pectins and Disease-Models--Animal

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a β-galactoside binding protein associated with many disease pathologies, including chronic inflammation and fibrogenesis. It has been implicated in the disease severity of NASH, although its precise role is unknown. Inhibition of Gal-3 has shown to improve and prevent fibrosis progression and has now reached phase III clinical trial in NASH patients.. This discusses the role of Gal-3 in NASH. It brings together the current findings of Gal-3 in NASH and hepatic fibrosis by analyzing recent data from animal model studies and clinical trials.. Gal-3 inhibitors, in particular, Belapectin (GR-MD-02), have shown promising results for NASH with advanced fibrosis. In a phase 2 trial, Belapectin did not meet the primary endpoint. However, a sub-analysis of Belapectin among a separate group of patients without esophageal varices showed 2 mg/kg of GR-MD-02 reduced HVPG and the development of new varices. A subsequent study is under way, aiming to replicate the positive findings in phase 2 and demonstrate greater efficacy. If Belapectin is shown to be effective, it will be coupled with other drugs that target steatohepatitis to maximize efficacy and disease reversal.

Topics: Animals; Blood Proteins; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Galectins; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Pectins; Severity of Illness Index

The constitutional isomers and tautomers of oxadiazolones, as well as their mono- and disulfur analogues, were calculated at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level. Four groups of 30 molecules each were considered: oxadiazolone, oxadiazolthione, thiadiazolone, and thiadiazolthione isomers. The compounds were categorized into six groups according to permutations of three heteroatoms in the five-membered ring. Additionally, each of the constitutional isomer was considered to have five tautomers conserving stable five-membered ring: two NH tautomers, two rotameric OH (or SH) forms and one CH. La trombocitosis es un hallazgo casual frecuente en pediatría. En niños, predominan las formas secundarias, siendo las infecciones su causa más prevalente. Se distinguen 4 grados de trombocitosis en función del número de plaquetas; en la forma extrema, se supera el 1.000.000/mm. Endoscopic thrombin injection was similar to glue injection in achieving successful hemostasis of AGVH. However, a higher incidence of complications may be associated with glue injection.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adsorption; Adult; Allyl Compounds; Amylopectin; Amylose; Anaerobiosis; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anura; Arginase; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Asthma; Atmosphere; B-Lymphocytes; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Bioelectric Energy Sources; Biofilms; Biofuels; Biomarkers; Biopolymers; Bioreactors; Brain; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Breast Neoplasms; Calibration; Carbon Tetrachloride; Caspase 3; Catalysis; Catechin; Cations; Cattle; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cell Body; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Plasticity; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic; China; Chitosan; Chloride Channels; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromosome Mapping; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cohort Studies; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colloids; Coloring Agents; Congresses as Topic; Correlation of Data; Crystallization; Cyanoacrylates; Cyclohexane Monoterpenes; Cyprinidae; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1; Death, Sudden; Dent Disease; Dietary Supplements; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Disease Resistance; Disulfides; Drug Monitoring; Drug Stability; Ecotoxicology; Electricity; Electrodes; Endocytosis; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Esters; Fagopyrum; Female; Ferrosoferric Oxide; Flame Retardants; Flavobacteriaceae; Flow Cytometry; Follow-Up Studies; Formoterol Fumarate; Fusarium; Garlic; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Gene Expression; Genes, Plant; Genetic Markers; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Gliosis; Global Health; Glutathione Transferase; Glycine max; Gum Arabic; Hemostasis, Endoscopic; Hepatocytes; Hippocampus; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Illinois; Immunoglobulin G; Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Interleukin-4; Iowa; Iron; Ki-67 Antigen; Kidney; Kinetics; Kynurenine; Lakes; Levofloxacin; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipids; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental; Magnetic Fields; Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles; Male; Manure; Maze Learning; Memory, Short-Term; Metal Nanoparticles; Metals, Heavy; Methane; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Michigan; Microalgae; Microbial Consortia; Mitochondria; Models, Animal; Models, Chemical; Models, Neurological; Molecular Structure; Molecular Weight; Mutation; Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells; NADPH Oxidase 2; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neurites; Neurons; Neuroprotective Agents; NF-kappa B; NIH 3T3 Cells; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Nitrogen; Ohio; Ointments; Ontario; Organelle Biogenesis; Organophosphates; Organophosphorus Compounds; Oxidative Stress; Palladium; Particle Size; Pectins; Phenotype; Phytotherapy; Piperidines; Placenta; Plant Diseases; Plant Extracts; Polymers; Polymorphism, Genetic; Polyphenols; Powders; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Prospective Studies; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein Structure, Secondary; Proteins; Pyridines; Pyrimidines; Rats, Wistar; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Receptors, Chemokine; Receptors, Formyl Peptide; Receptors, Lipoxin; Recovery of Function; Recurrence; Reference Standards; Reference Values; Reproducibility of Results; Respiratory Function Tests; Retrospective Studies; Risk; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sewage; Signal Transduction; Sodium Glutamate; Soil; Solanum tuberosum; Solubility; Solutions; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Spectrum Analysis; Spermatozoa; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Sulfamethoxazole; Tea; Temperature; Thermodynamics; Thrombin; Treatment Outcome; Triazoles; United States; Viscosity; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Wastewater; Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification; White Matter; Wisconsin; X-Ray Diffraction; Zea mays

