allotted to three treatments, each with six replicates of six birds: a thermoneutral (TN) group fed a control (CON) diet, a heat stress (HS) group fed the CON diet, and an HS-LP group fed the LP diet. Ducks were maintained at 22 °C (TN) or 30 °C (HS and HS-LP) for 3 wk. The CON and LP diets contained 17.5% and 16.0% CP, respectively, with similar AA profiles. Compared with the TN group, the HS group showed reduced BW, ADFI, and ADG and increased F:G (p < 0.05). Compared with the HS group, the HS-LP group showed higher BW and ADG and lower F:G (p < 0.05), although BW and ADG remained lower than in the TN group. HS decreased villus height (VH), jejunal villus height-to-crypt depth (VH:CD) ratios, and goblet cell counts (p < 0.05). Compared with the HS group, the HS-LP group showed higher jejunal and ileal VH:CD ratios and lower ileal CD (p < 0.05), whereas VH and goblet cell counts were not restored to TN values. Although AID of CP and AAs did not differ between the TN and HS groups, the HS-LP group showed higher AID of CP and AAs than the HS group (p < 0.05). In addition, the HS-LP group showed lower PEPT1 and higher LAT1 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a reduction in dietary CP from 17.5% to 16.0% partially alleviated HS-induced growth depression and intestinal morphological impairment and was accompanied by increased AID of AAs and altered mRNA expression of jejunal AA transporters. Full article

Background: Intestinal barrier problems cause obesity and related health issues. We focus on treatments that fix the gut lining and change gut bacteria. Soy oligosaccharides (SOSs) are prebiotics. They change gut bacteria and help lower fats. The mechanism by which SOS affects high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity remains to be fully elucidated. Objectives: We want to see if SOS improves the mucus barrier in the gut by investigating how mucus is produced, modified and released. We hypothesise that SOS can reduce obesity and associated health problems by regulating mucus and gut bacteria. Methods: Accordingly, HFD-fed mice were used in this study. Results: The results showed that SOS alleviated HFD-induced weight gain and glucose disorders. It also enhanced the gut mucus barrier by promoting goblet cell differentiation and regulating mucus-related genes. In addition, SOS intervention was associated with increased abundance of potentially beneficial gut taxa. These bacterial changes were linked to better health measures. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that SOS confer metabolic protection against HFD-induced obesity, at least partially, by coordinately modulating the mucus–microbiota axis. Conclusions:These data suggest that SOS may alleviate obesity and related disorders by improving the intestinal mucus layer and gut microbiota. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease marked by a disrupted intestinal barrier and consequent aberrant immune responses. Pseudoginsenoside RT2, an ocotillol-type ginsenoside abundant in Panax herbs, represents a potential therapeutic candidate, yet its anti-ulcerative colitis efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate RT2’s therapeutic potential for ulcerative colitis through a parallel evaluation of pharmacodynamic efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties. Methods: The anti-ulcerative colitis efficacy and in vivo disposition of RT2 were investigated in a trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced rat colitis model. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was employed to delineate its pharmacokinetic characteristics and quantify its distribution in various tissues following oral administration. Results: Pharmacodynamically, RT2 demonstrated significant efficacy in the UC rat model by repairing the intestinal barrier (by promoting goblet cell regeneration and upregulating tight junction proteins and mucin) and restoring immune homeostasis (by correcting T-helper 17/regulatory T-cell imbalance and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines while elevating anti-inflammatory cytokines). Pharmacokinetically, RT2 exhibited rapid absorption, slow elimination, and high colonic accumulation, with concentrations in the inflamed colon being significantly higher than those in healthy rats. Furthermore, the biphasic concentration–time profile may account for its prolonged systemic residence time and enhanced local exposure. In summary, through parallel efficacy and pharmacokinetic studies, this work systematically reveals its characteristics as a therapeutic agent that exhibits high colonic accumulation and acts via barrier repair and immunomodulation. Conclusions: These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the development of RT2 as a novel gut-selective drug candidate for UC. Full article

