Drinking alkaline mineral water confers diarrhea resistance in maternally separated piglets by maintaining intestinal epithelial regeneration via the brain-microbe-gut axis

Multi-omics integrated analyses indicated that non-polysaccharides of Sijunzi decoction ameliorated spleen deficiency syndrome via regulating microbiota-gut-metabolites axis and exerted synergistic compatibility

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

As a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula to invigorating spleen and replenishing qi, Sijunzi decoction (SJZD) is composed of four herbs, which is applied to cure spleen deficiency syndrome (SDS) clinically. The non-polysaccharides (NPSs) of SJZD (SJZD_NPS) are important pharmacodynamic material basis. However, the amelioration mechanism of SJZD_NPS on SDS has not been fully elaborated. Additionally, the contribution of herbs compatibility to efficacy of this formula remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim was to explore the underlying mechanisms of SJZD_NPS on improving SDS, and uncover the scientific connotation in SJZD compatibility.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A strategy integrating incomplete formulae (called "Chai-fang" in Chinese) comparison, pharmacodynamics, gut microbiome, and metabolome was employed to reveal the role of each herb to SJZD compatibility against SDS. Additionally, the underlying mechanism harbored by SJZD_NPS was further explored through targeted metabolomics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, pseudo-sterile model, and metagenomics.

RESULTS

SJZD_NPS significantly alleviated diarrhea, disordered secretion of gastrointestinal hormones and neurotransmitters, damage of ileal morphology and intestinal barrier in SDS rats, which was superior to the NPSs of Chai-fang. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics analyses revealed that SJZD_NPS effectively restored the disturbed gut microbiota community and abnormal metabolism caused by SDS, showing the most evident recovery. Moreover, SJZD_NPS recalled the levels of partial amino acids, short chain fatty acids and bile acids, which possessed strong binding affinity towards potential targets. The depletion of gut microbiota confirmed that the SDS-amelioration efficacy of SJZD_NPS is dependent on the intact gut microbiome, with the relative abundance of potential probiotics such as Lactobacillus_johnsonii and Lactobacillus_taiwanensis been enriched.

CONCLUSION

NPSs in SJZD can improve SDS-induced gastrointestinal-nervous system dysfunction through regulating microbiota-gut-metabolites axis, with four herbs exerting synergistic effects, which indicated the compatibility rationality of SJZD.

Inhibition of the p62-Nrf2-GPX4 Pathway Confers Sensitivity to Butachlor-Induced Splenic Macrophage Ferroptosis

Butachlor is widely used in agriculture around the world and therefore poses environmental and public health hazards due to persistent and poor biodegradability. Ferroptosis is a type of iron-mediated cell death controlled by glutathione (GSH) and GPX4 inhibition. P62 is an essential autophagy adaptor that regulates Keap1 to activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which effectively suppresses lipid peroxidation, thereby relieving ferroptosis. Here, we found that butachlor caused changes in splenic macrophage structure, especially impaired mitochondrial morphology with disordered structure, which is suggestive of the occurrence of ferroptosis. This was further confirmed by the detection of iron metabolism, the GSH system, and lipid peroxidation. Mechanistically, butachlor suppressed the protein level of p62 and promoted Keap1-mediated degradation of Nrf2, which results in decreased GPX4 expression and accelerated splenic macrophage ferroptosis. These findings suggest that targeting the p62-Nrf2-GPX4 signaling axis may be a promising strategy for treating inflammatory diseases.

AQP1 Deficiency Drives Phthalate-Induced Epithelial Barrier Disruption through Intestinal Inflammation

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is frequently used as a plasticizer to enhance the plasticity and durability of agricultural products, which pose adverse effects to human health and the environment. Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) is a main water transport channel protein and is involved in the maintenance of intestinal integrity. However, the impact of DEHP exposure on gut health and its potential mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we determined that DEHP exposure induced a compromised duodenum structure, which was concomitant with mitochondrial structural injury of epithelial cells. Importantly, DEHP exposure caused duodenum inflammatory epithelial cell damage and strong inflammatory response accompanied by activating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Mechanistically, DEHP exposure directly inhibits the expression of AQP1 and thus leads to an inflammatory response, ultimately disrupting duodenum integrity and barrier function. Collectively, our findings uncover the role of AQP1 in phthalate-induced intestinal disorders, and AQP1 could be a promising therapeutic approach for treating patients with intestinal disorders or inflammatory diseases.

