Experimental ulcerative colitis impairs antioxidant defense system in rat intestine

Dietary vitamin B6 supplementation alleviates heat stress-induced intestinal barrier impairment by regulating the gut microbiota and metabolites in broilers

Heat stress (HS) brings great challenges to the poultry industry. Vitamin B6 (VB6) is an essential micro-nutrient for animals to maintain normal physiological functions and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to explore the effect of VB6 on alleviating HS-induced intestinal barrier impairment in broilers. A total of 250 broilers (609.76 ± 0.34 g) were randomly allocated to 5 groups with 5 replicate cages of 10 birds each. The broilers in thermoneutral (TN) group were raised in thermoneutral conditions (23 ± 1°C) and fed with a basal diet. The birds in other four groups were housed under cycle high temperature (34 ± 1°C for 8 h/d) from d 21 to 35 and fed with the basal diet (HS group) or basal diet supplemented with 6, 12, or 24 mg/kg VB6 (HB-6, HB-12, HB-24 groups). The results showed that HS reduced the growth performance, increased ileum inflammatory cytokines levels, and impaired the gut barrier function (P < 0.05). Compared to the HS group, final body weight, average daily gain, and average daily feed intake, and the feed conversion ratio were improved by VB6 supplementation. The diamine oxidase, interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-18, IL-10, and interferon-γ levels were reduced by VB6 supplementation (P < 0.05). Moreover, VB6 supplementation linearly or quadratically enhanced villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio of duodenum and jejunum, and decreased crypt depth of duodenum and ileum. The mRNA expression of Occlaudin, ZO1, Mucin2, Mucin4, E-cadhein, and β-catenin were increased by VB6 treatment (P < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary VB6 altered the diversity and community of gut microbiota (P < 0.05). A total of 83 differential metabolites associated with the amelioration of VB6 were identified, which were primarily enriched in glycerophospholipid metabolism, caffeine metabolism, and glutathione metabolism pathway. Collectively, VB6 may improve the growth performance and intestinal barrier function of heat-stressed broilers by regulating the ileal microbiota and metabolic homeostasis.

HOXD10 regulates intestinal permeability and inhibits inflammation of dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis through the inactivation of the Rho/ROCK/MMPs axis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) has been identified as a severe inflammatory disease with significantly increased incidence across the world. The detailed role and mechanism of HOXD10 in UC remain unclear. In present study, we found that HOXD10 was lowly expressed in UC samples and was notably decreased by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration. Overexpression of HOXD10 dramatically ameliorated DSS-induced UC symptoms, including the loss of weight, increased disease activity index values, and the shortened colon length. Additionally, terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling and immunohistochemistry staining assays showed that HOXD10 overexpression suppressed cell apoptosis and facilitated proliferation of colon tissues after DSS treatment. Moreover, HOXD10 overexpression obviously suppressed DSS-triggered inflammatory response by decreasing the expression level of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Furthermore, overexpression of HOXD10 effectively restored the intestinal permeability, thereby alleviating DSS-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. Mechanistic study demonstrated that HOXD10 significantly reduced the activities of Rho/ROCK/MMPs axis in colon tissues of mice with UC. In conclusion, this study revealed that HOXD10 might effectively improve DSS-induced UC symptoms by suppressing the activation of Rho/ROCK/MMPs pathway.

Protective effect of Arum maculatum against dextran sulfate sodium induced colitis in rats

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine that is characterized by diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain and mucosal ulceration. UC is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, but long-term use of these drugs can cause adverse effects. Arum maculatum is used as a traditional treatment for digestive system disorders, but its use for treatment of UC has not been investigated rigorously. We investigated the possible protective effect of a methanol extract of A. maculatum against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced experimental UC in rats. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract were 32.919 ± 1.125 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 52.045 ± 7.902 µg rutin equivalent (RE)/mg, respectively. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for the extract was 105.76 µg/ml according to the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay. Effects of A. maculatum extract on UC induced by DSS were assessed both macroscopically and histologically. We also investigated effects of A. maculatum extract on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the oxidative stress index (OSI) in normal rats and rats with UC. We found that treatment with A. maculatum extract protected the colon against DSS induced UC in a dose-dependent manner.

Influences of wheat bran fiber on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal epithelium functions in Xiangcun pigs

Dietary fiber (DF) has long been looked as an essential "nutrients" both for animals and humans as it can promote the intestinal tract development and modulate the intestinal epithelium functions and the gut microbiota. This study was conducted to investigate the influences of wheat bran fiber (WBF) on growth performance and intestinal epithelium functions in Xiangcun pigs. Twenty Xiangcun pigs with 60 days of age were divided to two groups and exposed to a basal diet (BD) or BD containing 4.3% wheat bran fiber (WFD). WFD improved the average daily gain (ADG) and feed-to-gain ratio (F:G) (p < 0.01). Moreover, WFD lowered the serum triglyceride (TC), d-lactate, and malonicdialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, but significantly improved the glutathione (GSH) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p < 0.05). Interestingly, WFD observably improved the villus height (VH) and the villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C) in the small intestine (p < 0.05). The jejunal sucrase and ileal maltase activities were higher in the WFD group (p < 0.05). WFD markedly elevated the tight junction protein ZO-1 and claudin-1 expression levels in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05). The sodium/glucose co-transporter 1 (SGLT1), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), and fatty acid transport proteins 4 (FATP-4) expression levels in jejunum and ileum were also elevated under WFD (p < 0.05). WFD decreased the IL-6 impression level in the duodenum and ileum, but significantly increased the IL-10 expression levels in jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05). Moreover, WFD reduced the abundance of E. coli, but elevated the abundances of beneficial microorganisms (e.g. Lactobacillus and Bacillus) and the production microbial metabolites (e.g. propionic acid and butyrate acid) in the cecum (p < 0.05).

Restorative effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 on the gut microbiota, barrier integrity, and 5-HT metabolism in reducing feather-pecking behavior in laying hens with antibiotic-induced dysbiosis

The development of abnormal feather-pecking (FP) behavior, where laying hens display harmful pecks in conspecifics, is multifactorial and has been linked to the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Antibiotics affect the gut microbial composition, leading to gut-brain axis imbalance and behavior and physiology changes in many species. However, it is not clear whether intestinal dysbacteriosis can induce the development of damaging behavior, such as FP. The restorative effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 against intestinal dysbacteriosis-induced alternations need to be determined either. The current investigation aimed to induce intestinal dysbacteriosis in laying hens by supplementing their diet with the antibiotic lincomycin hydrochloride. The study revealed that antibiotic exposure resulted in decreased egg production performance and an increased tendency toward severe feather-pecking (SFP) behavior in laying hens. Moreover, intestinal and blood-brain barrier functions were impaired, and 5-HT metabolism was inhibited. However, treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 following antibiotic exposure significantly alleviated the decline in egg production performance and reduced SFP behavior. Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 supplementation restored the profile of the gut microbial community, and showed a strong positive effect by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins in the ileum and hypothalamus and promoting the expression of genes related to central 5-HT metabolism. The correlation analysis revealed that probiotic-enhanced bacteria were positively correlated, and probiotic-reduced bacteria were negatively correlated with tight junction-related gene expression, and 5-HT metabolism, and butyric acid levels. Overall, our findings indicate that dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 can reduce antibiotic-induced FP in laying hens and is a promising treatment to improve the welfare of domestic birds.

