乳杆菌对急性溃疡性结肠炎模型小鼠的疗效观察

目的观察植物乳杆菌YXCC-1和嗜酸乳杆菌YXCC-2对小鼠急性溃疡性结肠炎(UC)的疗效。方法对这两株菌进行体外模拟胃肠环境抗性研究,并进行动物实验。采用DSS诱导的小鼠急性UC模型,将60只小鼠随机分为4组,分别为空白对照组、DSS模型组、YXCC-1组和YXCC-2组,每组15只,观察小鼠治疗前后一般情况,计算小鼠组织学损伤评分以及观察组织学病理改变。结果菌株YXCC-1、YXCC-2有一定的耐酸、耐胆盐能力,在人工肠液环境下能较好存活;灌胃菌株发酵液可显著降低UC小鼠DAI水平,明显改善结肠组织损伤。结论植物乳杆菌YXCC-1、嗜酸乳杆菌YXCC-2发酵液对小鼠溃疡性结肠炎有治疗作用,且两者疗效相当。     

三种乳杆菌对小鼠溃疡性结肠炎的缓解作用及机制CSCD

目的探讨3株乳杆菌(植物乳植杆菌、罗伊氏粘液乳杆菌和副干酪乳酪杆菌)对小鼠溃疡性结肠炎(ulcerative colitis,UC)的缓解作用及机制。方法采用葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)法构建C57BL/6J小鼠急性UC模型,并在造模前后均给予乳杆菌干预治疗;测量各组小鼠体质量、结肠长度;采用蛋白免疫印迹技术检测小鼠结肠上皮紧密连接蛋白表达水平;HE染色观察分析小鼠结肠组织病理变化;16S rDNA高通量测序分析小鼠肠道菌群组成情况;转录组测序分析小鼠结肠组织基因表达差异。结果与DSS模型组相比,植物乳植杆菌干预组(t=2.285,P=0.045)和副干酪乳酪杆菌干预组(t=2.360,P=0.040)小鼠体质量增加显著;植物乳植杆菌干预组(t=2.335,P=0.042)结肠长度显著增加;植物乳植杆菌干预组(ZO-1:t=4.975,P=0.003;Occludin:t=2.629,P=0.034)和罗伊氏粘液乳杆菌干预组(ZO-1:t=3.523,P=0.013;Occludin:t=2.525,P=0.040)紧密连接蛋白表达水平显著上调。乳杆菌干预组结肠黏膜组织病理损伤得以缓解,肠道菌群丰度及多样性降低得以改善。植物乳植杆菌干预组vs DSS模型组共有69个差异表达基因,KEGG pathway分析提示差异基因富集于免疫调节、内分泌与消化系统相关疾病等通路上。结论3株乳杆菌对UC小鼠展现出较好的缓解作用,其作用机制与修复肠道屏障、调节肠道微生物群结构和降低肠道炎症水平相关。     

植物乳杆菌ZDY2013与两歧双歧杆菌WBIN03对TNBS诱导小鼠结肠炎的缓解作用

目的为阐明益生菌抗氧化与结肠炎的关系,对植物乳杆菌ZDY2013与两歧双歧杆菌WBIN03缓解三硝基苯磺酸(trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid,TNBS)诱导的小鼠结肠炎进行探究。方法通过对BALB/c小鼠肛门注射TNBS,构建小鼠结肠炎模型;分别采用植物乳杆菌ZDY2013与两歧双歧杆菌WBIN03的单菌悬液(10~9CFU/mL)及1:1混合菌悬液(10~9CFU/mL)进行8 d灌胃治疗。结果治疗组小鼠结肠组织炎性细胞浸润症状获得缓解,血清中谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(glutathione peroxidase,GSH-PX)(t_1=3.247,P_10.05;t_2=3.397,P_20.05)、过氧化氢酶(catalase,CAT)(t_1=5.289,P10.001;t_2=3.563,P_20.05)和总超氧化物歧化酶(total superoxide dismutase,T-SOD)(t_1=3.317,P_10.05;t_2=3.551,P_20.05)活性均有显著恢复。结论植物乳杆菌ZDY2013与两歧双歧杆菌WBIN03可通过增强机体抗氧化酶活性,起到缓解TNBS诱导的小鼠结肠炎的作用。     