SLC7A11 as a therapeutic target to attenuate phthalates-driven testosterone level decline in mice

INTRODUCTION

Phthalates exposure is a major public health concern due to the accumulation in the environment and associated with levels of testosterone reduction, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the relationship between phthalate-induced testosterone level decline and ferroptosis remains poorly defined.

OBJECTIVES

Herein, we aimed to explore the mechanisms of phthalates-induced testosterone synthesis disorder and its relationship to ferroptosis.

METHODS

We conducted validated experiments in vivo male mice model and in vitro mouse Leydig TM3 cell line, followed by RNA sequencing and metabolomic analysis. We evaluated the levels of testosterone synthesis-associated enzymes and ferroptosis-related indicators by using qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Then, we analyzed the lipid peroxidation, ROS, Fe2+ levels and glutathione system to confirm the occurrence of ferroptosis.

RESULTS

In the present study, we used di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) to identify ferroptosis as the critical contributor to phthalate-induced testosterone level decline. It was demonstrated that DEHP caused glutathione metabolism and steroid synthesis disorders in Leydig cells. As the primary metabolite of DEHP, mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) triggered testosterone synthesis disorder accompanied by a decrease in the expression of solute carri1er family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) protein. Furthermore, MEHP synergistically induced ferroptosis with Erastin through the increase of intracellular and mitochondrial ROS, and lipid peroxidation production. Mechanistically, overexpression of SLC7A11 counteracts the synergistic effect of co-exposure to MEHP-Erastin.

CONCLUSION

Our research results suggest that MEHP does not induce ferroptosis but synergizes Erastin-induced ferroptosis. These findings provide evidence for the role of ferroptosis in phthalates-induced testosterone synthesis disorder and point to SLC7A11 as a potential target for male reproductive diseases. This study established a correlation between ferroptosis and phthalates cytotoxicity, providing a novel view point for mitigating the issue of male reproductive disease and "The Global Plastic Toxicity Debt".

Effects of dietary supplementation with alkaline mineral complex on in vitro ruminal fermentation and bacterial composition

Introduction

Dairy industry growth faces challenges in China due to inadequate forage, leading to high-concentrate diets and potential rumen issues. Buffering agents, like sodium bicarbonate, play a crucial role in stabilizing rumen pH. Alkaline Mineral Complex (AMC), a liquid additive with a pH of 14, shows promise in supporting dairy cow health and mitigating heat stress through ionization.

Methods

This experiment was aimed to study the effect of adding AMC to total mixed ration (TMR) on in vitro ruminal fermentation and bacterial composition. AMCat 1, 2, 4, and 8 mL/kg was added to the substrate (0.5 g TMR). Nutrient digestibility was measured after 48 h fermentation, and fermentation parameters and microbial composition were measured after 48 h fermentation.

Results and discussion

The results of the experiment indicated that: The different concentrations of AMC showed a significant impact on time taken for gas production to reach 1/2 of the total gas production (HT) parameters (p < 0.05). Linear pH increase occurs at 6 and 24 h with rising AMC concentration (p < 0.05), showing a quadratic trend at 12 h (p < 0.05). The optimal buffering effect on rumen acid-base balance was observed at a 2 mL/kg concentration of AMC. Microbial diversity analysis indicated that there was no significant change in α-diversity with different AMC concentrations (p > 0.05). The microbial level demonstrated no significant difference in species diversity of rumen fluid bacteria among the various AMC concentration treatment groups compared to the control group, further supporting that the advantage of adding AMC in stabilizing the rumen environment without altering the structure of the rumen microbiota. Besides, the addition of AMC significantly increased the concentrations of acetate, propionate, total fatty acids (TVFA), and NH3-N, suggesting that AMC contributed to enhancing the energy and nitrogen utilization efficiency in ruminants. Based on the above detection indicators, we recommend that the most favorable concentration is 2 mL/kg.

