Morphological analysis of colon goblet cells and submucosa in type I diabetic rats submitted to physical training

Involvement of Intestinal Goblet Cells and Changes in Sodium Glucose Transporters Expression: Possible Therapeutic Targets in Autistic BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J Mice

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental syndrome with a complicated etiology and could be responsible for disrupted gastrointestinal tract microbiota. The aim of this work was to study intestinal samples from an autistic animal model (BTBR mouse strain) to better describe gastrointestinal alterations. We performed a morphological and biological evaluation of small intestine samples. In terms of morphology, we studied the goblet cells, cells of intestinal mucosal responsible for the production and maintenance of the protective mucous blanket. Alterations in their secretion may indicate an altered rate of mucus synthesis and this is one of the possible causes of gastrointestinal problems. In terms of biological evaluation, impaired regulation of glucose homeostasis regulated by sodium-glucose transporters has been suggested as an important component of obesity and associated comorbidities; therefore, this study analyzed the expression of sodium/glucose transporter-1 and -3 in BTBR mice to better define their role. We demonstrated that, in BTBR mice as compared to C57BL/6J (B6) strain animals: (1) The goblet cells had different protein content in their vesicles and apparently a larger number of Golgi cisternae; (2) the expression and level of sodium/glucose transporters were higher. These findings could suggest new possible targets in autism spectrum disorder to maintain mucus barrier function.

Prevention of excessive exercise-induced adverse effects in rats with Bacillus subtilis BSB3

Aims

To characterize efficacy of the Bacillus subtilis BSB3 (BSB3) strain in the prevention of excessive exercise‐induced side effects and in maintaining stability of the gut microbiota.

Methods and Results

Rats were pretreated by oral gavage with B. subtilis BSB3 (BSB3) or with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) twice a day for 2 days, and were either exposed forced treadmill running or remained sedentary. Histological analysis of intestine, immunofluorescence staining of tight junction (TJ) proteins, serum lipopolysaccharide and intestinal fatty acid‐binding protein assay, culture‐based analysis and pyrosequencing for the gut microbiota were performed for each rat. Forced running resulted in a substantial decrease in intestinal villi height and total mucosa thickness, the depletion of Paneth cells, an inhibition of TJ proteins expression. Short‐term treatment of rats with BSB3 before running prevented these adverse effects. Culture‐based analysis of the gut microbiota revealed significant elevation of pathogenic microorganisms only in treadmill‐exercised rats pretreated with PBS. High‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing also revealed an increase in pathobionts in this group. Preventive treatment of animals with BSB3 resulted in predominance of beneficial bacteria.

Conclusions

BSB3 prevents excessive exercise‐associated complications by beneficial modulation of the gut microbiota.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Our study shows a new application of beneficial bacteria for prevention the adverse effects of excessive exercise.