Topics: Anesthetics, Local; Animals; Antimalarials; Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors; Carrageenan; Denervation; Disease Models, Animal; Dogs; Fatty Acids; Ganglionic Blockers; Gastric Juice; Glycyrrhiza; Guinea Pigs; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Pectins; Pepsin A; Peptic Ulcer; Phenylacetates; Plants, Medicinal; Promethazine; Propylamines; Pylorus; Pyridines; Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; Rats; Stomach; Thiazoles; Tranquilizing Agents; Wound Healing

The constitutional isomers and tautomers of oxadiazolones, as well as their mono- and disulfur analogues, were calculated at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level. Four groups of 30 molecules each were considered: oxadiazolone, oxadiazolthione, thiadiazolone, and thiadiazolthione isomers. The compounds were categorized into six groups according to permutations of three heteroatoms in the five-membered ring. Additionally, each of the constitutional isomer was considered to have five tautomers conserving stable five-membered ring: two NH tautomers, two rotameric OH (or SH) forms and one CH. La trombocitosis es un hallazgo casual frecuente en pediatría. En niños, predominan las formas secundarias, siendo las infecciones su causa más prevalente. Se distinguen 4 grados de trombocitosis en función del número de plaquetas; en la forma extrema, se supera el 1.000.000/mm. Endoscopic thrombin injection was similar to glue injection in achieving successful hemostasis of AGVH. However, a higher incidence of complications may be associated with glue injection.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adsorption; Adult; Allyl Compounds; Amylopectin; Amylose; Anaerobiosis; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anura; Arginase; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Asthma; Atmosphere; B-Lymphocytes; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Bioelectric Energy Sources; Biofilms; Biofuels; Biomarkers; Biopolymers; Bioreactors; Brain; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Breast Neoplasms; Calibration; Carbon Tetrachloride; Caspase 3; Catalysis; Catechin; Cations; Cattle; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cell Body; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Plasticity; Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic; China; Chitosan; Chloride Channels; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Chromosome Mapping; Cognition; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cohort Studies; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colloids; Coloring Agents; Congresses as Topic; Correlation of Data; Crystallization; Cyanoacrylates; Cyclohexane Monoterpenes; Cyprinidae; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1; Death, Sudden; Dent Disease; Dietary Supplements; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Disease Resistance; Disulfides; Drug Monitoring; Drug Stability; Ecotoxicology; Electricity; Electrodes; Endocytosis; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition; Esophageal and Gastric Varices; Esters; Fagopyrum; Female; Ferrosoferric Oxide; Flame Retardants; Flavobacteriaceae; Flow Cytometry; Follow-Up Studies; Formoterol Fumarate; Fusarium; Garlic; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage; Gene Expression; Genes, Plant; Genetic Markers; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; Gliosis; Global Health; Glutathione Transferase; Glycine max; Gum Arabic; Hemostasis, Endoscopic; Hepatocytes; Hippocampus; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Illinois; Immunoglobulin G; Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Small for Gestational Age; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Interleukin-4; Iowa; Iron; Ki-67 Antigen; Kidney; Kinetics; Kynurenine; Lakes; Levofloxacin; Lipid Peroxidation; Lipids; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental; Magnetic Fields; Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles; Male; Manure; Maze Learning; Memory, Short-Term; Metal Nanoparticles; Metals, Heavy; Methane; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Michigan; Microalgae; Microbial Consortia; Mitochondria; Models, Animal; Models, Chemical; Models, Neurological; Molecular Structure; Molecular Weight; Mutation; Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells; NADPH Oxidase 2; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neurites; Neurons; Neuroprotective Agents; NF-kappa B; NIH 3T3 Cells; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Nitrogen; Ohio; Ointments; Ontario; Organelle Biogenesis; Organophosphates; Organophosphorus Compounds; Oxidative Stress; Palladium; Particle Size; Pectins; Phenotype; Phytotherapy; Piperidines; Placenta; Plant Diseases; Plant Extracts; Polymers; Polymorphism, Genetic; Polyphenols; Powders; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Prospective Studies; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Protein Structure, Secondary; Proteins; Pyridines; Pyrimidines; Rats, Wistar; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Receptors, Chemokine; Receptors, Formyl Peptide; Receptors, Lipoxin; Recovery of Function; Recurrence; Reference Standards; Reference Values; Reproducibility of Results; Respiratory Function Tests; Retrospective Studies; Risk; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sewage; Signal Transduction; Sodium Glutamate; Soil; Solanum tuberosum; Solubility; Solutions; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Spectrum Analysis; Spermatozoa; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Sulfamethoxazole; Tea; Temperature; Thermodynamics; Thrombin; Treatment Outcome; Triazoles; United States; Viscosity; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Wastewater; Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Purification; White Matter; Wisconsin; X-Ray Diffraction; Zea mays