Inhibition of mtDNA-PRRs pathway-mediated sterile inflammation by astragalus polysaccharide protects against transport stress-induced cardiac injury in chicks

Transport stress (TS) not only weakens poultry performance but also affects animal welfare. Additionally, TS can evoke cardiac damage by triggering sterile inflammation in chicks, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we aimed to elucidate how TS induces sterile inflammation and heart injury and to clarify the antagonism effect of astragalus polysaccharides (APS). We randomly divided 60 chicks (one-day-old female) into 5 groups (n = 12): Control_0h (Con_0h) group (chicks were slaughtered at initiation), Control group (stress-free control), TS group (simulated TS exposure for 8 h), TS plus water (TS+W) group, and TS plus APS (TS+APS) group. Before simulation transport, the chicks of TS+W and TS+APS groups were, respectively, dietary with 100 μL of water or APS (250 μg/mL). H&E staining was employed for cardiac histopathological observation. ELISA assay was used to measure oxidative stress marker levels (GSH, GPX, GST, and MDA). A commercial kit was used to isolate the mitochondrial portion, and qRT-PCR was employed to measure the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels. Furthermore, we evaluated the activity of mtDNA-mediated NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, and cGAS-STING inflammatory pathways and the expression of downstream inflammatory factors by Western Blotting or qRT-PCR. Our findings revealed that APS notably relieved TS-induced myocardial histopathological lesions and infiltrations. Likewise, the decrease in proinflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and IFN-β by APS further supported this result. Meanwhile, TS caused severe oxidative stress in the chick heart, as evidenced by decreased antioxidant enzymes and increased MDA. Importantly, APS prevented mtDNA stress and leakage by reducing oxidative stress. Interestingly, TS-induced mtDNA leakage caused a series of inflammation events via mtDNA-PRRs pathways, including TLR21-NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, and cGAS-STING signaling. Encouragingly, all these adverse changes related to inflammation events induced by mtDNA-PRRs activation were all relieved by APS treatment. In summary, our findings provide the first evidence that inhibition of mtDNA-PRRs pathway-mediated sterile inflammation by APS could protect against TS-induced cardiac damage in chicks.

Phthalates Induce Neurotoxicity by Disrupting the Mfn2-PERK Axis-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum-Mitochondria Interaction

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), as the most common phthalate, has been extensively used as a plasticizer to improve the plasticity of agricultural products, which pose severe harm to human health. Mitochondrial dynamics and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis are indispensable for maintaining mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM) integrity. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of DEHP on the nervous system and its association with the ER-mitochondria interaction. Here, we showed that DEHP caused morphological changes, motor deficits, cognitive impairments, and blood-brain barrier disruption in the brain. DEHP triggered ER stress, which is mainly mediated by protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) signaling. Moreover, DEHP-induced mitofusin-2 (Mfn2) downregulation results in imbalance of the mitochondrial dynamics. Interestingly, DEHP exposure impaired MAMs by inhibiting the Mfn2-PERK interaction. Above all, this study elucidates the disruption of the Mfn2-PERK axis-mediated ER-mitochondria interaction as a phthalate-induced neurotoxicity that could be potentially developed as a novel therapy for neurological diseases.

Role of the GLP2-Wnt1 axis in silicon-rich alkaline mineral water maintaining intestinal epithelium regeneration in piglets under early-life stress

Stress-induced intestinal epithelial injury (IEI) and a delay in repair in infancy are predisposing factors for refractory gut diseases in adulthood, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Hence, it is necessary to develop appropriate mitigation methods for mammals when experiencing early-life stress (ELS). Weaning, as we all know, is a vital procedure that all mammalian newborns, including humans, must go through. Maternal separation (MS) stress in infancy (regarded as weaning stress in animal science) is a commonly used ELS paradigm. Drinking silicon-rich alkaline mineral water (AMW) has a therapeutic effect on enteric disease, but the specific mechanisms involved have not been reported. Herein, we discover the molecular mechanism by which silicon-rich AMW repairs ELS-induced IEI by maintaining intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation and differentiation through the glucagon-like peptide (GLP)2-Wnt1 axis. Mechanistic study showed that silicon-rich AMW activates GLP2-dependent Wnt1/β-catenin pathway, and drives ISC proliferation and differentiation by stimulating Lgr5+ ISC cell cycle passage through the G1-S-phase checkpoint, thereby maintaining intestinal epithelial regeneration and IEI repair. Using GLP2 antagonists (GLP23-33) and small interfering RNA (SiWnt1) in vitro, we found that the GLP2-Wnt1 axis is the target of silicon-rich AMW to promote intestinal epithelium regeneration. Therefore, silicon-rich AMW maintains intestinal epithelium regeneration through the GLP2-Wnt1 axis in piglets under ELS. Our research contributes to understanding the mechanism of silicon-rich AMW promoting gut epithelial regeneration and provides a new strategy for the alleviation of ELS-induced IEI.