Effects of Equol Supplementation on Growth Performance, Redox Status, Intestinal Health and Skeletal Muscle Development of Weanling Piglets with Intrauterine Growth Retardation

Animals with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) usually undergo injured postnatal growth and development during the early period after birth. Equol (Eq), an isoflavan produced by gut bacteria in response to daidzein intake, has various health benefits. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether Eq supplementation can influence the growth performance, redox status, intestinal health and skeletal muscle development of weanling piglets with IUGR. A total of 10 normal-birth-weight (NBW) newborn female piglets and 20 newborn female piglets with IUGR were selected. After weaning at the age of 21 d, 10 NBW piglets and 10 IUGR piglets were allocated to the NBW group and IUGR group, respectively, and offered a basal diet. The other 10 IUGR piglets were allocated to the IUGR + Eq group and offered a basal diet with 50 mg of Eq per kg of diet. The whole trial lasted for 21 d. At the end of the feeding trial, all piglets were sacrificed for the collection of serum, intestinal tissues and skeletal muscles. Supplementation with Eq increased the average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), duodenal villus height to crypt depth ratio (V/C), jejunal villus height and V/C, but reduced the duodenal crypt depth in neonatal piglets with IUGR. Meanwhile, Eq supplementation elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the serum and duodenum and the activity of SOD in the jejunum, but lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the serum, jejunum and ileum of piglets with IUGR. In addition, supplementation with Eq reduced diamine oxidase (DAO) activity and the levels of D-lactate and endotoxin in serum, and the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level in jejunum and ileum, whereas the concentration of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and the mRNA levels of intestinal barrier-related markers in jejunum and ileum of IUGR piglets were increased. Furthermore, supplementation with Eq elevated the percentage of fast-fibers and was accompanied with higher mRNA expression of myosin heavy chain IIb (MyHC IIb) and lower mRNA levels in MyHC I in the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle of IUGR piglets. In summary, Eq supplementation can promote antioxidant capacity, maintain intestinal health and facilitate skeletal muscle development, thus resulting in the higher growth performance of IUGR piglets.

Possible Curative Effects of Boric Acid and Bacillus clausii Treatments on TNBS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are two chronic relapsing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Although there are several treatment options available to improve the symptoms of IBD patients, there is no effective treatment that provides a definitive solution. In the present study, we aim to investigate the antioxidative/anti-inflammatory effects of oral administration of boric acid and Bacillus clausii in a rat trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model. The effects of boric acid and B. clausii were examined in serum and colon tissues with the help of some biochemical and histological analyses. Elevated inflammation and oxidative damage were found in the blood and colon tissue samples in the TNBS-induced group according to the complete blood count (CBC), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, interleukin-35 (IL-35), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitric oxide (NO), and histological findings. Particularly, the highest IL-35 level (70.09 ± 12.62 ng/mL) in the combined treatment group, highest catalase activity (5322 ± 668.1 U/mg protein) in the TNBS-induced group, and lower relative expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase in the TNBS-induced group than the control group were striking findings. According to our results, it can be concluded that boric acid showed more curative effects, even if B. clausii probiotics was partially ameliorative.

Laying performance, egg quality, fertility, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzymes activity, gut microbiota, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, mucosal immunity, and cytokine levels in meat-type Japanese quail breeders fed different phytogenic levels

A total of 180 female Japanese quail breeders were allocated to 5 treatments with 6 replicates of 6 birds and fed a diet supplemented with 0, 125, 250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) in a 9-wk experiment. Egg weight, feed efficiency, shell breaking strength and calcium content, specific gravity, Haugh unit, and percentages of fertile eggs increased with increasing PFA levels (P < 0.05). Increasing of PFA levels increased nutrient digestibility, dietary AMEn, and activities of digestive enzymes in the pancreas and intestinal digesta (P < 0.05). Supplementation of PFA reduced Escherichia coli (P < 0.05), Clostridium spp. (P < 0.05) and Salmonella spp. counts (P < 0.05), while increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. counts in the ileal and cecal contents (P < 0.05). Dietary PFA increased jejunal villus height and decreased ileal crypt depth (P < 0.05). Serum diamine oxidase activity and D-lactate level were decreased with increase in PFA level (P < 0.05). Increasing PFA levels increased glutathione peroxidase activity in the pancreas, small intestine, and cecal tonsil, but decreased malondialdehyde contents (P < 0.05). Birds fed PFA exhibited increased levels of secretory IgA in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05), and increased the percentage of CD3+ T cells, ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T cells, and cytokine concentrations in the cecal tonsils (P < 0.05). In conclusion, PFA could improve gut health and nutrient utilization and, therefore, benefit productivity, egg quality, and fertility in quails.

Chlorogenic acid improves growth performance of weaned rabbits via modulating the intestinal epithelium functions and intestinal microbiota

This study was conducted to investigate the impacts of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on growth performance, intestinal permeability, intestinal digestion and absorption-related enzyme activities, immune responses, antioxidant capacity and cecum microbial composition in weaned rabbits. One hundred and sixty weaned rabbits were allotted to four treatment groups and fed with a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 400, 800, or 1,600 mg/kg CGA, respectively. After a 35-d trial, rabbits on the 800 mg/kg CGA-supplemented group had higher (p < 0.05) ADG and lower (p < 0.05) F/G than those in control (CON) group. According to the result of growth performance, eight rabbits per group were randomly selected from the CON group and 800 mg/kg CGA group to collect serum, intestinal tissue samples and cecum chyme samples. Results showed that compared with the CON group, supplementation with 800 mg/kg CGA decreased (p < 0.05) levels of D-lactate, diamine oxidase, IL-1β, IL-6, and malondialdehyde (MDA), and increased IL-10 concentration in the serum; increased (p < 0.05) jejunal ratio of villus height to crypt depth, enhanced (p < 0.05) activities of maltase and sucrase, increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of IL-10, T-AOC, MHCII and transforming growth factor-α, and decreased (p < 0.05) levels of TNF-α and MDA in the jejunum of weaned rabbits. In addition, results of high-throughput sequencing showed that CGA supplementation elevated (p < 0.05) microbial diversity and richness, and increased (p < 0.05) the abundances of butyrate-producing bacteria (including genera V9D2013_group, Monoglobus, Papillibacter, UCG-005, and Ruminococcus). These results indicated that dietary supplementation with 800 mg/kg CGA could improve the growth performance of weaned rabbits by enhancing intestinal structural integrity, improving the intestinal epithelium functions, and modulating the composition and diversity of gut microbiota.

The Interplay of Oxidative Stress and ROS Scavenging: Antioxidants as a Therapeutic Potential in Sepsis

Oxidative stress resulting from the disproportion of oxidants and antioxidants contributes to both physiological and pathological conditions in sepsis. To combat this, the antioxidant defense system comes into the picture, which contributes to limiting the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to the reduction of oxidative stress. However, a strong relationship has been found between scavengers of ROS and antioxidants in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models. ROS is widely believed to cause human pathology most specifically in sepsis, where a small increase in ROS levels activates signaling pathways to initiate biological processes. An inclusive understanding of the effects of ROS scavenging in cellular antioxidant signaling is essentially lacking in sepsis. This review compiles the mechanisms of ROS scavenging as well as oxidative damage in sepsis, as well as antioxidants as a potent therapeutic. Direct interaction between ROS and cellular pathways greatly affects sepsis, but such interaction does not provide the explanation behind diverse biological outcomes. Animal models of sepsis and a number of clinical trials with septic patients exploring the efficiency of antioxidants in sepsis are reviewed. In line with this, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were effective, and results from recent studies are promising. The usage of these potent antioxidants in sepsis patients would greatly impact the field of medicine.

Alterations in circadian rhythms aggravate Acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice by influencing Acetaminophen metabolization and increasing intestinal permeability

Acetaminophen (APAP) is the most common antipyretic and analgesic drug causing drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Alterations in circadian rhythms can adversely affect liver health, especially metabolic and detoxification functions. However, the effect of circadian rhythm alterations induced by environmental factors on APAP-induced liver injury and the underlying mechanisms are not well known. In this study, a mouse model of circadian rhythm alterations was established by light/dark cycle shift and then treated with excessive APAP. The liver injury indexes, APAP-related metabolic enzymes, and intestinal permeability in mice were evaluated by biochemical analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and histopathology. Results showed that circadian rhythm alterations resulted in increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione, and CYP1A2 and CYP3A11 mRNA expression, and increased serum diamine oxidase, lipopolysaccharide, and D-lactate in the mice. Compared with control mice, APAP induced higher serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, liver interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA, ROS and MDA, lower SOD, glutathione, and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases /sulfotransferases mRNA and more severe liver necrosis and intestinal damage in mice with alterations in circadian rhythms. In conclusion, circadian rhythm alterations by light/dark cycle shift resulted in increased oxidative stress and intestinal permeability in the mice and exacerbated APAP-induced liver injury by influencing APAP metabolization and increasing intestinal permeability.