Stomahesive skin-protection powder has been reported to be useful as a skin-care and skin-barrier product for the management of stomas. This study aimed to evaluate its efficacy, in terms of wound healing, moisture retention and pain management, as an alternative to conventional dressing materials. Both clinical and animal studies were undertaken.. The efficacy of the Stomahesive powder was tested by measuring the thickness of granulation tissue formed in a total skin defect in a db/db mouse model. We then compared the healing process using either the skin-protection powder or a conventional film dressing material. In the clinical study 17 patients with various intractable ulcers were treated with Stomahesive powder, and healing was evaluated.. In the mouse model, granulation tissue in the wounds treated with the powder was 2.86 times thicker than that of the wounds treated with the film dressing. In the clinical study, 16 out of 17 wounds healed completely.. The Stomahesive powder could be an effective treatment modality for contact ulceration, superficial ulcers with complex contours and morphology, and superficial ulcers contaminated by liquid faeces or vaginal discharge that have not responded to conventional dressings.. None.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Animals; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Combinations; Drug Evaluation; Female; Gelatin; Granulation Tissue; Humans; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Middle Aged; Occlusive Dressings; Pectins; Polyenes; Powders; Skin Care; Skin Ulcer; Statistics, Nonparametric; Wound Healing

Hydrocolloids are important food additives and have potential regulatory effects on gut microbiota. The development of colitis is closely related to changes in gut microbiota. The effect of food hydrocolloids on the structure of the gut microbiota and their impact on colitis has not been well investigated. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of four hydrocolloids (carrageenan, guar gum, xanthan gum, and pectin) on colitis, and explored their regulatory effects on gut microbiota. The results indicated that pectin and guar effectively alleviated body weight loss and disease activity index, reduced inflammatory cytokine levels, and promoted short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. They increased the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, Oscillospira, and Lactobacillus, and Akkermansia abundance had a negative correlation with the severity of colitis. In contrast, carrageenan and xanthan gum did not significantly improve colitis, and carrageenan reduced the production of SCFAs. Both carrageenan and xanthan gum increased the abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus, and Ruminococcus abundance was positively correlated with the severity of colitis. These findings suggest that food additives have an impact on host health and provide guidance for the diet of patients with colitis.

Topics: Animals; Carrageenan; Colitis; Colloids; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Food Additives; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pectins

Pectic polysaccharides (PPs) could exert functions on ulcerative colitis (UC), which is classified as a nonspecific inflammatory disorder. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of PPs derived from Rauwolfia in UC. First, the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mouse colitis models and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated colonic epithelial cell (YAMC) models were established and treated with PP. Subsequently, the effects of PPs on mucosal damages in DSS mice were detected, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines, pyroptosis-related factors, oxidative stress-related markers, and the tight junction-related proteins in the tissues or cells were examined, and the results suggested that PPs ameliorated colonic mucosal damages and cell pyroptosis in DSS mice, and limited colonic epithelial cell pyroptosis in in vitro UC models. Subsequently, the binding relations of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) to