Background: Airway mucus plugging is a key but long-overlooked mechanism of persistent airflow obstruction in both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Type 2 (T2) cytokines, particularly interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, drive goblet cell metaplasia, MUC5AC overexpression, and impaired mucociliary clearance, while eosinophil-derived products increase mucus viscosity and promote plug persistence. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted by searching PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to February 2026. Search terms included “mucus plugs,” “mucus plugging,” “biologics,” “dupilumab,” “tezepelumab,” “mepolizumab,” “benralizumab,” “IL-4,” “IL-13,” “MUC5AC,” “quantitative CT,” “functional respiratory imaging,” “asthma,” and “COPD.” Studies were included if they reported original data or systematic evidence on mucus plug quantification, biologic-mediated changes in mucus plug scores, or imaging modalities for mucus assessment in asthma or COPD. Editorials, case reports with fewer than three patients, and studies not available in English were excluded. Two authors (P.-V.M. and A.C.) independently screened titles and abstracts; discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and preclinical studies evaluating mucus plug outcomes and T2-targeted therapies were included. Reference lists of retrieved articles were hand-searched for additional relevant publications. Results: A recent systematic review identified multiple randomized controlled trials and observational studies that showed CT-assessed mucus plug scores go down with biologic therapies targeting the T2 pathway in asthma. Observational data extend this evidence to anti-IL-5/IL-5Rα agents. The VESTIGE trial provided the first functional respiratory imaging evidence of mucus plug resolution with dupilumab. In COPD, the BOREAS/NOTUS and MATINEE trials established the efficacy of dupilumab and mepolizumab in eosinophilic phenotypes; however, differences in inclusion criteria—particularly regarding FeNO thresholds and prior exacerbation burden—may explain divergent effects on lung function endpoints. Mucus plug outcomes have not been evaluated in COPD biologic trials. Quantitative imaging modalities, including HRCT mucus plug scoring, functional respiratory imaging, and hyperpolarized gas MRI, now enable objective assessment of mucus burden. Conclusions: Mucus plugging meets the definition of a treatable trait: it can be measured with CT scoring, it matters clinically, and it responds to T2 cytokine blockade. Adding mucus plug assessment to routine clinical evaluation, together with mucolytic strategies where needed, could move treatment decisions from empirical to biology-based across the asthma–COPD spectrum. Further studies are needed to confirm that mucus plug scoring works as a biomarker of treatment response in COPD and to test whether combining biologics with mucolytics improves outcomes. Full article

Background: Probiotics and medicine food homology are known to offer gentle approaches to prevent obesity, although it is difficult with such approaches to satisfy consumers’ requirements to lose weight quickly. The probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis 420 (B420) and Cordyceps militaris synergistically prevented obesity and related disorders in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. Methods: The synergistic effects correlated with improved gut integrity, diminished systemic inflammation, and enhanced glucose homeostasis. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that the bloom of the commensal Akkermansia muciniphila contributed to the synergistic effects by inducing a profound shift in HFD-induced gut microbiota disorder. Results: The bloom of A. muciniphila was significantly correlated with a boost in mucin 2 within the colon, achieved through increased goblet cell quantity and elevated mucin 2 expression. To reveal the collaborating pathway, we found that Cordyceps militaris did not promote the propagation of B420 in vitro or in vivo. Moreover, heat-killed B420 could not enhance the preventive efficacy of Cordyceps militaris against obesity caused by the HFD. Conclusions: The metabolites of live B420 and Cordyceps militaris-derived metabolites in the gut microbiota collaboratively promoted the production of mucin 2. Thus, our results reveal a mechanism by which a combination of probiotics and medicine food homology enhance their therapeutic effects against obesity. Full article

The olfactory system plays a crucial role in mediating fish behaviour, including reproduction. Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) is an important aquaculture flatfish species in Europe, in which reproductive dysfunction in captive males has been linked to potential alterations in chemical communication. Despite the expanded repertoire of olfactory receptor genes described for this species, detailed information on the cellular organization of its olfactory organs remains limited. This study provides a comprehensive histological, immunohistochemical, lectin-histochemical, and ultrastructural characterization of the olfactory rosettes of S. senegalensis across multiple life stages, including premetamorphic larvae, fry, juveniles and adults. Although the olfactory organs undergo substantial structural changes following metamorphosis, differentiated and functionally active olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) are already present in premetamorphic larvae. Subsequently, two epithelial regions were distinguished along the olfactory lamellae: a sensory epithelium containing abundant OSNs and supporting cells, and a nonsensory epithelium dominated by goblet and other secretory cells. Ciliated and microvillous OSNs were distinguished from 60 dph onward based on morphological and ultrastructural features and supported by immunoreactivity with CR, CB, Gγ8 and PGP. Crypt cells showed immunolabelling with S100, NSE and CYK8. Furthermore, lectin histochemistry revealed ontogenetic changes in epithelial glycoconjugates, with early diffuse binding patterns evolving into stratified and region-specific distributions. Overall, these results demonstrate the structural and functional complexity of the olfactory epithelium in S. senegalensis, significantly enriching the limited available morphological and neurochemical information on the species. Full article

