Article
Microbiology
Georgia Saxami, Evangelia N. Kerezoudi, Evdokia K. Mitsou, Georgios Koutrotsios, Georgios I. Zervakis, Vasiliki Pletsa, Adamantini Kyriacou
Summary: The study showed that fermentation supernatants from P. eryngii mushrooms significantly increased the expression levels of tight junction genes in Caco-2 cells, demonstrating potential preventive effects. Additionally, down-regulation of all tight junction gene expression levels was observed when the cells were challenged with lipopolysaccharides.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kevser Nalbant, Semih Erden, Abdullah Yazar, Ibrahim Kilinc
Summary: This case-control study compared serum concentrations of occludin and zonulin in children with ASD and controls. The results showed that children with ASD had significantly lower levels of occludin compared to the control group. The decrease in occludin level was also associated with the severity of autism symptoms. These findings suggest alterations in epithelial barrier function in children with ASD and emphasize the importance of investigating the underlying mechanisms and potential treatment options.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Hao-Yu Liu, Fang Gu, Cuipeng Zhu, Long Yuan, Chuyang Zhu, Miaonan Zhu, Jiacheng Yao, Ping Hu, Yunzeng Zhang, Johan Dicksved, Wenbin Bao, Demin Cai
Summary: This study demonstrates that the human-derived L. reuteri strain 4659 confers protection against experimental colitis in young mice, potentially by providing a supportive protein-protein network for the health and function of the intestinal epithelial cells.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pawel Serek, Monika Oleksy-Wawrzyniak
Summary: The intestinal barrier, composed of cells, mucus, and microbiota, plays a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis. Disturbances in its tightness can lead to a range of issues, including systemic infections and autoimmune diseases. Zonulin, a protein found in epithelial cells, plays a key regulatory role.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lucas Heils, Martina Schneemann, Ralf Gerhard, Joerg-Dieter Schulzke, Roland Buecker
Summary: The study investigated the impact of Clostridioides difficile binary toxin (CDT) on the intestinal epithelial barrier and found that sublethal concentrations of CDT induced barrier dysfunction with increased permeability and redistribution of tight junction proteins. This suggests that CDT may contribute to diarrhea by compromising the intestinal barrier function.
Article
Allergy
Duygu Yazici, Eren Cagan, Ge Tan, Manru Li, Evan Do, Ozan C. Kucukkase, Abdurrahman Simsek, Muhammed Ali Kizmaz, Tugce Bozkurt, Tamer Aydin, Anja Heider, Beate Ruckert, Marie-Charlotte Bruggen, Raja Dhir, Liam O'Mahony, Mubeccel Akdis, Kari C. Nadeau, Ferah Budak, Cezmi A. Akdis, Ismail Ogulur
Summary: This study assessed the potential of biomarkers of epithelial barrier dysfunction in predicting severe COVID-19. The results showed significantly elevated levels of circulating bacterial DNA in severe COVID-19 cases, while serum bacterial DNA levels in mild cases were significantly lower than in healthy controls, suggesting tightness of the epithelial barrier as a predictor of a mild disease course. The study also identified potential early biomarkers and proteins associated with disease progression and mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuyao Chu, Yanrong Zhu, Yajing Zhang, Xiaojing Liu, Yilei Guo, Lan Chang, Xinming Yun, Zhifeng Wei, Yufeng Xia, Yue Dai
Summary: Tetrandrine can protect against intestinal epithelial barrier defects in colitis by promoting Occludin expression through the AhR/miR-429 pathway, suggesting its potential use as a barrier protector in the treatment of colitis.