Topics: Animals; Colitis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Disease Models, Animal; Epithelial Cells; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; MicroRNAs; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; Pectins; Pyrin Domain; Pyroptosis; Rauwolfia

Improved therapies for inflammatory bowel diseases are sorely needed. Novel therapeutic agents and the development of controlled release systems for targeted tissue delivery are interesting approaches to overcome these barriers. We investigated the activity of trans-chalcone (T) in acetic acid-induced colitis in mice and developed, characterized, and determined the therapeutic effect of pectin/casein polymer microcapsules containing T (MT) in a colitis mouse model. In vitro, compound release was achieved in simulated intestinal fluid but not in the simulated gastric fluid. In vivo, since T at the dose of 3 mg/kg but not 0.3 mg/kg ameliorated colitis, we next tested the effects of MT at 0.3 mg/kg (non-effective dose). MT, but not free T at 0.3 mg/kg, significantly improved colitis outcomes such as neutrophil recruitment, antioxidant capacity, cytokine production, and NF-kB activation. This translated into reduced macro and microscopic damage in the colon. T release from the microcapsules is mediated by a pH-dependent and pectinase-regulated mechanism that provide controlled and prolonged release of T. Moreover, MT lowered the required dose for T therapeutic effect, indicating that could be a suitable pharmaceutical approach to colitis treatment. This is the first demonstration that T or MT is effective at reducing the signs of colitis.

Topics: Animals; Capsules; Caseins; Chalcone; Chalcones; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; NF-kappa B; Pectins

A major challenge in cardiology remains in finding a therapy for cardiac fibrosis. Inhibition of galectin-3 with pectins attenuates fibrosis in animal models of heart failure. The purpose of this study is to identify pectins with the strongest galectin-3 inhibitory capacity. We evaluated the in vitro inhibitory capacity, identified potent pectins, and tested if this potency could be validated in a mouse model of myocardial fibrosis.. Various pectin fractions were screened in vitro. Modified rhubarb pectin (EMRP) was identified as the most potent inhibitor of galectin-3 and compared to the well-known modified citrus pectin (MCP). Our findings were validated in a mouse model of myocardial fibrosis, which was induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion.. Ang II infusion was associated with a 4-5-fold increase in fibrosis signal in the tissue of the left ventricle, compared to the control group (0•22±0•10 to 1•08±0•53%; P < 0•001). After treatment with rhubarb pectin, fibrosis was reduced by 57% vs. Ang II alone while this reduction was 30% with the well-known MCP (P = NS, P < 0•05). Treatment was associated with a reduced cardiac inflammatory response and preserved cardiac function.. The galectin-3 inhibitor natural rhubarb pectin has a superior inhibitory capacity over established pectins, substantially attenuates cardiac fibrosis, and preserves cardiac function in vivo. Bioactive pectins are natural sources of galectin-3 inhibitors and may be helpful in the prevention of heart failure or other diseases characterized by fibrosis.. Dr. Meijers is supported by the Mandema-Stipendium of the Junior Scientific Masterclass 2020-10, University Medical Center Groningen and by the Netherlands Heart Foundation (Dekkerbeurs 2021)Dr. de Boer is supported by the Netherlands Heart Foundation (CVON SHE-PREDICTS-HF, grant 2017-21; CVON RED-CVD, grant 2017-11; CVON PREDICT2, grant 2018-30; and CVON DOUBLE DOSE, grant 2020B005), by a grant from the leDucq Foundation (Cure PhosphoLambaN induced Cardiomyopathy (Cure-PLaN), and by a grant from the European Research Council (ERC CoG 818715, SECRETE-HF).

Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Fibrosis; Galectin 3; Mice; Pectins

A comprehensive understanding of the relationships between the structure and function is critical for the targeted preparation of functional pectins. In this study, we compared the alleviating effects of five orange pectins (200 mg/kg) extracted using acid (

Topics: Animals; Citrus sinensis; Colitis; Colon; Cytokines; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pectins

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) and blueberry pectin (BP) complexes on mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis before and after high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, and 16S rDNA sequencing were used to study the expression of inflammation-related factors, activation of signal pathway-related proteins, and changes in the intestinal flora in ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. The results showed that HHP-treated C3G-BP complexes significantly relieved diarrhea and blood loss in the stool of UC mice and alleviated colon shortening. The potential mechanism of action involved reduction in intestinal oxidative stress mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors, improvement in anti-inflammatory factor levels, inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway, increased protein levels of Bcl-2/Bax and caspase-3/cleaved caspase-3 genes, and improved gut microbiota composition. Compared with other experimental groups, the HHP-treated C3G-BP complexes group exhibited the best anti-inflammatory effect on DSS-induced UC mice. The results may provide new ideas for using C3G-BP complexes for treating UC and help develop better processing methods.