地衣芽胞杆菌BL63516对 DSS诱导的小鼠结肠炎的调节作用

目的探索地衣芽胞杆菌BL63516对DSS诱导的小鼠结肠炎的缓解作用和可能机制,为临床疾病的治疗提供新思路。方法用BALB/C雌性小鼠构建动物模型,将30只小鼠分为CON组、DSS组和BL组,每组10只,除CON组外,其余两组均给予3%(m/v)DSS自由饮用,并给予地衣芽胞杆菌BL63516干预。第8天摘眼球处死小鼠,取血、结肠、粪便样本。以ELISA法检测小鼠血清和结肠研磨液中的细胞因子。用PCR-变性梯度凝胶电泳(PCR-DGGE)方法分析小鼠肠道菌群结构。结果 DSS组小鼠血清IL-10及结肠MPO水平均与CON组有明显差异,地衣芽胞杆菌干预后有不同程度改变;使用非加权成对算术平均算法(UPGMA)对PCR-DGGE图谱中各泳道条带类型聚类分析结果显示各组小鼠结肠菌群结构具有显著差异,其中BL组增加双歧杆菌属Bifidobacterium saguini及疣微菌门的噬黏蛋白阿克曼菌(Akkermansia muciniphila)数量。结论地衣芽胞杆菌可以有效改善DSS诱导的结肠炎症状,其作用机制与肠屏障功能和肠道菌群的调节有密切关系。     

特定双歧杆菌菌株对炎症性肠病小鼠的影响

为了观察特定双歧杆菌菌株对葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)诱导的Balb/c小鼠结肠炎的影响,探讨该双歧杆菌菌株对炎症性肠病(IBD)的防治作用及其可能机制。将小鼠分为3组:正常对照组、模型组(DSS组)、实验组(DSS+Bf组)。用已挑选好的双歧杆菌菌株预先处理小鼠4周后,用4%DSS溶液诱导急性结肠炎。实验结束后,检测每组小鼠结肠的长度及结肠炎炎症程度,利用半定量RT-PCR法检测小鼠肠道派伊尔结细胞中IL-10的表达,利用免疫组化实验检测肠道黏膜中IL-10分泌阳性细胞。结果实验组小鼠结肠的平均长度为7.80 cm±0.21 cm,虽较正常对照组(9.10 cm±0.82 cm)缩短,但较模型组(6.80 cm±0.31 cm)其缩短程度减少;结肠炎炎症程度肉眼评分结果:模型组和实验组分别为8.60±0.24分和6.60±0.68分,两组之间均有显著性差异(P<0.05),显微镜下评分结果为实验组(6.80±0.73分)较模型组(8.80±0.37分)明显减少(P<0.05);实验组小鼠肠道派伊尔结细胞IL-10的表达和肠道黏膜IL-10分泌阳性细胞数明显多于模型组。该实验所用的双歧杆菌菌株减轻了DSS诱导的小鼠肠道炎症反应,并且增强了肠道免疫细胞的IL-10的表达及分泌。     

高摄入红肉通过改变肠道菌群加重小鼠溃疡性结肠炎

目的 观察高摄入红肉对小鼠肠道菌群及溃疡性结肠炎（ulcerative colitis,UC）的影响,并探讨可能的发生机制。方法 40只Balb/c小鼠随机分为4组：对照组、高红肉组、DSS组和高红肉+DSS组,每组10只小鼠,对照组、DSS组小鼠给予普通饲料,高红肉组、高红肉+DSS组小鼠给予高红肉饲料,均饲养8周;此8周的最后9天开始对DSS组、高红肉+DSS组小鼠给予3%DSS诱导UC。采用实时荧光定量PCR检测小鼠肠道菌群,采用体质量变化、疾病活动指数及HE染色指标评价小鼠UC严重程度,运用Western Blot方法检测小鼠肠道巨噬细胞M1型极化的特征细胞因子。结果 与对照组相比,高红肉组小鼠肠道厚壁菌门、粪杆菌属及普拉梭菌的丰度显著降低,拟杆菌门、拟杆菌属的丰度显著升高。与DSS组相比,高红肉+DSS组小鼠体质量显著下降,疾病活动指数显著升高,结肠组织病理评分显著升高;与DSS组相比,高红肉+DSS组小鼠TNF-α、IL-1β及IL-6细胞因子表达显著升高。结论 高摄入红肉导致肠道菌群改变加重小鼠UC。     