Review
Cell Biology
Mohammad Ikbal Choudhury, Morgan A. Benson, Sean X. Sun
Summary: Active fluid transport between cells plays an important role in tissue morphogenesis, driven by directional transport of ions and osmotic gradients. The physics of this process is described by the osmotic engine model, also underlying cell migration. Recent experiments have measured the trans-epithelial fluid flux and hydraulic pressure gradient in various cellular and tissue systems. Hydraulic forces generated by active fluid pumping are crucial for tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. The analogy between cellular fluidic pumps and a connected network of water pumps in a city highlights the importance of optimal pump efficiency in a dynamic and adaptive transport network.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tao Wang, Panpan Wang, Wupeng Ge, Chao Shi, Gongnian Xiao, Xin Wang, Xin Lu
Summary: This study found that a multi-strain probiotics mixture could significantly inhibit tumorigenesis and inflammatory response, improve intestinal barrier function, and alleviate oxidative stress in azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced CRC mice by mediating gut microbiota.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Rui Wang, Malina Kuerman, Qingyu Cui, Xiaoying Tian, Yu Zhou, Huaxi Yi, Pimin Gong, Kai Lin, Zhe Zhang, Tongjie Liu, Lanwei Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the potential mechanisms of different probiotic strains in preventing intestinal barrier damage. The results show that Bifidobacterium bifidum FL-228.1 exhibits the best prophylactic effects in protecting against intestinal barrier damage. Further research suggests that FL-228.1 achieves this by enhancing the production of Muc2 and Cldn-4, inhibiting NLRP3 activation, and activating PPAR gamma and TLR2.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hanna Ilchmann-Diounou, Marie Buleon, Valerie Bacquie, Vassilia Theodorou, Colette Denis, Sandrine Menard
Summary: This study highlights the complexity of Intestinal Passage (IP) measurement, emphasizing that different methods could yield contradictory results. In the case of diabetic NOD mice, diabetic status was found to increase intestinal length and the concentration of FD4 in plasma, without affecting the IP of FD4. Additionally, the study revealed that diabetic NOD mice show changes in intestinal function without signs of intestinal inflammation.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Roberto Manzini, Marlene Schwarzfischer, Anna Bircher, Anna Niechcial, Stephan R. Vavricka, Kirstin Atrott, Silvia Lang, Michael Scharl, Marianne R. Spalinger
Summary: Supplementation of energy drinks appears to reduce intestinal epithelial barrier permeability and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, exerting an unexpected anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and in vivo. However, caution must be taken when translating these findings into the human situation due to potential limitations of the experimental approach.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Le Su, Yue Su, Zaiyong An, Ping Zhang, Qiulin Yue, Chen Zhao, Xin Sun, Song Zhang, Xinli Liu, Kunlun Li, Lin Zhao
Summary: The study showed that fermented Danshen using probiotics had better efficacy in attenuating symptoms of ulcerative colitis compared to traditional Danshen. This approach may be an effective treatment for UC in the clinical stage in the future.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Liu, Zizhen Gong, Jiefei Zhou, Junkai Yan, Wei Cai
Summary: The RNA binding protein Lin 28A is aberrantly increased in the intestinal epithelial cells of TPN rats, leading to sustained translational repression of Occludin and disruption of intestinal barrier function. This mechanism may involve Lin 28A directly binding to Occludin mRNA and repressing its translation through decapping enzyme 1A, contributing to the development of barrier dysfunction under TPN.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Blanda Di Luccia, Vittoria Acampora, Anella Saggese, Viola Calabro, Maria Vivo, Tiziana Angrisano, Loredana Baccigalupi, Ezio Ricca, Alessandra Pollice
Summary: The gut microbiota plays a positive role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis through various mechanisms. This study investigated the effects of molecules secreted by Lactobacillus gasseri SF1183 on HCT116 cells and found that these molecules can reversibly reduce cell proliferation and protect cells from apoptosis. Additionally, they enhance the barrier function between cells.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Francesca Crosta, Amanda Stefani, Francesco Melani, Paolo Fabrizzi, Andrea Nizzardo, Davide Grassi, Raffaella Bocale, Stefano Necozione, Francesca Lombardi, Vanessa Castelli, Arrigo F. G. Cicero, Annamaria Cimini, Claudio Ferri, Giovambattista Desideri
Summary: Regular dietary supplementation with bacopa, lycopene, astaxanthin, and vitamin B12 may be an effective dietary approach for counteracting cognitive changes associated with brain aging.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Francesca Lombardi, Francesca Rosaria Augello, Paola Palumbo, Elona Mollsi, Maurizio Giuliani, Anna Maria Cimini, Maria Grazia Cifone, Benedetta Cinque