Topics: Animals; Anthocyanins; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Blueberry Plants; Caspase 3; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Hydrostatic Pressure; Mice; Pectins; Sulfates

Colitis is generally affected by multiple factors, including the dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota, and may affect organs outside colon through circulation. Pectin, which is an edible polysaccharide widely present in plant cell walls, has been proved in our previous study to possess preventive potentials against acute ulcerative colitis, especially when the esterification degree is less than 50%. This study aimed to clarify the underlying correlations of gut microbiome and serum metabolites with the preventive effects of pectin with different esterification degrees (H121, L13, and L102) against colitis in mice. MiSeq sequencing data showed that symbiotic bacteria especially beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were enriched by pectin intake. Fiber consumers such as Prevotella and Bacteroides actively responded to L13 pectin, particularly under high dosage (L13-H). In addition, the abnormal abundance of Akkermansia associated with colitis would not appear in mice who had been provided with any of the three pectins before dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment. Furthermore, pre-treatment of H121 and L13 pectins could improve the serum glycerophospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). In contrast, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) contributing to the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was enriched only in the L13-H group, which has been previously proved to be associated with the epithelial barrier and intestinal homeostasis. Positive relationships between the glycerophospholipids and the dominant candidates of intestinal bacteria such as Lactobacillus indicated the joint actions of intestinal microbes and serum metabolites as well as the underlying crosstalks among gut microbiome. Therefore, the results of this research suggested that the preventive effects of low-esterified pectin on DSS-induced colitis were likely to be initiated by the enrichment of probiotics in the gut and serum glycerophospholipids. KEY POINTS: • L13 pectin remarkably improved the diversity of the gut microbiome in healthy mice. • Probiotics were enriched and abnormal Akkermansia was restored by L13 and L102 pectins. • Glycerophospholipid metabolism was significantly enriched by H121 and L13 pectins.

Topics: Animals; Colitis; Colon; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Esterification; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Glycerophospholipids; Lactobacillus; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pectins

This study was aimed at investigating the structural characterization, acute toxicity and protective effect of selenylated apple pectin on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. Selenylated apple pectin was characterized by ion chromatography, NMR and SEC-RI-MALLS. The acute toxicity and protective effect of selenylated apple pectin against UC were investigated by gavage administration in mice. The organ state and coefficients, inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) contents in serum, GSH-Px activity and MPO content in colon tissues were also evaluated. The results indicated that selenylated apple pectin was non-toxic and contained 244.28 μg

Topics: Animals; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Interleukin-10; Interleukin-6; Malus; Mice; Pectins; Selenium; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

This study aimed to compare the differences between oral administration and intravenous injection of polygalacturonic acid (PGA) in the regulation of immune and intestinal microflora in ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. PGA was administered orally or intravenously. PGA in the high-dose ig group was the most effective in treating UC by increasing colon length and downregulating disease activity index, histopathological score and proinflammatory cytokine levels. In spleen, the efficacy of PGA on restoring Th17/Treg balance in the high-dose iv group was better than that in the high-dose ig group, the opposite was observed in the lamina propria. The level of colonic IL-17A in the high-dose ig group was lower than that in the high-dose iv group, the opposite was observed for that of colonic IL-10. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that PGA in the high-dose ig group decreased the protein expression of RORγt, and increased that of FOXP3. Furthermore, PGA in the high-dose ig group was more effective than that in the high-dose iv group in improving the intestinal microflora structure. Our results suggest that in immune regulation, oral PGA is more effective in the lamina propria and gut microbiota while intravenous PGA is more effective in the spleen.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Immunomodulation; Injections, Intravenous; Mice; Pectins; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

Topics: Animals; Colitis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Cytokines; Dextran Sulfate; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Oligosaccharides; Pectins; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; Th17 Cells