The ROS/SIRT1/STAR axis as a target for melatonin ameliorating atrazine-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and steroid disorders in granulosa cells

The granulosa cells (GCs) of birds are essential for the reproduction and maintenance of populations in nature. Atrazine (ATR) is a potent endocrine disruptor that can interfere with reproductive function in females and Diaminochlorotriazine (DACT) is the primary metabolite of ATR in the organism. Melatonin (MT) is an endogenous hormone with antioxidant properties that plays a crucial role in development of animal germ cells. However, how ATR causes mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal secretion of steroid hormones, and whether MT prevents ATR-induced female reproductive toxicity remains unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effect of MT against ATR-induced female reproduction. In the present study, the GCs of quail were divided into 6 groups, as follows: C (Serum-free medium), MT (10 µM MT), A250 (250 µM ATR), MA250 (10 µM MT+250 µM ATR), D200 (200 µM DACT) and MD200 (10 µM MT+200 µM DACT), and were cultured for 24 h. The results revealed that ATR prevented GCs proliferation and decreased cell differentiation. ATR caused oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to disruption of steroid synthesis, which posed a severe risk to GC's function. However, MT supplements reversed these changes. Mechanistically, our study exhibited that the ROS/SIRT1/STAR axis as a target for MT to ameliorate ATR-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and steroid disorders in GCs, which provides new insights into the role of MT in ATR-induced reproductive capacity and species conservation in birds.

New methods to unveil host-microbe interaction mechanisms along the microbiota-gut-brain-axis

Links between the gut microbiota and human health have been supported throughout numerous studies, such as the development of neurological disease disorders. This link is referred to as the "microbiota-gut-brain axis" and is the focus of an emerging field of research. Microbial-derived metabolites and gut and neuro-immunological metabolites regulate this axis in health and many diseases. Indeed, assessing these signals, whether induced by microbial metabolites or neuro-immune mediators, could significantly increase our knowledge of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. However, this will require the development of appropriate techniques and potential models. Methods for studying the induced signals originating from the microbiota remain crucial in this field. This review discusses the methods and techniques available for studies of microbiota-gut-brain interactions. We highlight several much-debated elements of these methodologies, including the widely used in vivo and in vitro models, their implications, and perspectives in the field based on a systematic review of PubMed. Applications of various animal models (zebrafish, mouse, canine, rat, rabbit) to microbiota-gut-brain axis research with practical examples of in vitro methods and innovative approaches to studying gut-brain communications are highlighted. In particular, we extensively discuss the potential of "organ-on-a-chip" devices and their applications in this field. Overall, this review sheds light on the most widely used models and methods, guiding researchers in the rational choice of strategies for studies of microbiota-gut-brain interactions.

Effects of alkaline mineral complex supplementation on production performance, serum variables, and liver transcriptome in calves

Calf diarrhea causes huge economic losses to livestock due to its high incidence and mortality rates. Alkaline mineral complex water is an alkaline solution containing silicon, sodium, potassium, zinc, and germanium, and has biological benefits and therapeutic effects. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of alkaline mineral complex water supplementation on the health of calves and to investigate the effect of Alkaline mineral complex water supplementation on neonatal calf serum variables and the liver transcriptome. Sixty Holstein calves (age 1.88 ± 0.85 days, weight 36.63 ± 3.34 kg) were selected and randomly divided into two groups: the T group (treatment group with alkaline mineral complex water supplemented during the experiment) and C group (control group without alkaline mineral complex water supplementation). Alkaline mineral complex water supplementation significantly increased the body weight for calves aged 60 d and average daily gain during the experimental period (1-60 d). In addition, Alkaline mineral complex water supplementation could significantly decrease the diarrhea rate for calves aged 16-30 d, enhance the T-AOC, IgG, IGF-1, and IGFBP-2 in concentrations. The results of KEGG enrichment analysis in transcriptomics indicate that Alkaline mineral complex water supplementation inhibited the target IL-1B gene of the NF-kappa B signaling pathway of liver. Alkaline mineral complex water supplementation decreased calf diarrhea and improved partial immune function, anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant capacity, and health of calves. Alkaline mineral complex is a candidate to replace medicated feed additives. Alkaline mineral complex waterAlkaline mineral complex waterAlkaline mineral complex waterAlkaline mineral complex waterAlkaline mineral complex waterAlkaline mineral complex waterAlkaline mineral complex water.