Polysaccharides derived from Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza uralensis improve growth performance of broilers by enhancing intestinal health and modulating gut microbiota

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of polysaccharides derived from Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza uralensis on growth performance, intestinal health, and gut microbiota composition in broilers. A total of 480 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 6 replicates comprising 20 broilers each. Treatments included: basal diet without antibiotics (CON); basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg terramycin calcium (ANT); basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides (APS); and basal diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg Glycyrrhiza uralensis polysaccharides (GPS). The results showed that ANT, AP,S and GPS supplementation significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broilers from 1 to 42 d of age. At 42 d, serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels of the APS and GPS group were notably higher than those of the CON group, while serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in the APS and GPS group were obviously decreased. Moreover, diets supplemented with APS and GPS could significantly increase villus height (VH) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD) and remarkably upregulated occludin, claudin-1 and mucin-2 (MUC2) mRNA expression in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of broilers. In addition, 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that APS and GPS supplementation altered cecal microbial diversity and composition in broilers. Higher Shannon index was observed in the APS and GPS group compared with the CON group, while GPS supplementation could also increase Chao1 index and Observed species. The result of Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that microbial community in the CON, ANT, APS, and GPS group clustered separately. Notably, both APS and GPS supplementation significantly decreased the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Desulfovibrio, and Butyricicoccus, while increased the abundance of Firmicutes, Prevotella, Parabacteroides, Ruminococcus, and Alistipes. The correlation analysis showed that the changes in cecal microbial composition induced by dietary APS and GPS supplementation were closely associated with the alteration of the phenotype of broilers including ADG, FCR, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IgA, IgG, DAO, Occludin, Claudin-1, ZO-1, and MUC2. In conclusion, polysaccharides derived from Astragalus membranaceus and Glycyrrhiza uralensis could improve growth performance of broilers by enhancing intestinal health and modulating gut microbiota.

Effects of Catalase on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Intestinal Morphology, and Microbial Composition in Yellow Broilers

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of catalase (CAT) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology, and microbial composition of yellow broilers. Male Lingnan yellow broilers (360), aged 1 day, were randomly divided into control group (CON) (fed with a basic diet), R1 group (fed with basic diet + 150 U/kg catalase), and R2 group (fed with basic diet + 200 U/kg catalase). Each group had 8 replicates and 15 chickens in each replicate. The test is divided into the early stage (1–30 days) and the later stage (31–60 days). The results showed that compared with the control group, groups R1 and R2 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the weight gain and reduced (p < 0.05) the ratio of feed to gain in the early and the whole stages; prominently increased (p < 0.05) the concentration of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), the activities of CAT, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in livers, the activities of CAT and GSH-Px in serum, and CAT in the jejunum in the early and the later stages; markedly increased (p < 0.05) the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth of the duodenum in the early and the later stages, the villus height and the villus height:crypt depth ratio of the jejunum and ileum in the early stage, and significantly lowered (p < 0.05) the crypt depth of the duodenum (in the early and the later stages), jejunum, and ileum (in early stage); memorably (p < 0.05) increased the number of total bacteria and Bacteroidetes in ceca, as well as the number of Lactobacillus in the jejunum (p < 0.05) on the 30th; significantly (p < 0.05) increased the mRNA expression of junction adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2), mucin 2 (MCU2), and occlusal protein (occludin) in the duodenum in the early stage, and increased (p < 0.05) the mRNA expression of JAM2 in the jejunum in the later stage. Collectively, adding catalase (CAT) to the diet of yellow broilers can improve the growth performance and the antioxidant capacity, promoting the integrity of intestinal morphology, optimizing the composition of intestinal microorganisms, and upregulating the mRNA expression of tight junction protein.

Effect of amino acid blend as alternative to antibiotics for growing pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing arginine (Arg) + glutamine (Gln) replacing antibiotics on performance, immune response, and antioxidant capacity of pigs in the growing phase. One hundred fifty 63-d-old pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 25.0 ± 1.46 kg were distributed in a randomized block design, with three treatments and ten replicates. The three diets were control; antibiotic, control + 100 mg/kg tiamulin and 506 mg/kg oxytetracycline; amino acid, control + 10 g/kg Arg and 2 g/kg Gln. Dietary treatments were fed from 63 to 77 d. Following the treatment period, all pigs were fed the control diet from 77 to 90 d. Data were analyzed using GLIMMIX and UNIVARIATE in SAS 9.4. From 63 to 70 d, pigs fed diets with antibiotics had improved (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain (ADG), gain to feed ratio (G:F), and 70-d BW compared to those fed control or amino acid diets. From 70 to 77 d, including antibiotics in the diet increased (P < 0.05) ADG and 77-d BW. From 77 to 90 d, pigs fed control or amino acid diets had greater (P < 0.05) ADG than those fed an antibiotic diet. From 63 to 90 d, although pig performance was not affected (P > 0.05), growth curve of pigs fed the antibiotic diets was different (P < 0.05) from those fed the control and amino acids diets. At 70 d, serum tumor necrosis factor-α and diamine oxidase (DAO) were lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the antibiotic diet than the control diet, and pigs fed the amino acid diet had intermediate results. Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the amino acid diet than the antibiotic diet, and pigs fed the control diet had intermediate results. Serum immunoglobulin A was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the antibiotic diet. At 77 d, DAO and serum immunoglobulin G were lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the antibiotic diet. FRAP was lower (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the amino acid and control diets. Serum malondialdehyde was higher (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the amino acid diet than those fed the control diet, and pigs fed the antibiotic diet had intermediate results. At 90 d, antibiotics or amino acids did not affect (P > 0.05) serum parameters. Amino acid blend supplementation at the selected doses in this study did not positively affect growing pigs. Although from 63 to 77 d, antibiotics improved performance, when considering the overall study period, growing pigs did not benefit from a diet containing antibiotics.

Efficacy of a functional food ingredient from Ensete superbum Roxb Cheesman peel in reducing the severity of ulcerative colitis in murine model

Ulcerative colitis is a recurrent inflammatory illness of the colon with an elevated risk of developing colon cancer. The drugs presently used to treat UC cause adverse effects and are...

Protective effect of sialyllactose on the intestinal epithelium in weaned pigs upon enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli challenge

Sialyllactose (SL), one of the most abundant oligosaccharides present in porcine breast milk, has been implicated in many biological functions, including the prebiotic and immune-modulating effects.

Renovation of Intestinal Barrier by Polydatin in Experimentally Induced Ulcerative Colitis: Comparative Ultrastructural Study with L-Carnosine

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease associated with intestinal epithelial barrier impairment. Polydatin (PD), a natural product isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum, is known to have an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effect. We attempted to compare the protective impact of PD pretreatment on alterations to the intestinal epithelial barrier and the colonic wall's ultrastructure accompanying ulcerative colitis to other conventional drugs in practice, primarily L-carnosine, which has not been addressed before. The rats were divided into 5 groups; 3 of them were treated with sulphasalazine (500 mg/kg), L-carnosine (30 mg/kg), and PD (45 mg/kg). All groups were administered their respective drugs 3 days before the UC was induced by acetic acid intra-rectally, and the treatment was continued until the 11th day. The disease activity index (DAI) was estimated, and a macroscopic scoring was established for the harvested colonic tissue. The tissues were extracted and processed for hematoxylin and eosin staining, caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining, electron microscopy, and biochemical analysis evaluating proinflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6), myeloperoxidase (MPO), oxidative stress, and lipid peroxidation. Histopathological examination of colonic tissue showed that PD pretreatment effectively restored mucosal epithelial cells, intercellular tight junctions, goblet cells, and maintained the intestinal epithelial and endothelial barriers. PD suppressed MPO, proinflammatory markers, and malondialdehyde but enhanced superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels. It also hampered apoptosis, as evidenced by a reduction in caspase-3 expression. PD showed a significantly better response in preserving the intestinal epithelial barrier against acetic acid-induced colitis as compared to sulphasalazine and L-carnosine. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic role of PD for patients with UC.