An experiment was conducted in a commercial broiler farm to evaluate birds’ growth performance, intestinal morphology (IM), and total blood carotenoid levels when adding different inclusion rates of microbial muramidase (MUR) to broilers’ feed formula. A total of 336-day-old broilers from Ross 308 were assigned to three groups and were fed from day 1 to day 42. Treatment 1 (T1), the control treatment, was a basal corn soybean meal diet that followed Aviagen nutrient specifications; Treatment 2 (T2) was the control treatment + 350 g MUR per ton of feed; Treatment 3 (T3) was the control treatment + 450 g MUR per ton of feed. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), the feed conversion ratio (FCR), carotenoid levels (CLs), and IM from samples of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were evaluated on day 42. MUR significantly outperformed the control diet in terms of body weight (BW), resulting in BWs of 2513 g (p = 0.005) and 2463 g with T3 and T2, respectively, versus 2377 g with T1. Daily weight gain (DWG) was 58.77 g and 57.58 g in T3 and T2 (p = 0.0004), respectively, versus 55.54 g in T1. The Daily Feed Intake (DFI) on day 42 was higher in T3 compared to T1 (98.90 g p < 0.0001 versus 97.72 g). The morphology results show higher effects in the duodenum with T3 versus T2 and T1. In addition, the results were significantly higher in the jejunum when using T2 and T3 compared to T1. Goblet cells were not influenced by MUR use in the diets. The broilers’ blood carotenoid levels were significantly higher in T3 (1.75 mg/L p = 0.0026) compared to T1 (1.02 mg/L). These results shed light on broilers’ performance, intestinal health, and nutrient availability when using MUR at different inclusion rates in broiler feed for broilers raised under near-commercial conditions. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder with a high incidence of anxiety and depression. However, the underlying mechanisms of these symptoms remain to be fully elucidated. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of a 20% ethanolic extract of Petasites japonicus leaves (EPJ) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and depression-like behaviors. The physiological compounds identified in the EPJ were citric acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, fukinolic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucose-6″-acetate, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-acetyl)-β-glucopyranoside, and pedunculoside. EPJ significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis, as evidenced by improvements in body weight loss (87.41% vs. 76.02% in the DSS group), colon length (5.75 vs. 4.34 cm), intestinal permeability (52.80 vs. 163.01 μg/mL), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (0.24 vs. 0.67 U/mg) (p < 0.05). Histological analysis further confirmed recovery of goblet cells and attenuation of muscle layer thickening. EPJ also reversed DSS-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and contributed to the restoration of microbial homeostasis. Behavioral assessments showed that EPJ effectively ameliorated depression-like behaviors. EPJ improved antioxidant systems in colon and brain tissues by modulating malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. EPJ further upregulated tight junction protein expression and suppressed TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway activation in both colon and brain tissues. Moreover, EPJ modulated serum stress-related hormones, normalized hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, regulated the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway, and modulated tryptophan–kynurenine metabolism. Collectively, these findings suggest that EPJ exerts protective effects against DSS-induced colitis and depression-like behaviors. Full article