马齿苋多糖对溃疡性结肠炎小鼠肠黏膜细胞因子及肠道菌群的影响

目的观察马齿苋多糖对溃疡性结肠炎小鼠肠黏膜细胞因子及肠道菌群的影响。方法应用硫酸葡聚糖钠(DSS)制备溃疡性结肠炎小鼠模型,随机分成2组:正常对照组、模型组,造模成功后模型组再分为自然恢复组、马齿苋多糖治疗组。分别于造模后、给药7 d后处死小鼠,进行肠黏膜细胞因子测定、肠道菌群检测。结果 DSS造模后模型组小鼠肠黏膜细胞因子TNF-а、IL-6升高,IL-10减少;小鼠肠道菌群失调。马齿苋多糖治疗7 d后治疗组小鼠与模型组小鼠比TNF-α、IL-6下降,IL-10增加;肠道双歧杆菌和乳杆菌数量上升。结论马齿苋多糖可以提高抗炎细胞因子IL-10的水平并降低致炎细胞因子TNF-α、IL-6的水平;可以提高双歧杆菌和乳杆菌数量。马齿苋多糖通过抗炎和降低肠道过度的免疫反应以及调节肠道微生态失调,对溃疡性结肠炎发挥治疗作用。     

柠檬苦素对葡聚糖硫酸钠诱导的小鼠结肠炎的治疗作用及机制

探讨柠檬苦素(limonin)对葡聚糖硫酸钠(dextran sulfate sodium salt,DSS)致实验性小鼠溃疡性结肠炎(ulcerative colitis,UC)模型的治疗作用及其机制。将20只8周龄雌性C57BL/6J小鼠,随机分为正常对照组、模型组、柠檬苦素组和5-氨基水杨酸组,每组5只。正常的小鼠每日给予蒸馏水饮用,其余各组小鼠给予30 g/L DSS连续饮用7 d后,继续饮用正常水3 d,诱导小鼠急性UC模型。药物治疗组小鼠分别灌胃给予柠檬苦素和5-氨基水杨酸的剂量为50和50 mg/(kg·d),每日1次,连续灌胃治疗10 d。实验终点时,分析实验动物的体质量变化、结肠长度、结肠组织病理学变化及细胞核转录因子kappa B (NF-κB)的蛋白表达。结果发现:与模型组比较,柠檬苦素可显著改善DSS诱导的小鼠急性结肠炎症状,包括体质量降低、结肠长度缩短、稀便和血便等,减轻小鼠急性结肠炎结肠组织的病理损伤,抑制炎症细胞的浸润和肠黏膜坏死。此外,柠檬苦素亦可以降低结肠炎小鼠结肠组织细胞核内NF-κB p65蛋白表达,抑制NF-κB p65的激活。柠檬苦素通过抑制NF-κB p65的激活,缓解DSS诱导的小鼠结肠炎症,发挥治疗作用。     

人源乳酸菌对2型糖尿病小鼠的缓解效果

为考察人源乳酸菌(发酵乳杆菌Lactobacillus fermentum 11、305和植物乳杆菌Lactobacillus plantarum 22、25)对2型糖尿病的缓解效果,对2型糖尿病小鼠连续灌胃菌粉溶液12周.每周记录各组小鼠体重、进食量和血糖.实验结束前进行口服葡萄糖耐量试验和胰岛素抵抗试验.实验结束后...     

壳寡糖对葡聚糖硫酸钠诱导结肠炎小鼠的保护作用

本研究旨在研讨壳寡糖(COS)对DSS诱导溃疡性结肠炎小鼠的保护作用,为进一步开发利用壳寡糖提供依据。本实验通过饮用含3%葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)的水7天造模,将50只雄性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为5组:空白组、模型组、阳性组(SASP,50 mg/kg)和壳寡糖低、高剂量组(70和140 mg/kg)。通过体重变化和疾病活动指数、病理学评分、髓过氧化物酶活性评估壳寡糖的作用。通过ELISA检测结肠炎症因子水平。结果显示,壳寡糖干预后能降低DSS诱导小鼠的体重损失、DAI和MPO活性(P0.05),显著降低结肠组织的IL-6和TNF-α水平(P0.05),其中壳寡糖低剂量组能极显著改善结肠缩短症状、保护结肠结构(P0.01),效果优于高剂量组。表明人体推荐剂量的壳寡糖(70 mg/kg)对DSS诱导的结肠炎小鼠具有良好的保护作用,可能与抑制中性粒细胞浸润和炎症有关。     

Roxadustat protect mice from DSS-induced colitis in vivo by up-regulation of TLR4