Summary: This study explores the anti-fibrotic impact of two high concentration multi-strain probiotic formulations on TGF-beta 1-activated human intestinal colonic myofibroblast CCD-18Co. The results suggest that the soluble fraction of Vivomixx(R) formulation, but not VSL#3(R), can antagonize the pro-fibrotic effects of TGF-beta 1 on CCD-18Co cells, preventing all cellular and molecular parameters related to fibrotic phenotype. The differences observed between the two probiotics used in the fibrosis model may be due to the different number of strains in different proportions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vanessa Castelli, Mariano Catanesi, Margherita Alfonsetti, Chiara Laezza, Francesca Lombardi, Benedetta Cinque, Maria Grazia Cifone, Rodolfo Ippoliti, Elisabetta Benedetti, Annamaria Cimini, Michele D'Angelo
Summary: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, with triple-negative breast cancer being the most aggressive subtype. Targeting cancer stem cells could potentially improve treatment outcomes for triple-negative breast cancer.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Massimiliano Marazzato, Luigi Celani, Francesca Lombardi, Alessandra Piccirilli, Massimo Mancone, Vito Trinchieri, Francesco Pugliese, Claudio M. Mastroianni, Gabriella d'Ettorre
Summary: The probiotic formulation SLAB51 can reduce oxygen consumption and maintain blood oxygen levels in severe COVID-19 patients, potentially by reducing nitric oxide synthesis in the intestine.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Lombardi, Francesca Rosaria Augello, Serena Artone, Mitilda Karoli Gugu, Maria Grazia Cifone, Benedetta Cinque, Paola Palumbo
Summary: TMZ-resistance is a major limitation in the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM). COX-2/PGE2 system plays a role in GBM TMZ resistance, with a dose-dependent up-regulation of COX-2 expression observed in TMZ-treated cells. Combination of NS398 with TMZ can reduce cell proliferation, induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and prevent the up-regulation of COX-2, beta-catenin, MGMT, and SOX-2 in GBM cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Bonfili, Chunmei Gong, Francesca Lombardi, Maria Grazia Cifone, Anna Maria Eleuteri
Summary: Dysbiosis contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) by affecting gut microbiota, and oral bacteriotherapy with SLAB51 shows potential benefits in reducing AD progression and neuroinflammation. Chronic supplementation with SLAB51 enhances cerebral expression of HIF-1α and reduces the levels of PHD2, effectively counteracting the increase of iNOS brain expression and nitric oxide plasma levels. The results demonstrate an additional mechanism through which SLAB51 exerts neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in AD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vito Trinchieri, Massimiliano Marazzato, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Francesca Lombardi, Alessandra Piccirilli, Letizia Santinelli, Luca Maddaloni, Paolo Vassalini, Claudio Maria Mastroianni, Gabriella D'Ettorre
Summary: This study demonstrates that probiotic administration can alleviate hypoxic conditions and reduce the need for CPAP in COVID-19 patients.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Lombardi, Francesca Rosaria Augello, Paola Palumbo, Laura Bonfili, Serena Artone, Serena Altamura, Jenna Marie Sheldon, Giovanni Latella, Maria Grazia Cifone, Anna Maria Eleuteri, Benedetta Cinque
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the lysate from multi-strain probiotic formulation SLAB51 on the HIF pathway in an in vitro model of human intestinal epithelium and its protective role against lipopolysaccharide challenge. The probiotic lysate stabilized HIF-1 alpha through the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and the inhibition of NF- kappa B, NOS2, and IL-1 beta increase, thus protecting against LPS-induced inflammatory response.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fulvio Laus, Luca Laghi, Marilena Bazzano, Maria Grazia Cifone, Benedetta Cinque, Yaosen Yang, Andrea Marchegiani
Summary: Positive effects on animal health, feed efficiency, and milk's nutritional content have been found after oral administration of probiotics. This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary supplementation with high numbers of multispecies probiotic formulations on milk metabolomic profiles in donkeys. The results showed changes in metabolite concentrations and increased activity of alk-SMase and ALP after 30 days of probiotic supplementation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Rosaria Augello, Francesca Lombardi, Serena Artone, Alessia Ciafarone, Serena Altamura, Luisa Di Marzio, Maria Grazia Cifone, Paola Palumbo, Maurizio Giuliani, Benedetta Cinque
Summary: A polycomponent formulation (KARISMA Rh Collagen((R)) FACE, K) containing noncrosslinked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA), a human recombinant polypeptide of collagen-1 alpha chain, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) shows potential in improving functions of adult fibroblasts and counteracting the effects of oxidative aging. The formulation enhances cell proliferation, migration, and collagen production while reducing aging-associated damage and oxidative stress markers.