Various potential effect of drugs on alleviating diseases by regulating intestinal microbiome as well as the pharmaceutical excipients on gut microbiota has been revealed. However, the interaction between them is rarely investigated.. Histological analysis, immunohistochemistry analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis, RT-qPCR, and 16S rRNA analysis were utilized to explore the effect mechanism of the five excipients including hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) F4M, Eudragit (EU) S100, chitosan (CT), pectin (PT), and rheum officinale polysaccharide (DHP) on berberine (BBR) to cure UC.. The combined BBR with PT and DHP group exhibited better therapeutic efficacy of UC with significantly increased colon length, and decreased hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) scores than other groups. Furthermore, the expression of tight junction ZO-1 and occludin in colon tissue were upregulated, and claudin-2 was downregulated. Ultimately, the serum content of tumor necrosis (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 was decreased. Moreover, the combined BBR with PT significantly promoted the restoration of gut microbiota. The relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus was significantly increased by the supplement of PT and DHP, and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was downregulated.. Our study may provide a new perspective that the selection of pharmaceutical excipients could be a crucial factor affecting the drugs' therapeutic efficiency outcome.

Topics: Animals; Berberine; Chitosan; Claudin-2; Colitis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Eosine Yellowish-(YS); Excipients; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Hematoxylin; Humans; Hypromellose Derivatives; Interleukin-6; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Occludin; Pectins; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S

Ulcerative colitis (UC) patients often avoid foods containing fermentable fibers as some can promote symptoms during active disease. Pectin has been identified as a more protective fermentable fiber, but little has been done to determine the interaction between pectin and bioactive compounds present in foods containing that fiber type. Quercetin and chlorogenic acid, two bioactives in stone fruits, may have anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesized that quercetin and chlorogenic acid, in the presence of the fermentable fiber pectin, may suppress the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, alter the luminal environment, and alter colonocyte proliferation, thereby protecting against recurring bouts of UC. Rats (n = 63) received one of three purified diets (control, 0.45% quercetin, 0.05% chlorogenic acid) containing 6% pectin for 3 weeks before exposure to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS, 3% for 48 h, 3x, 2 wk separation, n = 11/diet) in drinking water to initiate UC, or control (no DSS, n = 10/diet) treatments prior to termination at 9 weeks. DSS increased the fecal moisture content (p < 0.05) and SCFA concentrations (acetate, p < 0.05; butyrate, p < 0.05). Quercetin and chlorogenic acid diets maintained SLC5A8 (SCFA transporter) mRNA levels in DSS-treated rats at levels similar to those not exposed to DSS. DSS increased injury (p < 0.0001) and inflammation (p < 0.01) scores, with no differences noted due to diet. Compared to the control diet, chlorogenic acid decreased NF-κB activity in DSS-treated rats (p < 0.05). Quercetin and chlorogenic acid may contribute to the healthy regulation of NF-κB activation (via mRNA expression of IκΒα, Tollip, and IL-1). Quercetin enhanced injury-repair molecule FGF-2 expression (p < 0.01), but neither diet nor DSS treatment altered proliferation. Although quercetin and chlorogenic acid did not protect against overt indicators of injury and inflammation, or fecal SCFA concentrations, compared to the control diet, their influence on the expression of injury repair molecules, pro-inflammatory cytokines, SCFA transport proteins, and NF-κB inhibitory molecules suggests beneficial influences on major pathways involved in DSS-induced UC. Therefore, in healthy individuals or during periods of remission, quercetin and chlorogenic acid may promote a healthier colon, and may suppress some of the signaling involved in inflammation promotion during active disease.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Butyrates; Carrier Proteins; Chlorogenic Acid; Colitis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Cytokines; Dextran Sulfate; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Drinking Water; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; Inflammation; Interleukin-1; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; NF-kappa B; Pectins; Quercetin; Rats; RNA, Messenger

The industrial processing of Aconitum carmichaelii roots for use in Traditional Chinese Medicine generates a high amount of waste material, especially leaves. An acidic polysaccharide fraction isolated from these unutilized leaves, AL-I, was in our previous work shown to contain pectic polysaccharides. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of AL-I on ulcerative colitis for the possible application of A. carmichaelii leaves in the treatment of intestinal inflammatory diseases. AL-I was found to alleviate symptoms and colonic pathological injury in colitis mice, and ameliorate the levels of inflammatory indices in serum and colon. The production of short- and branched-chain fatty acids was also restored by AL-I. The observed protective effect could be due to the inhibition of NOD1 and TLR4 activation, the promotion of gene transcription of tight-junction proteins, and the modulation of gut microbiota composition like Bacteroides, Dubosiella, Alistipes and Prevotella,. A regulation of serum metabolomic profiles being relevant to the bacterial change, such as