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is commonly performed to treat chronic rhinosinusitis and selected sinonasal tumors, yet postoperative complications such as neo-osteogenesis and restenosis remain frequent, largely due to impaired mucosal regeneration after extensive epithelial and bony tissue loss. Successful nasal epithelial repair requires a microenvironment that preserves cell viability, phenotype, and barrier integrity. Conventional culture substrates often lack physiological relevance or rely on animal-derived components, limiting translational applicability. In this study, we evaluated nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) hydrogel (GrowDex^®) as a xeno-free scaffold for primary human nasal epithelial cells (NECs). NECs isolated from healthy donor tissue were characterized by immunofluorescence and qPCR for basal, goblet, and ciliated cell markers. Cells embedded in NFC were assessed for viability, cytotoxicity, epithelial morphology, and barrier function. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and FITC-dextran permeability assays were used to quantify barrier integrity and compared with collagen- and polylysine-based controls. NECs cultured in NFC maintained high viability, stable epithelial morphology, and preserved subtype-specific marker expression without detectable cytotoxicity. NFC-supported cultures demonstrated enhanced barrier formation, indicated by higher TEER values and reduced paracellular permeability relative to controls, and sustained structural integrity during extended culture. These findings identify NFC hydrogel as a biocompatible, non-animal scaffold that supports functional human nasal epithelium regeneration and may contribute to advanced tissue engineering strategies for craniofacial bone repair. Full article

The gastrointestinal mucus barrier (GIMB) is a gelatinous structure consisting primarily of mucins, water, and cathelicidin. Such a structure is the first line of defense against pathogens in the intestinal cavity and acts an important environment for the survival and reproduction of symbiotic flora. Mucin is mainly synthesized and secreted by intestinal goblet cells, forming a slime layer with different structures throughout the intestinal tract. The process of mucin synthesis and secretion is regulated by many factors, and there are some differences in the physical and chemical properties of the GIMB among animal species. Furthermore, recent studies have shown a close relationship among the mucus barrier, gastrointestinal diseases, and tumors. Soybean agglutinin (SBA) is a major glycoprotein in soybean that is closely related with the detection, prevention, and treatment of disease and cancer. Current studies indicate a close relationship between SBA and the GIMB, particularly at the molecular level and through species-specific differences in mucin glycan structures. Existing evidence shows that these differences affect the binding affinity and antinutritional effects of SBA. The novel relations between SBA and GIMB may become new targets for disease treatment. Full article

Viral infections with gastrointestinal involvement remain a significant global health burden with limited therapeutic options. While probiotics show antiviral potential, their impact on primary human intestinal epithelial defenses is poorly defined. This study utilized human intestinal organoid-derived monolayers (ODMs), generated from the non-inflamed mucosa of patients with inflammatory bowel disease, to examine how Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis BB-12 (BB-12) and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) modulate mucosal antiviral pathways. Unlike conventional Caco-2 cells, ODMs preserved physiological cellular diversity and intact innate signaling. Expression of viral receptors and interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) was quantified by RT-qPCR, while the effector 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) was also assessed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Both probiotic strains modulated IFN-associated pathways; however, BB-12 induced a markedly stronger antiviral transcriptional response than LGG. Notably, OAS1 exhibited cell type-specific regulation; while goblet cells showed high basal levels, both probiotics enhanced OAS1 expression selectively in ileal enterocytes. Despite this shared effect, only BB-12 pretreatment significantly restricted Influenza A (H1N1) replication in ileal ODMs, whereas LGG did not significantly affect viral replication. These findings establish human ODMs as a superior platform for probiotic immunology, suggesting that BB-12 more effectively shapes epithelial antiviral “set-points” and highlighting OAS1 as a sensitive component of a broader antiviral program. Full article

Exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) occurs mainly by inhalation. Studies indicate that respiratory allergic reactions are induced by this pesticide. This study analyzed the effects of chronic inhalation exposure to 2,4-D in the trachea of rats. We exposed the animals during six months to three different concentrations of 2,4-D used for crop spraying. Animals exposed to low concentrations had an increase in the mast cells count, showing that this herbicide can cause allergic reactions in the airways. The tracheal epithelium thickness, the nuclear area and number of nucleolar organizing regions increased proportionally to the exposure concentration and in correlation with each other. These histological tissue changes correspond to epithelial hypertrophy and increased cell activity and multiplication, and show an adaptation to tissue damage caused by 2,4-D. There was a tendency for inversion in the mucus pattern to acid and a decrease in goblet cells in the groups exposed to 2,4-D, which alters the protective mechanisms of the respiratory tract. The 2,4-D induced adaptations in the tracheal epithelium associated with an increase in herbicide concentrations, which may compromise mucociliary function and predispose the epithelium to additional lesions over time. Therefore, it should be used with appropriate respiratory protection equipment to avoid injury. Full article