Protective effect of sarsasapogenin in TNBS induced ulcerative colitis in rats associated with downregulation of pro-inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition considered by oxido-nitrosative stress and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that affects the mucosal lining of the colon. Sarsasapogenin (SG), as an active component, has been found in many plants, and it exhibits potential protective effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-psoriasis, anti-arthritis, anti-asthma, anti-depressant and anti-cancer. However, the effects of SG on UC remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of SG on 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced UC in rats.

METHOD

Thirty Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: (i) Normal control, (ii) Disease control (TNBS), (iii) Sarsasapogenin (SG) (50 µg/rat), (iv) Fluticasone (FC) (50 µg/rat), (v) Sarsasapogenin + Fluticasone (SG + FC) (25 µg/rat). UC was induced in rats by trans-rectal instillation of TNBS (10 mg/kg). SG, FC and SG + FC were administered for 11 days and on the 8th day colitis was induced. Several molecular, biochemical and histological alterations were evaluated in the colon tissue. All treatment group results were compared to the TNBS group results.

RESULT

The study results revealed that treatment of rats with SG and SG + FC combination significantly decreased the colon weight/length ratio, macroscopic inflammation score, lesions score, diarrhea score and adhesion score. Combination treatment in rats significantly reduced the production of biochemical parameters, proinflammatory cytokines, haematological parameters, serum IgE levels and restored the oxidative stress markers. SG and SG + FC treatment also considerably restored the histopathological changes induced by TNBS.

CONCLUSION

Thus, SG and SG + FC combination could alter the disease progression and could be a hopeful therapeutic target for the management of UC by reducing its dose in combination with FC to elude the long term adverse effects of FC.

Anti-Ulcerative Effect of Curcumin-Galactomannoside Complex on Acetic Acid-Induced Experimental Model by Inhibiting Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the mucosa and submucosa of colon. The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is related to reduced antioxidant capacity and increased inflammatory processes. Reactive oxygen metabolites are the potent inflammatory mediators that may be involved in tissue injury in inflammatory bowel disease. Conventional drug therapies for UC come with a myriad of side effects which further raise the need for natural bioactive agents. Curcumin has proven to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of a number of inflammatory diseases, but due its poor bioavailability, the therapeutic applications are limited. Thus, to enhance its bioavailability, a new formulation - curcumin-galactomannoside (CGM)- was made by complexing curcumin with galactomannans derived from fenugreek. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of CGM on experimental UC model. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: normal control rats (NC); ulcerative colitis control rats (UC); UC + sulfasalazine (SS) treated; UC + curcumin (CM) treated; and UC + CGM supplemented for 21 days. The colonic mucosal injury was assessed by macroscopic and histological examination, along with evaluation of antioxidant status, inflammatory mediators, and gene expressions. Administration of CGM significantly enhanced antioxidant activities and decreased the level of inflammatory mediators and also suppressed the expression of inflammatory markers as compared with other groups. In conclusion, findings from these results reveal that CGM exerts marked curative effects on acute experimental colitis, possibly by regulating the antioxidant status and modulating inflammatory cascade.

Fructooligosaccharides improve growth performance and intestinal epithelium function in weaned pigs exposed to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

To explore the protective effect of Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) against Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-induced inflammation and intestinal injury, twenty-four weaned pigs were randomly assigned into three groups: (1) non-challenge (CON, fed with basal diet), (2) ETEC-challenge (ECON, fed with basal diet), and (3) ETEC challenge + FOS treatment (EFOS, fed with basal diet plus 2.5 g kg-1 FOS). On day 19, the CON group was orally infused with sterilized culture while pigs in the ECON group and EFOS group were orally infused with ETEC (2.5 × 1011 colony-forming units). After 3 days, pigs were slaughtered for sample collection. We showed that ETEC challenge significantly reduced average daily gain (ADG); however, FOS improved the ADG (P < 0.05), apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), and ash and reduced the diarrhea incidence (P < 0.05). FOS reduced plasma concentrations of IL-1β and TNF-α and down-regulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in the jejunum and ileum as well as IL-1β and TNF-α in the duodenum. The concentrations of plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and secreted IgA (SIgA) in the jejunum (P < 0.05) were elevated. Interestingly, FOS elevated the villus height in the duodenum, and elevated the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the duodenum and ileum in the EFOS group pigs (P < 0.05). Moreover, FOS increased lactase activity in the duodenum and ileum (P < 0.05). The activities of sucrase and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) were higher in the EFOS group than in the ECON group (P < 0.05). Importantly, FOS up-regulated the expressions of critical genes in intestinal epithelium function such as zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), L-type amino acid transporter-1 (LAT1), and cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT1) in the duodenum and the expressions of ZO-1 and glucose transporter-2 (GLUT2) in the jejunum (P < 0.05). FOS also up-regulated the expressions of occludin, fatty acid transporter-4 (FATP4), sodium glucose transport protein 1 (SGLT1), and GLUT2 in the ileum (P < 0.05). FOS significantly increased the concentrations of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid in the cecal digesta. Additionally, FOS reduced the populations of Escherichia coli, but elevated the populations of Bacillus and Bifidobacterium in the caecal digesta (P < 0.05). These results suggested that FOS could improve the growth performance and intestinal health in weaned pigs upon ETEC challenge, which was associated with suppressed inflammatory responses and improved intestinal epithelium functions and microbiota.

An updated knowledge of Black seed (Nigella sativa Linn.): Review of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties

N. sativa (N. sativa) has been used since ancient times, when a scientific concept about the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of human illnesses and alleviation of their sufferings was yet to be developed. It has a strong religious significance as it is mentioned in the religious books of Islam and Christianity. In addition to its historical and religious significance, it is also mentioned in ancient medicine. It is widely used in traditional systems of medicine for a number of diseases including asthma, fever, bronchitis, cough, chest congestion, dizziness, paralysis, chronic headache, back pain and inflammation. The importance of this plant led the scientific community to carry out extensive phytochemical and biological investigations on N. sativa. Pharmacological studies on N. sativa have confirmed its antidiabetic, antitussive, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuro-protective, gastroprotective, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, and bronchodilator activity. The present review is an effort to explore the reported chemical composition and pharmacological activity of this plant. It will help as a reference for scientists, researchers, and other health professionals who are working with this plant and who need up to date knowledge about it.

Flos lonicerae flavonoids attenuate experimental ulcerative colitis in rats via suppression of NF-κB signaling pathway

This study sought to isolate active Flos lonicerae flavonoids and evaluate their anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects as well as investigate the molecular mechanistic action of these flavonoids in the rat model of ulcerative colitis (UC). Total flavonoids and three flavonoids (hyperoside, lonicerin, and luteolin) were isolated from honeysuckle and purified via column purification. Rat model of UC was established via 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) intoxication. The anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of the three flavonoids against TNBS-induced UC were evaluated by measuring appropriate biomarkers via assay kit. The effects of hyperoside, lonicerin, and luteolin on the regulation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway were investigated using Western blot (WB) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) while their protective effects on UC were also elucidated. Pretreatment with flavonoids (hyperoside, lonicerin, and luteolin at 25-100 mg/kg) and sulfasalazine (SSZ, positive control at 100 mg/kg) substantially attenuated TBNS-induced UC. Also, the flavonoids significantly reduced the levels of respective serum oxidative and proinflammatory markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), prostaglandins E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-beta (IL-β), and C-reactive protein (CRP). In addition, the flavonoids remarkably inhibited the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway. F. lonicerae flavonoids (hyperoside, lonicerin, and luteolin) demonstrated potent anti-UC activities in TBNS-induced UC rat model via anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway.