Topics: Aconitum; Animals; Colitis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Acids; Mannose; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Microbiota; Pectins; Phosphates; Plant Leaves; Polysaccharides; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Uric Acid

Diets rich in fiber may provide health benefits and regulate the gut microbiome, which affects the immune system. However, the role of dietary fiber in

Topics: Animals; Cellulose; Clostridioides difficile; Clostridium Infections; Cytokines; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous; Inulin; Mice; Pectins

Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is a specific inhibitor of galectin-3 (Gal-3) that is regarded as a new biomarker of cardiac hypertrophy, but its effect is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the role and mechanism of MCP in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Rats were injected with ISO to induce cardiac hypertrophy and treated with MCP. Cardiac function was detected by ECG and echocardiography. Pathomorphological changes were evaluated by the haematoxylin eosin (H&E) and wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining. The hypertrophy-related genes for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and β-myosin heavy chain (β-MHC), and the associated signal molecules were analysed by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The results show that MCP prevented cardiac hypertrophy and ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and structural disorder. MCP also decreased the levels of ANP, BNP, and β-MHC and inhibited the expression of Gal-3 and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Additionally, MCP blocked the phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), but it promoted the phosphorylation of p38. Thus, MCP prevented ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy by activating p38 signalling and inhibiting the Gal-3/TLR4/JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Topics: Animals; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cardiomegaly; Cardiovascular Agents; Disease Models, Animal; Galectin 3; Isoproterenol; Janus Kinase 2; Male; Myocytes, Cardiac; Myosin Heavy Chains; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Pectins; Phosphorylation; Rats, Wistar; Signal Transduction; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Remodeling

Chronic alcohol consumption is an important cause of liver-related deaths. Specific intestinal microbiota profiles are associated with susceptibility or resistance to alcoholic liver disease in both mice and humans. We aimed to identify the mechanisms by which targeting intestinal microbiota can improve alcohol-induced liver lesions.. We used human associated mice, a mouse model of alcoholic liver disease transplanted with the intestinal microbiota of alcoholic patients and used the prebiotic, pectin, to modulate the intestinal microbiota. Based on metabolomic analyses, we focused on microbiota tryptophan metabolites, which are ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Involvement of the AhR pathway was assessed using both a pharmacological approach and AhR-deficient mice.. Pectin treatment modified the microbiome and metabolome in human microbiota-associated alcohol-fed mice, leading to a specific faecal signature. High production of bacterial tryptophan metabolites was associated with an improvement of liver injury. The AhR agonist Ficz (6-formylindolo (3,2-b) carbazole) reduced liver lesions, similarly to prebiotic treatment. Conversely, inactivation of the. Improvement of alcoholic liver disease by targeting the intestinal microbiota involves the AhR pathway, which should be considered as a new therapeutic target.

Topics: Animals; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Carbazoles; Disease Models, Animal; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation; Feces; Female; Humans; Intestines; Liver Diseases, Alcoholic; Metabolome; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Microbiota; Pectins; Prebiotics; Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon; Tryptophan

Large intestine cancer is one of the most relevant chronic diseases taking place at present. Despite therapies have evolved very positively, this pathology is still under deep investigation. One of the recent approaches is the prevention by natural compounds such as pectin. In this paper, we have assessed the impact of citrus pectin and modified citrus pectin on colorectal cancer in rats (Rattus norvegicus F344) to which azoxymethane and DSS were supplied. The lowest intake of food and body weight were detected in animals fed with citrus pectin, together with an increase in the caecum weight, probably due to the viscosity, water retention capacity and bulking properties of pectin. The most striking feature was that, neither citrus pectin nor modified citrus pectin gave rise to a tumorigenesis prevention. Moreover, in both, more than 50% of rats with cancer died, probably ascribed to a severe dysbiosis state in the gut, as shown by the metabolism and metagenomics studies carried out. This was related to a decrease of pH in caecum lumen and increase in acetate and lactic acid levels together with the absence of propionic and butyric acids. A relevant increase in Proteobacteria (Enterobacteriaceae) were thought to be one of the reasons for enteric infection that could have provoked the death of rats and the lack of cancer prevention. However, a reduction of blood glucose and triacylglycerides level and an increase of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillaceae were found in animals that intake pectin, as compared to universal and modified citrus pectin feeding.