This study investigated the effects of compound microbial fermented feed on the growth performance, intestinal architecture, microbiota composition, and metabolic profiles of weaned piglets. Fifty-four weaned piglets were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups: a control group (basal diet), a 50% fermented feed group (T1), and a 100% fermented feed group (T2), for a 33-day feeding period. The results indicated that both T1 and T2 diets significantly improved final body weight and average daily gain (ADG), while decreasing the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) compared with the control (p < 0.05). Morphological assessment revealed that the T1 group significantly elevated the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and increased the density of goblet cells in the cecum and colon (p < 0.05). Multi-omics analysis indicated that fermented feed significantly reshaped the gut microbiota structure (p < 0.05), characterized by the enrichment of beneficial taxa, including Oscillospiraceae and Lachnospiraceae (p < 0.05), and the modulation of nucleotide and bile acid metabolism. Furthermore, correlation analysis identified significant linkages between the abundance of jejunal Oscillospiraceae and colonic/cecal Lactobacillus with growth performance, intestinal morphology, and key metabolites. This finding systematically elucidates the mechanisms by which compound microbial fermented feed promotes growth and intestinal health in weaned piglets via microbiota-mediated pathways, offering a robust scientific framework for the development of antibiotic-free nutritional strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that profoundly impacts human health. Conventional pharmacological treatments are associated with serious adverse reactions and toxic side effects. Consequently, the development of natural plant-derived biological agents for UC treatment is an urgent imperative. Methods: Utilising a Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis mouse model, with mice receiving low, medium, and high doses of water extract of Tibetan Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don extract (FCD), alongside a group receiving 5-aminosalicylic acid. The Disease Activity Index (DAI) was calculated, colon length was measured, histological scores were assessed, and histopathological alterations were evaluated. Inflammatory factor were determined by ELISA; mRNA and protein expression in colonic tissue was analysed by RT-qPCR and Western blotting; intestinal barrier-related proteins were examined by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry; and gut microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Research has confirmed that FCD alleviates symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice, specifically manifested by a slower rate of weight loss, reduced colon shortening, and decreased disease activity index. It has been demonstrated that the process under investigation exerts a beneficial effect on intestinal injury by means of a number of mechanisms. These include increased goblet-cell production, elevated IL-10 levels, and reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Furthermore, immunofluorescence detection, immunohistochemical analysis, and RT-qPCR results indicate that FCD maintains the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier by enhancing the expression of Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, and claudin-1 proteins and their corresponding mRNAs, in addition, FCD can regulate the gut microbiota and promote its diversity. Conclusions: Research indicates that FCD may exert therapeutic effects on ulcerative colitis (UC) by regulating intestinal barrier integrity and modulating the gut microbiota. These findings reinforce the idea that FCD could be used as a natural therapy to improve UC. Full article

Background: Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by tear film instability and ocular surface inflammation. Murine models based on environmental stress are widely used to mimic evaporative DED, although many focus on limited disease features. This study aimed to provide an integrated characterization of ocular surface alterations induced by chronic desiccating stress. Methods: Adult mice were housed in a Controlled-Environmental Chamber (CEC) with low humidity and increased airflow for up to 21 days and sacrificed after 14 or 21 days. Corneal damage was assessed by fluorescein staining. Conjunctival histology was evaluated for epithelial morphology, goblet cell (GC) size, and mucin composition. Complement fractions C3 and C5a were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Expression of inflammatory markers (Major Histocompatibility Complex, Class II, DR, HLA-DR; interleukin-1β, IL-1β; tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α) was quantified by Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR) in corneal and conjunctival epithelium. Results: Fluorescein staining revealed progressive corneal epithelial damage over time. Histological analysis demonstrated conjunctival epithelial alterations characterized by a significant reduction in GC size and in neutral mucin-positive GCs, consistent with mucin remodeling of the ocular surface epithelium. Increased epithelial deposition of complement fractions C3 and C5a was observed, while molecular analysis confirmed upregulation of inflammatory markers, including HLA-DR, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Collectively, these findings indicate that the model captures key pathophysiological components of DED. Conclusions: The CEC model reproduces major features of evaporative DED, including epithelial damage, GC remodeling, immune activation, and inflammation. As a non-invasive desiccating stress model, it represents a relevant experimental platform for studying ocular surface inflammation and for preclinical evaluation of therapeutic strategies. Full article