Oxidative and Epigenetic Changes and Gut Permeability Response in Early-Treated Chickens with Antibiotic or Probiotic

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the use of enrofloxacin and a probiotic containing Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strains in the first week of life of chickens on oxidative and epigenetic changes in molecules and intestinal integrity. The three treatments were as follows: the control group received no additive in the drinking water (GC); the second group (GP) received a probiotic preparation in the drinking water during the first five days of life, providing E. faecium strain 4a1713 at 1.0 × 107 CFU/L water and B. amyloliquefaciens 4b1822 at 1.0 × 107 CFU/L water, the third group (GA) received an antibiotic (enrofloxacin 0.5 mL/L water) in the drinking water during the first five days of life. The use of both enrofloxacin and a probiotic containing E. faecium and B. amyloliquefaciens strains in chickens' first week of life improved intestinal integrity and reduced inflammation and oxidative and epigenetic changes in the small intestine. This effect was evident both at 6 days of age and at the end of the rearing period.

The antidiarrhoeal evaluation of Psidium guajava L. against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli induced infectious diarrhoea

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The plant Psidium guajava L. (Myrtaceae), commonly used as an edible fruit is traditionally used worldwide in treatment of various gastrointestinal problems including diarrhoea. The leaves of the plant have also been evaluated for antidiarrhoeal activity in various chemical induced diarrhoea models.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the potency of P. guajava leaves and its major biomarker quercetin against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) induced infectious diarrhoea using preclinical and computational model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

P. guajava alcoholic leaf extract (PGE) was initially standardized using HPLC taking quercetin as a biomarker and was then subjected to antidiarrhoeal evaluation on rats in an EPEC induced diarrhoea rat model. The study included assessment of various behavioral parameters, initially for 6 h and then for up to 24 h of induction which was followed by estimation of stool water content, density of EPEC in stools and blood parameters evaluation. The colonic and small intestinal tissues of the treated animals were subjected to various biochemical estimations, in vivo antioxidant evaluation, estimation of ion concentration, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity, assessment of pro-inflammatory cytokines and histopathological studies. Further, the major biomarker off PGE, quercetin was subjected to molecular docking studies with Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and EPEC.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated a significant antidiarrhoeal activity of quercetin (50 mg/kg), PGE at 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o., where quercetin and PFGE at 200 mg/kg, p.o. were found to be more prominent, as confirmed through higher % protection, water content of stools and density of EPEC in stools. PGE and its biomarker quercetin also significantly recovered the WBC, Hb, platelets loss and also revealed a significant restoration of altered antioxidants level, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) expression and had positive influence on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity. The docking studies of quercetin with Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase showed favourable interactions and residues Glu 327, Ser 775, Asn 776, Glu 779 and Asp 804 of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase were adequately similar to quercetin for donating ligands for binding, while quercetin was also found to terminate the linkage between mammalian cells and EPEC thus, preventing further infection from EPEC.

CONCLUSION

Inhibition in intestinal secretion, reduced nitric oxide production and inflammatory expression along with reactivation of Na⁺/K-ATPase activity could be attributed to the observed antidiarrhoeal potential of PGE against infectious diarrhoea, where quercetin was confirmed to be the main contributing factor.

Effects of dietary inulin supplementation on growth performance, intestinal barrier integrity and microbial populations in weaned pigs

Here, we explored the influences of dietary inulin (INU) supplementation on growth performance and intestinal health in a porcine model. Thirty-two male weaned pigs (with an average body weight of 7·10 (sd 0·20) kg) were randomly assigned to four treatments and fed with a basal diet (BD) or BD containing 2·5, 5·0 and 10·0 g/kg INU. After a 21-d trial, pigs were killed for collection of serum and intestinal tissues. We show that INU supplementation had no significant influence on the growth performance in weaned pigs. INU significantly elevated serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentration but decreased diamine oxidase concentration (P < 0·05). Interestingly, 2·5 and 5·0 g/kg INU supplementation significantly elevated the villus height in jejunum and ileum (P < 0·05). Moreover, 2·5 and 5·0 g/kg INU supplementation also elevated the villus height to crypt depth (V:C) in the duodenum and ileum and improved the distribution and abundance of tight-junction protein zonula occludens-1 in duodenum and ileum epithelium. INU supplementation at 10·0 g/kg significantly elevated the sucrase activity in the ileum mucosa (P < 0·05). INU supplementation decreased the expression level of TNF-α but elevated the expression level of GLUT 2 and divalent metal transporter 1 in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0·05). Moreover, INU increased acetic and butyric acid concentrations in caecum (P < 0·05). Importantly, INU elevated the Lactobacillus population but decreased the Escherichia coli population in the caecum (P < 0·05). These results not only indicate a beneficial effect of INU on growth performance and intestinal barrier functions but also offer potential mechanisms behind the dietary fibre-regulated intestinal health.

Selenium-Enriched Yeast Alleviates Oxidative Stress-Induced Intestinal Mucosa Disruption in Weaned Pigs

To explore the effect of selenium-enriched yeast (SeY) on intestinal barrier functions in weaned pigs upon oxidative stress, a 2 × 2 factorial design was utilized and thirty-two pigs were randomly assigned into four groups. Pigs with or without exposure to oxidative stress (diquat challenge) were fed with a basal diet or a SeY-containing diet. The trial lasted for 21 days, and result showed that SeY supplementation attenuated body-weight reduction and significantly decreased the serum concentrations of diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactic acid in pigs upon diquat challenge (P < 0.05). Diquat challenge decreased the villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (V/C) in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). However, SeY supplementation not only elevated the villus height and the ratio of V/C (P < 0.05) but also improved the distribution and abundance of tight-junction protein ZO-1 in the jejunum epithelium. Interestingly, SeY supplementation acutely decreased the total apoptosis rate of intestinal epithelial cells in pigs upon diquat challenge (P < 0.05). Moreover, SeY elevated the content of antioxidant molecules such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) but significantly decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05). Importantly, SeY elevated the expression levels of critical functional genes such as the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) in the intestinal mucosa upon diquat challenge (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of caspase-3 was downregulated by SeY in the duodenum and jejunum mucosa (P < 0.05). These results indicated that SeY attenuated oxidative stress-induced intestinal mucosa disruption, which was associated with elevated mucosal antioxidative capacity and improved intestinal barrier functions.

Effects of a Diet Supplemented with Exogenous Catalase from Penicillium notatum on Intestinal Development and Microbiota in Weaned Piglets

This study aims to investigate the effects of exogenous catalase (CAT), an antioxidative enzyme from microbial cultures, on intestinal development and microbiota in weaned piglets. Seventy-two weaned piglets were allotted to two groups and fed a basal diet or a basal diet containing 2.0 g/kg exogenous CAT. Results showed that exogenous CAT increased (p < 0.05) jejunal villus height/crypt depth ratio and intestinal factors (diamine oxidase and transforming growth factor-α) concentration. Moreover, dietary CAT supplementation enhanced the antioxidative capacity, and decreased the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokine in the jejunum mucosa. Exogenous CAT did not affect the concentration of short-chain fatty acids, but decreased the pH value in colonic digesta (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Dialister were increased (p < 0.05), while Streptococcus and Escherichia-Shigella were decreased (p < 0.05) in colonic digesta by exogenous CAT. Accordingly, decreased (p < 0.05) predicted functions related to aerobic respiration were observed in the piglets fed the CAT diet. Our study suggests a synergic response of intestinal development and microbiota to the exogenous CAT, and provides support for the application of CAT purified from microbial cultures in the feed industry.

Visualization of the Redox Status of Cytosolic Glutathione Using the Organelle- and Cytoskeleton-Targeted Redox Sensors

Glutathione is a small thiol-containing peptide that plays a central role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis. Glutathione serves as a physiologic redox buffer by providing thiol electrons for catabolizing harmful oxidants and reversing oxidative effects on biomolecules. Recent evidence suggests that the balance of reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) defines the redox states of Cys residues in proteins and fine-tunes their stabilities and functions. To elucidate the redox balance of cellular glutathione at subcellular resolution, a number of redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (roGFP) variants have been developed. In this study, we constructed and functionally validated organelle- and cytoskeleton-targeted roGFP and elucidated the redox status of the cytosolic glutathione at a subcellular resolution. These new redox sensors firmly established a highly reduced redox equilibrium of cytosolic glutathione, wherein significant deviation was observed among cells. By targeting the sensor to the cytosolic and lumen sides of the Golgi membrane, we identified a prominent redox gradient across the biological membrane at the Golgi body. The results demonstrated that organelle- and cytoskeleton-targeted sensors enable the assessment of glutathione oxidation near the cytosolic surfaces of different organelle membranes.