BackgroundThe incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is growing in the population. At present, the etiology of inflammatory bowel disease remains unclear, and there is no effective and low-toxic therapeutic drug. The role of the PHD-HIF pathway in relieving DSS-induced colitis is gradually being explored.MethodsWild-type C57BL/6 mice were used as a model of DSS-induced colitis to explore the important role of Roxadustat in alleviating DSS-induced colitis. High-throughput RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR methods were used to screen and verify the key differential genes in the colon of mice between normal saline (NS) and Roxadustat groups.ResultsRoxadustat could alleviate DSS-induced colitis. Compared with the mice in the NS group, TLR4 were significantly up-regulated in the Roxadustat group. TLR4 KO mice were used to verify the role of TLR4 in the alleviation of DSS-induced colitis by Roxadustat.ConclusionRoxadustat has a repairing effect on DSS-induced colitis, and may alleviate DSS-induced colitis by targeting the TLR4 pathway and promote intestinal stem cell proliferation.     

Lactobacillus bulgaricus OLL1181 activates the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway and inhibits colitis

Increasing evidence suggests that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway has an important role in the regulation of inflammatory responses. Most recently, we have shown that the activation of the AhR pathway by a potent AhR agonist inhibits the development of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis, a model of human ulcerative colitis, by the induction of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the large intestine. Because several strains of probiotic lactic acid bacteria have been reported to inhibit DSS-induced colitis by unidentified mechanisms, we hypothesized that particular strains of lactic acid bacterium might have the potential to activate the AhR pathway, thereby inhibiting DSS-induced colitis. This study investigated whether there are specific lactic acid bacterial strains that can activate the AhR pathway, and if so, whether this AhR-activating potential is associated with suppression of DSS-induced colitis. By using AhR signaling reporter cells, we found that Lactobacillus bulgaricus OLL1181 had the potential to activate the AhR pathway. OLL1181 also induced the mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 family 1A1 (CYP1A1), a target gene of the AhR pathway, in human colon cells, which was inhibited by the addition of an AhR antagonist, α-naphthoflavon (αNF). In addition, mice treated orally with OLL1181 showed an increase in CYP1A1 mRNA expression in the large intestine and amelioration of DSS-induced colitis. Thus, OLL1181 can induce activation of the intestinal AhR pathway and inhibit DSS-induced colitis in mice. This strain of lactic acid bacterium has therefore the potential to activate the AhR pathway, which may be able to suppress colitis.     

Infection with a helminth parasite prevents experimental colitis via a macrophage-mediated mechanism

The propensity of a range of parasitic helminths to stimulate a Th2 or regulatory cell-biased response has been proposed to reduce the severity of experimental inflammatory bowel disease. We examined whether infection with Schistosoma mansoni, a trematode parasite, altered the susceptibility of mice to colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Mice infected with schistosome worms were refractory to DSS-induced colitis. Egg-laying schistosome infections or injection of eggs did not render mice resistant to colitis induced by DSS. Schistosome worm infections prevent colitis by a novel mechanism dependent on macrophages, and not by simple modulation of Th2 responses, or via induction of regulatory CD4+ or CD25+ cells, IL-10, or TGF-beta. Infected mice had marked infiltration of macrophages (F4/80+CD11b+CD11c(-)) into the colon lamina propria and protection from DSS-induced colitis was shown to be macrophage dependent. Resistance from colitis was not due to alternatively activated macrophages. Transfer of colon lamina propria F4/80+ macrophages isolated from worm-infected mice induced significant protection from colitis in recipient mice treated with DSS. Therefore, we propose a new mechanism whereby a parasitic worm suppresses DSS-induced colitis via a novel colon-infiltrating macrophage population.     

Suppressive activity of a fermented grain food product on dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis in mice

Oxidative stress has been shown to play pivotal roles in the onset of inflammatory bowel disease. We evaluated the effects of a dietary anti-oxidant, Antioxidant Biofactor (AOB), a processed grain food, on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Female ICR mice were fed a diet containing 0.1% or 1% AOB for 2 weeks, during which they were given 5% DSS in drinking water for the latter 1 week to induce colitis. A diet containing 1% AOB, but not that with 0.1% AOB, attenuated DSS-induced body weight loss and colon shortening (each, P < 0.05), and dramatically improved colitis histologic scores. In addition, DSS-induced increases in colonic mucosal IL-1beta, but not TNF-alpha, protein levels were significantly abrogated in 1% AOB-fed mice (P < 0.05). Further, 1% dietary AOB abolished the expression of IL-1beta mRNA levels in colonic mucosa (P < 0.01). Our results suggest that AOB is effective for the prevention of DSS-induced colitis in mice.     