[Analyzing the Redox Status of Intracellular Glutathione and Its Application to an Intestinal Bowel Disease Model]

Oxidative stress, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and resulting glutathione oxidation, have been implicated in numerous aspects of cell physiology and human pathology such as cell senescence, cell differentiation, and inflammation. Significant effort has been made to establish methods of analyzing ROS levels and glutathione oxidation within a living cell. The recent development of redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (GFP) variants enables a robust and accurate estimation of ROS level and glutathione oxidation at subcellular resolution. We created membrane-targeted versions of glutathione and hydrogen peroxide sensors by attaching palmitoylation signals to existing sensors (Grx1-roGFP2 and roGFP2-Orp1, respectively), and demonstrated the nonuniform distribution of these oxidative elements within cytosol. In living cells, cytosolic glutathione is highly reduced, and hydrogen peroxide is barely detected. Nevertheless, near the cytoplasmic side of intracellular vesicular membranes, significant glutathione oxidation and hydrogen peroxide were successfully probed by our sensors, clearly showing the difference between various areas within cytosol. Currently, these sensors are being applied to an intestinal inflammation model which is constituted by co-culturing intestinal epithelial cells and macrophage-like inflammatory cells derived from THP-1. This review covers the current status of studies regarding the association of oxidative stress and intestinal inflammation, with a focus on the redox regulation of intracellular glutathione.

Effect of dietary probiotics on colon length in an inflammatory bowel disease-induced murine model: A meta-analysis

We investigated the effect of probiotic supplementation on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by meta-analysis. We included 30 studies to assess the effect of probiotic administration. We estimated the effect size using standardized mean difference, and we evaluated the statistical heterogeneity of the effect size using Cochran's Q test, followed by meta-ANOVA and meta-regression analysis to explain the heterogeneity of the effect size using a mixed-effects model. We conducted Egger's linear regression test to evaluate publication bias. Among the factors evaluated, colon length and myeloperoxidase showed the greatest Q statistic and I² index, respectively. Colon length, transforming growth factor-β, IL-10, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione showed positive effect sizes in the fixed- and random-effects models. The others (spleen weight, tumor necrosis factor α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IFN-γ, disease activity index, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, nitric oxide, myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, histological score, and macroscopic inflammatory score) showed negative effect sizes in the fixed- and random-effects models. Probiotics showed a significant effect on all investigated factors, except IL-10. In meta-ANOVA and meta-regression analysis, Lactobacillus paracasei was the most effective probiotic for colon length. Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus fermentum, and a mixture of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Saccharomyces boulardii (LC + SB) were effective for colon length, tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and disease activity index. Lactobacillus rhamnosus was most effective for IL-10 and IFN-γ. Dietary probiotics are effective in improving the symptoms of IBD. Although the results of this meta-analysis had some limitations due to a lack of animal experiments, they will be meaningful to people with IBD.

β-Defensin 129 Attenuates Bacterial Endotoxin-Induced Inflammation and Intestinal Epithelial Cell Apoptosis

Defensins have attracted considerable research interest worldwide because of their potential to serve as a substitute for antibiotics. In this study, we characterized a novel porcine β-defensin (pBD129) and explored its role in alleviating bacterial endotoxin-induced inflammation and intestinal epithelium atrophy. The pBD129 gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. A recombinant pBD129 protein was also purified. To explore its role in alleviating the endotoxin-induced inflammation, mice, with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge were treated by pBD129 at different doses. The recombinant pBD129 showed significant antimicrobial activities against the E. coli and Streptococcus with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MICs) of 32 μg/mL. Hemolytic assays showed that the pBD129 had no detrimental impact on cell viabilities. Interestingly, we found that pBD129 attenuated LPS-induced inflammatory responses by decreasing serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines, such as the IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P < 0.05). Moreover, pBD129 elevated the intestinal villus height (P < 0.05) and enhanced the expression and localization of the major tight junction-associated protein ZO-1 in LPS-challenged mice. Additionally, pDB129 at a high dose significantly decreased serum diamine oxidase (DAO) concentration (P < 0.05) and reduced intestinal epithelium cell apoptosis (P < 0.05) in LPS-challenged mice. Importantly, pBD129 elevated the expression level of Bcl-2-associated death promoter (Bcl-2), but down-regulated the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes such as the B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein (Bax), BH3-interacting domain death agonist (Bid), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3), and caspase-9 in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05). These results suggested a novel function of the mammalian defensins, and the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of pBD129 may allow it a potential substitute for conventionally used antibiotics or drugs.

Changes of porcine gut microbiota in response to dietary chlorogenic acid supplementation

Chlorogenic acids (CGA), the most abundant natural polyphenol present in human diet and plants, have attracted considerable research interest because of their broad bioactivities including the antimicrobial activity. However, little is known about their influences on intestinal bacterial communities. Here, we described a response in intestinal microbiome to CGA using a porcine model. Twenty-four weaned pigs were allotted to two groups and fed with a basal diet or a basal diet containing 1000 mg/kg CGA. Results showed that CGA significantly increased the length of the small intestine (P < 0.05) and enhanced the activity of diamine oxidase (DAO) and the concentration of MHC-II in the jejunal and ileal mucosa (P < 0.05). Moreover, the acetate concentration in ileum and cecum digesta, and the propionate and butyrate concentrations in the cecum digesta, were significantly elevated by CGA (P < 0.05). Interestingly, CGA significantly increased the total 16S rRNA gene copies and bacterial alpha diversity in the cecum (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of bacteria from phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes was increased in the cecum digesta (P < 0.05), whereas the abundance of bacteria from phylum Protebacteria was decreased by CGA (P < 0.05). Importantly, pigs on CGA-containing diet had higher abundance of Lactobacillus spp., Prevotella spp., Anaerovibrio spp., and Alloprevotella spp. in the cecum (P < 0.05). Not only did our study suggest a synergic response of intestinal barrier function and microbiota to the CGA, but the result will also contribute to understanding of the mechanisms behind the CGA-modulated gut health.

Dietary leonurine hydrochloride supplementation attenuates lipopolysaccharide challenge-induced intestinal inflammation and barrier dysfunction by inhibiting the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway in broilers

This study was performed to evaluate the beneficial effects of dietary leonurine hydrochloride (LH) supplementation on intestinal morphology and barrier integrity and further illuminate its underlying antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated broilers. A total of 120 1-d-old male broilers (Ross 308) were assigned to 4 treatment groups with 6 replicates of 5 birds per cage. The experiment was designed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with LH (0 or 120 mg/kg) and LPS (injection of saline or 1.5 mg/kg body weight) as treatments. On days 14, 16, 18, and 20 of the trial, broilers were intraperitoneally injected with LPS or physiological saline. Compared with the control group, LPS-challenged broilers showed impaired growth performance (P < 0.05) from day 15 to day 21 of the trial, increased serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactic acid (D-LA) levels coupled with reduced glutathione (GSH) content and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity (duodenal and jejunal mucosa), reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) content (duodenal, jejunal, and ileal mucosa), and compromised morphological structure of the duodenum and jejunum. Additionally, LPS challenge increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes and reduced tight junction (TJ) protein expression in the jejunum. However, dietary LH prevented LPS-induced reductions in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) in broilers. It also alleviated LPS challenge-induced increases in serum DAO levels, MDA content (duodenal and jejunal mucosa), and jejunal crypt depth (P < 0.05) but reduced villus height, GSH content (jejunal mucosa), and T-SOD activity (duodenal and jejunal mucosa) (P < 0.05). Additionally, LH supplementation significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and upregulated the mRNA expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin in the jejunal mucosa induced by LPS (P < 0.05). On the other hand, LH administration prevented LPS-induced activation of the p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and attenuated IkB alpha (IκBα) phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65) in the jejunal mucosa. In conclusion, dietary LH supplementation attenuates intestinal mucosal disruption mainly by accelerating the expression of TJ proteins and inhibiting activation of the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway.

Quantification of NETs formation in neutrophil and its correlation with the severity of sepsis and organ dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Previous study from this lab has discerned oxidative, nitrosative stress and their relationship with cytokines contributing to the severity of sepsis and organ dysfunction. Cytokines are known to induce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation via free radicals generation. Hyper-activation of neutrophil leads to the increased NETs formation or ineffective clearance of NETs would likely increase the risk of auto-antibody generation against NETs components and being partly responsible for the sepsis severity and organ dysfunction. The present study was undertaken to further assess the status of NETs formation and their correlation with severity of sepsis, with the cytokines and organ dysfunction.

METHODS

The level of NETs formation, DNA release, elastase release, and inflammatory cytokines was determined in 80 sepsis patients and 45 healthy volunteers. Their linearity with organ parameters and associations with sepsis severity were also assessed.

RESULTS

NETs formation experiment was carried out and it was significantly higher in sepsis (70%) compared to control (30%). NETs % were positively correlated with severity of sepsis and organ dysfunction. Pearson's correlation coefficient demonstrated a direct relation between NETs components and organ parameters with Sepsis severity scores.

CONCLUSION

NETs formation is significantly higher due to which it is contributing to the sepsis severity and organ failure.

L-tryptophan Enhances Intestinal Integrity in Diquat-Challenged Piglets Associated with Improvement of Redox Status and Mitochondrial Function

Simple Summary

In the present study, three groups of piglets were treated with diquat, a bipyridyl herbicide which can utilize molecular oxygen to generate superoxide anion radicals and is widely considered as an effective chemical agent for inducing oxidative stress. The three groups were fed a 0, 0.15%, and 0.30% tryptophan (Trp) supplemented diet, and one control group without diquat treatment was used to study the protective effects of supplemented Trp on growth performance and intestinal barrier function of piglets exposed to oxidative stress. The results showed that 0.15% Trp supplementation alleviated diquat-induced impaired growth performance, intestinal barrier injury, redox imbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings from the current study suggest that piglets under the condition of stress might need more Trp to maintain intestinal integrity and optimal growth performance, but the proper dosage of Trp supplementation is needed to determine for different conditions or models.

Abstract

Tryptophan (Trp) supplementation has been shown to improve growth performance and enhance intestinal integrity in piglets. However, the effects of dietary Trp supplementation on the intestinal barrier function in piglets exposed to oxidative stress remain unknown. This study was conducted to evaluate whether dietary Trp supplementation can attenuate intestinal injury, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction of piglets caused by diquat injection. Thirty-two piglets at 25 days of age were randomly allocated to four groups: (1) the non-challenged control; (2) diquat-challenged control; (3) 0.15% Trp-supplemented diet + diquat; (4) 0.30% Trp supplemented diet + diquat. On day seven, the piglets were injected intraperitoneally with sterilized saline or diquat (10 mg/kg body weight). The experiment lasted 21 days. Dietary supplementation with 0.15% Trp improved growth performance of diquat-challenged piglets from day 7 to 21. Diquat induced an increased intestinal permeability, impaired antioxidant capacity, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Although dietary supplementation with 0.15% Trp ameliorated these negative effects induced by diquat challenge that showed decreasing permeability of 4 kDa fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran, increasing antioxidant indexes, and enhancing mitochondrial biogenesis. Results indicated that dietary supplementation with 0.15% Trp enhanced intestinal integrity, restored the redox status, and improved the mitochondrial function of piglets challenged with diquat.

The potency of eriosematin E from Eriosema chinense Vogel. against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli induced diarrhoea using preclinical and molecular docking studies

The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of eriosematin E (ECM) isolated from the roots of Eriosema chinense against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) induced diarrhoea. ECM isolated from the bioactive chloroform fraction of E. chinense was subjected to antidiarrhoeal evaluation on rats against diarrhoea, induced by the oral suspension of EPEC. The study included evaluation of behavioral parameters for 6 h and up to 24 h of induction, followed by estimation of water content, the density of EPEC in stools and evaluation of various blood parameters. Further, the colonic and small intestinal tissues were subjected to biochemical estimations, antioxidant evaluation, determination of ion concentration, Na⁺/K⁺ -ATPase activity, pro-inflammatory cytokines assessment and histopathology. Finally, the impact of ECM on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase was studied through molecular docking studies. Significant antidiarrhoeal potential of ECM was demonstrated at 5 and 10 mg/kg, p.o., however, ECM at 10 mg/kg, p.o. was found to be more effective, as confirmed through higher % protection, density of EPEC in stools and water content of stools. ECM also significantly increased the level of WBC, Hb, platelets and revealed restoration of altered antioxidants, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) status and also reactivated the suppressed Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity, which was also confirmed through docking studies showing H-bonding of hydroxyl group of ECM with amino acids Asp 190, Asn 167 and Glu 169 thus, maintaining proper electrolyte balance and also prevented epithelial tissue damage. The overall effect of ECM may be attributed to the decline in the elevated level of cytokines, inhibition in nitric oxide production and reactivation of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity resulting in reduced intestinal secretion.

Protective effects of berberine hydrochloride on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in rats

BACKGROUND

Berberine hydrochloride is one the effective compound among Rhizoma Coptidis, Cortex Phellodendri, and other plants. There are several clinical functions of berberine hydrochloride including anti-inflammation, antitumor and immunoregulatory. However, the anti-inflammatory of berberine hydrochloride in ulcerative colitis is barely understood. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of berberine hydrochloride on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced rats model of ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

The severity of colitis were measured by body weight, survial rate, colon length and disease activity index (DAI) score. The cytokines expression include IL-1, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-α, TGF-β and IFN-γ were performed by RT-PCR and ELISA. Signaling pathway proteins such as p-STAT3, STAT3, p-NF-κB p65 and NF-κB p65 were analyzed by western blot and immunofluorescence. The proteins expression of tight junction were explored using western blotting and immunohistochemistry.

RESULT

Rats were administered berberine hydrochloride showed less weight loss and longer colon length than the DSS-induced group. The expression of IL-1, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, TGF-β and IFN-γ were suppressed, yet the expression of IL-4 and IL-10 were up-regulated by berberine hydrochloride and sulphasalazine treatment compared to the model group. Meanwhile, treatment with berberine hydrochloride effectively increased the expression of SIgA and decreased the expression of iNOS, MPO, MDA. In terms of the biochemical analyses, the results showed that the expression of p-STAT3 was signifcantly increased, while the expression of p-NF-κB (p65) was suppressed compared to the model group via western blot and immunofluorescence analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Berberine hydrochloride has beneficial effects in UC. The possible mechanism of anti-inflammatory response by berberine hydrochloride may involve in the blocking of the IL-6/STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway. Collectively, these fndings provide evidence that berberine hydrochloride might be a useful herb medicine and serve as a promising novel therapy in the treatment of UC in humans.

Resveratrol alleviates heat stress-induced impairment of intestinal morphology, microflora, and barrier integrity in broilers

This study was to investigate the effect of resveratrol on intestinal morphology, microfloras, and barrier integrity of broilers subjected to heat stress. Two-hundred-seventy 21-day-old Cobb male broilers were randomly allocated to 3 treatment groups, each of which included 6 replicates with 15 birds per replicate. The 3 treatment groups were as follows: the control group, in which birds were exposed to thermoneutral condition (22 ± 1°C), and the heat stress group and heat stress + resveratrol (400 mg/kg) group, in which birds were exposed to cyclic heat stress (33 ± 1°C for 10 h/d from 0800 to 1800 h and 22 ± 1°C for the remaining time. Compared with birds in the control group, birds in the heat stress group exhibited decreased (P < 0.05) final body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, villus height, villus height to crypt depth ratio, goblet cells numbers, populations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and mRNA levels of mucin-2, claudin-1, occludin, zona occludens-1, and E-cadherin, and increased (P < 0.05) crypt depth, serum D-lactic acid and fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran contents and diamine oxidase activity, and populations of Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium. Compared with birds in the heat stress group, birds in the heat stress + resveratrol group exhibited decreased (P < 0.05) crypt depth, serum D-lactic acid and fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran contents, and populations of Escherichia coli, and increased (P < 0.05) final body weight, villus height, villus height to crypt depth ratio, goblet cells numbers, populations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and mRNA levels of mucin-2, claudin-1, occludin, and E-cadherin. Taken together, these results indicated for the first time that dietary addition of resveratrol was effective in partially ameliorating the adverse effects of heat stress on intestinal barrier function in broilers by restoring the impaired villus-crypt structure, modifying the profiles of intestinal microfloras, and altering the mRNA expression of intestinal tight junctions- and adherence junctions-related genes.