细胞粘附分子CHL1缺失对炎症性肠病的影响

目的：探讨细胞粘附分子CHL1缺失对炎症性肠病（IBD）的影响。方法：采用葡聚糖硫酸钠（DSS）建立CHL1（-/-）炎症性肠病小鼠模型,将10只C57/BL6为遗传背景的CHL1（+/+）型小鼠分为对照组、DSS模型组（n=5）;将10只C57/BL6为背景的CHL （-/-）型小鼠分为CHL1缺失组、CHL1缺失DSS模型组（n=5）。DSS模型组和CHL1缺失DSS模型组自主饮用7 d含1.5% DSS蒸馏水,随后改用蒸馏水饲喂2 d;对照组和CHL1缺失组连续饮用蒸馏水9 d,观察小鼠体重、血便、生存率及结肠组织长度的变化。结果：CHL1缺失DSS模型组小鼠在炎症性肠病的发生中便血明显,从应激的第7天开始,体重明显减轻,在第9天,CHL1缺失DSS模型组型小鼠死亡率明显增加;结肠长度明显缩短,损伤加重。结论：细胞粘附分子CHL1缺失加重炎症性肠病的发生。     

EP4 Receptor–Associated Protein in Macrophages Ameliorates Colitis and Colitis-Associated Tumorigenesis

Prostaglandin E₂ plays important roles in the maintenance of colonic homeostasis. The recently identified prostaglandin E receptor (EP) 4–associated protein (EPRAP) is essential for an anti-inflammatory function of EP4 signaling in macrophages in vitro. To investigate the in vivo roles of EPRAP, we examined the effects of EPRAP on colitis and colitis-associated tumorigenesis. In mice, EPRAP deficiency exacerbated colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment. Wild-type (WT) or EPRAP-deficient recipients transplanted with EPRAP-deficient bone marrow developed more severe DSS-induced colitis than WT or EPRAP-deficient recipients of WT bone marrow. In the context of colitis-associated tumorigenesis, both systemic EPRAP null mutation and EPRAP-deficiency in the bone marrow enhanced intestinal polyp formation induced by azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS treatment. Administration of an EP4-selective agonist, ONO-AE1-329, ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in WT, but not in EPRAP-deficient mice. EPRAP deficiency increased the levels of the phosphorylated forms of p105, MEK, and ERK, resulting in activation of stromal macrophages in DSS-induced colitis. Macrophages of DSS-treated EPRAP-deficient mice exhibited a marked increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, relative to WT mice. By contrast, forced expression of EPRAP in macrophages ameliorated DSS-induced colitis and AOM/DSS-induced intestinal polyp formation. These data suggest that EPRAP in macrophages functions crucially in suppressing colonic inflammation. Consistently, EPRAP-positive macrophages were also accumulated in the colonic stroma of ulcerative colitis patients. Thus, EPRAP may be a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel disease and associated intestinal tumorigenesis.     

Preventive effects of Goji berry on dextran-sulfate-sodium-induced colitis in mice

Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) exerts immune modulation and suppresses inflammation in vitro and in vivo. We hypothesized that Goji berry had beneficial effects on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice through suppressing inflammation. Six-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were supplemented with a standard AIN-93G diet with or without 1% (w/w) Goji berry for 4 weeks. Then, colitis was induced by supplementing 3% DSS in drinking water for 7 days, followed by 7 days of remission period to mimic ulcerative colitis symptoms. Goji berry supplementation ameliorated DSS-induced body weight loss, diminished diarrhea and gross bleeding, and resulted in a significantly decreased disease activity index, as well as DSS-associated colon shortening. Moreover, 30% mortality rate caused by DSS-induced colitis was avoided because of Goji berry supplementation. Histologically, Goji berry ameliorated colonic edema, mucosal damage and neutrophil infiltration into colonic intestinal tissue in response to DSS challenge, which was associated with decreased expression of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, as well as inflammatory mediators interleukin-6 and cyclooxygenase-2. In conclusion, Goji supplementation confers protective effects against DSS­induced colitis, which is associated with decreased neutrophil infiltration and suppressed inflammation. Thus, dietary Goji is likely beneficial to inflammatory bowel disease patients as a complementary therapeutic strategy.     