Chlorogenic acid improves intestinal barrier functions by suppressing mucosa inflammation and improving antioxidant capacity in weaned pigs

Intestinal barrier plays key roles in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Inflammation and oxidative damage can severely destroy the intestinal integrity of mammals. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a natural polyphenol present in human diet and plants, possessing potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of CGA and its molecular mechanisms on intestinal barrier function in a porcine model. Twenty-four weaned pigs were allotted to two groups and fed with a basal diet or a basal diet containing 1000 mg/kg CGA. The results showed that CGA decreased serum D-lactate and diamine oxidase levels, and enhanced the expression and localization of claudin-1 protein in apical intercellular region of small intestinal epithelium. Interestingly, CGA significantly decreased the mucosa histamine and tryptase contents, as well as the tryptase-positive mast cell counts. Moreover, the expression levels of critical inflammation molecules (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear factor-κB) were down-regulated by CGA in jejunal and ileal mucosa. However, the expression levels of inflammation repressors (suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 and toll-interacting protein) were up-regulated by CGA. Importantly, CGA decreased the malondialdehyde content but elevated glutathione peroxidase and catalase content in duodenal and jejunal mucosa. The expression levels of critical molecules in antioxidant signaling (nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 and heme oxygenase-1) were elevated by CGA in duodenal and jejunal mucosa. These results suggested that CGA could ameliorate intestinal barrier disruption in weaned pigs, which might be mediated by suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Olive oil polyphenols reduce oxysterols -induced redox imbalance and pro-inflammatory response in intestinal cells

Dietary habits may strongly influence intestinal homeostasis. Oxysterols, the oxidized products of cholesterol present in cholesterol-containing foodstuffs, have been shown to exert pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory effects, altering intestinal epithelial layer and thus contributing to the pathogenesis of human inflammatory bowel diseases and colon cancer. Extra virgin olive oil polyphenols possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and concentrate in the intestinal lumen, where may help in preventing intestinal diseases. In the present study we evaluated the ability of an extra virgin olive oil phenolic extract to counteract the pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory action of a representative mixture of dietary oxysterols in the human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) undergoing full differentiation into enterocyte-like cells. Oxysterols treatment significantly altered differentiated Caco-2 cells redox status, leading to oxidant species production and a decrease of GSH levels, after 1 h exposure, followed by an increase of cytokines production, IL-6 and IL-8, after 24 h. Oxysterol cell treatment also induced after 48 h an increase of NO release, due to the induction of iNOS. Pretreatment with the phenolic extract counteracted oxysterols effects, at least in part by modulating one of the main pathways activated in the cellular response to the action of oxysterols, the MAPK-NF-kB pathway. We demonstrated the ability of the phenolic extract to directly modulate p38 and JNK1/2 phosphorylation and activation of NF-kB, following its inhibitor IkB phosphorylation. The phenolic extract also inhibited iNOS induction, keeping NO concentration at the control level. Our results suggest a protective effect at intestinal level of extra virgin olive oil polyphenols, able to prevent or limit redox unbalance and the onset and progression of chronic intestinal inflammation.

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Dietary oxysterols exerted pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory effects in differentiated Caco-2 cells.

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H₂O₂ production, GSH decrease, IL-6 and IL-8 release were detected.

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NO release due to iNOS induction was higher than controls in oxysterols treated cells.

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Olive oil phenolic extract efficiently counteracted oxysterols effects.

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Phenolic extract directly modulated p38 and JNK MAPK/NF-κB signaling axis.

Sodium selenite ameliorates both intestinal and extra-intestinal changes in acetic acid-induced colitis in rats

Selenium and its derivatives including sodium selenite (sod sel) belong to the group of essential trace elements needed for proper health and nutrition. They are fairly safe and possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of present investigation was to elucidate the effect of sod sel on experimental colitis model in rats. Colitis was induced by intrarectal instillation of 4% (v/v) acetic acid. Two hours later, sod sel was given to rats on a daily basis for 15 consecutive days. Clinical symptoms, colon mass index, spleen weight inflammatory markers, hematological, biochemical, macroscopic, and histological changes were determined. Sod sel markedly ameliorated colitis as evidenced by a significant decrease in macroscopic and microscopic score, disease activity index, colon mass index, and spleen weight. Treatment with sod sel attenuated oxidative stress in the colon by normalizing the colonic content of nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and reduced glutathione, as well as the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and junctional adhesion molecule (JAM-a). In addition, it significantly reduced colonic myeloperoxidase content, the intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), and the proinflammatory cytokines; TNF-α, IL-1β. Moreover, sod sel normalized hematological parameters, serum transaminases, and kidney and liver function enzymes. The current study indicates that sod sel was effective in ameliorating the intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestation in acetic acid-induced colitis through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.

Potential of Lactobacillus plantarum ZDY2013 and Bifidobacterium bifidum WBIN03 in relieving colitis by gut microbiota, immune, and anti-oxidative stress

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that is difficult to cure, with rising incidence in recent decades. Probiotics have become a new strategy for UC treatment. In this study, we chose 2 new multisource probiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum ZDY2013 from acid beans and Bifidobacterium bifidum WBIN03 from infant feces, and a mixture of both, to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect on H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage in a HT-29 cell model and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Compared with the model group, the general relative indices results showed L. plantarum ZDY2013 and B. bifidum WBIN03 have a significant effect on DSS-induced UC in mice, by downregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α) and upregulating antioxidant factors (e.g., SOD1, SOD2, GPX2) at the transcriptional level. By means of high-throughput sequencing (16S V3-V4) and systematical bioinformatics analyses, we found that colitis may be associated with the changes in intestinal flora, especially Firmicutes and Bacteroides. Administration of L. plantarum ZDY2013 increased the abundance of Lactobacillus animalis, whereas B. bifidum WBIN03 increased the abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium COE1. Our results revealed that a supplement of L. plantarum ZDY2013 and B. bifidum WBIN03 remit UC through modification of gut microbiota to regulate oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators.

Anti-cancer properties and mechanisms of action of thymoquinone, the major active ingredient of Nigella sativa

Over the past two decades, studies have documented the wide-range anti-cancer effects of Nigella sativa, known as black seed or black cumin. Thymoquinone (TQ), its major active ingredient, has also been extensively studied and reported to possess potent anti-cancer properties. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the findings related to the anti-cancer activity of TQ. The review focuses on analyzing experimental studies performed using different in vitro and in vivo models to identify the anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-oxidant, cytotoxic, anti-metastatic, and NK-dependent cytotoxic effects exerted by TQ. In addition, we pinpoint the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and the signal transduction pathways implicated by TQ. Our analysis show that p53, NF-κB, PPARγ, STAT3, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways are among the most significant pathways through which TQ mediates its anti-cancer activity. Experimental findings and recent advances in the field highlight TQ as an effective therapeutic agent for the suppression of tumor development, growth and metastasis for a wide range of tumors.

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Studies of Phenanthroimidazole-Imine Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activity

The phenanthroimidazole derivatives are used in the drug industry in large scale. In this study four new phenanthroimidazole-imine derivatives were synthesized and their spectroscopic studies as well as their antioxidant behaviors were examined. Structural analyses were made by FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, LC-MS spectroscopy techniques. UV-vis absorption and emission spectroscopy techniques have been used to determine the photophysical characteristics of four newly synthesized phenanthroimidazoles. The maximum absorption and emission wavelengths, molar extinction coefficients (ε), singlet energy levels (Es), Stokes' shift values (Δλ) of phenanthroimidazole-imine derivatives are given. Additionally, the antioxidant behavior of all compounds were investigated which the ascorbic acid used as standard molecule in present study.