Increased visceral sensitivity to capsaicin after DSS-induced colitis in mice: spinal cord c-Fos expression and behavior

During acute and chronic inflammation visceral pain perception is altered. Conflicting data exist, however, on visceral pain perception in the postinflammatory phase. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether visceral pain perception is altered after resolution of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced inflammation of the colon. Visceral sensory function in mice was assessed by monitoring behavioral responses to intracolonic capsaicin instillation. Two hours later the number of c-Fos-positive neurons in lamina I/II and X of spinal cord segments T(12/13)-S1 was determined as a measure of neuronal activation. DSS colitis was induced by adding 1% of DSS to the drinking water. The course of DSS-induced colitis was assessed by determining the disease activity index score. Animals developed a transient colitis and had recovered at day 49. At this time point, cytokine levels and colon length were similar to control animals. Importantly, after resolution of DSS-induced colitis the behavioral response to intracolonic capsaicin was increased compared with control mice. Moreover, capsaicin-induced spinal cord neuronal c-Fos expression was significantly increased. Interestingly, after colitis animals also exhibited referred somatic hyperalgesia as measured with von Frey hairs on the abdominal wall. We conclude that postinflammatory visceral hyperalgesia occurs after resolution of DSS-induced colitis and that capsaicin-induced behavioral responses and spinal cord neuronal c-Fos activation are effective readouts for determination of visceral pain perception.     

Protective effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus [corrected] and Bifidobacterium infantis in murine models for colitis do not involve the vagus nerve

The vagus nerve is an important pathway signaling immune activation of the gastrointestinal tract to the brain. Probiotics are live organisms that may engage signaling pathways of the brain-gut axis to modulate inflammation. The protective effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus [corrected] (LR) and Bifidobacterium infantis (BI) during intestinal inflammation were studied after subdiaphragmatic vagotomy in acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis in BALB/c mice and chronic colitis induced by transfer of CD4(+) CD62L(+) T lymphocytes from BALB/c into SCID mice. LR and BI (1 x 10(9)) were given daily. Clinical score, myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, and in vivo and in vitro secreted inflammatory cytokine levels were found to be more severe in mice that were vagotomized compared with sham-operated animals. LR in the acute DSS model was effective in decreasing the MPO and cytokine levels in the tissue in sham and vagotomized mice. BI had a strong downregulatory effect on secreted in vitro cytokine levels and had a greater anti-inflammatory effect in vagotomized- compared with sham-operated mice. Both LR and BI retained anti-inflammatory effects in vagotomized mice. In SCID mice, vagotomy did not enhance inflammation, but BI was more effective in vagotomized mice than shams. Taken together, the intact vagus has a protective role in acute DSS-induced colitis in mice but not in the chronic T cell transfer model of colitis. Furthermore, LR and BI do not seem to engage their protective effects via this cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, but the results interestingly show that, in the T cell, transfer model vagotomy had a biological effect, since it increased the effectiveness of the BI in downregulation of colonic inflammation.     

Absence of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 does not promote DSS-induced acute colitis

Absence of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) in mice leads to chronic inflammation of the skin and increased susceptibility to atherosclerosis, while also increasing plasma inflammatory markers. A recent report suggested that SCD1 deficiency also increases disease severity in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease, induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). However, SCD1-deficient mice are known to consume increased amounts of water, which would also be expected to increase the intake of DSS-treated water. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of SCD1 deficiency on DSS-induced acute colitis with DSS dosing adjusted to account for genotype differences in fluid consumption. Wild-type controls were treated with 3.5% DSS for 5 days to induce moderately severe colitis, while the concentration of DSS given to SCD1-deficient mice was lowered to 2.5% to control for increased fluid consumption. Colonic inflammation was assessed by clinical and histological scoring. Although SCD1-deficient mice consumed a total intake of DSS that was greater than that of wild-type controls, colonic inflammation, colon length and fecal blood were not altered by SCD1-deficiency in DSS-induced colitis, while diarrhea and total weight loss were modestly improved. Despite SCD1 deficiency leading to chronic inflammation of the skin and increased susceptibility to atherosclerosis, it does not accelerate inflammation in the DSS-induced model of acute colitis when DSS intake is controlled. These observations suggest that SCD1 deficiency does not play a significant role in colonic inflammation in this model.