Topics: Acetates; Animals; Azoxymethane; Bifidobacterium; Blood Glucose; Body Weight; Butyrates; Carcinogenesis; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Citrus; Colorectal Neoplasms; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lactic Acid; Lactobacillaceae; Male; Metagenomics; Pectins; Phylogeny; Propionates; Proteobacteria; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Triglycerides

Mucositis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa resulting from high doses of radio/chemotherapy treatment and may lead to interruption of antineoplasic therapy. Soluble fibres, like pectin, increase SCFA production, which play a role in gut homoeostasis and inflammation suppression. Due to the properties of pectin, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a high-fibre (HF) diet on chemotherapy-induced mucositis in a murine model. C57/BL6 mice received control (AIN93M), HF, low/zero fibre (LF) diets for 10 d prior to mucositis challenging with irinotecan (75 mg/kg), or they were treated with acetate added to drinking water 5 d prior to and during the mucositis induction. Mice that received the HF diet showed decreased immune cells influx and improved histopathological parameters in the intestine, compared with mice that received the normal diet. Furthermore, the HF diet decreased intestinal permeability induced in the mucositis model when compared with the control group. This effect was not observed for acetate alone, which did not improve gut permeability. For instance, mice that received the LF diet had worsened gut permeability, compared with mice that received the normal diet and mucositis. The effects of the HF and LF diets were shown to modulate the intestinal microbiota, in which the LF diet increased the levels of Enterobacteriaceae, a group associated with gut inflammation, whereas the HF diet decreased this group and increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium (SCFA producers) levels. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the importance of dietary fibre intake in the modulation of gut microbiota composition and homoeostasis maintenance during mucositis in this model.

Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Mice; Mucositis; Pectins

Whey protein hydrolysates (WPHs) are one of the most promising sources of biofunctional peptides with such beneficial properties as antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and others. WPHs also could be used as foaming agents for aerated products (e.g., milk shake type drinks). However, WPH alone has a bitter taste and foamed WPH should be stabilized by additional ingredients. Here, we present a composition including WPH and three polysaccharides-pumpkin pectin, sodium alginate and ι-carrageenan-used as foam stabilizers. Polysaccharide content was selected according to foaming, organoleptic antioxidant and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory characteristics of the resulted composition. Further, the hypotensive, antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of the composition were proved by in vivo tests performed in spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar rats with CCl

Topics: Alginates; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antihypertensive Agents; Antioxidants; Cucurbita; Dietary Carbohydrates; Disease Models, Animal; Hypotension; Male; Oxidative Stress; Pectins; Peptides; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Polysaccharides; Protein Hydrolysates; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Whey Proteins

Herein, dual-bioresponsive of Rhein (RH) in promoting colonic mucous damage repair and controlling inflammatory reactions were combined by the dual-targeting (intestinal epithelial cells and macrophages) oral nano delivery strategy for effective therapy of ulcerative colitis (UC). Briefly, two carbohydrates, calcium pectinate (CP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were used to modify lactoferrin (LF) nanoparticles (NPs) to encapsulate RH (CP/HA/RH-NPs). CP layer make CP/HA/RH-NPs more stable and protect against the destructive effects of the gastrointestinal environment and then release HA/RH-NPs to colon lesion site. Cellular uptake evaluation confirmed that NPs could specifically target and enhance the uptake rate via LF and HA ligands. in vivo experiments revealed that CP/HA/RH-NPs significantly alleviated inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway and accelerated colonic healing. Importantly, with the help of CP, this study was the first to attempt for LF as a targeting nanomaterial in UC treatment and offers a promising food-based nanodrug in anti-UC.

Topics: Animals; Anthraquinones; Biological Transport; Cell Line; Colitis, Ulcerative; Cytokines; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Carriers; Drug Liberation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Epithelial Cells; Humans; Hyaluronan Receptors; Hyaluronic Acid; Lactoferrin; Macrophages; Mice; Nanoparticles; NF-kappa B; Pectins; Receptors, Cell Surface; Tight Junction Proteins; Tissue Distribution; Toll-Like Receptor 4

Enteric pathogens sense the complex chemistry within the gastrointestinal tract to efficiently compete with the resident microbiota and establish a colonization niche. Here, we show that enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli and Citrobacter rodentium, its surrogate in a mouse infection model, sense galacturonic acid to initiate a multi-layered program towards successful mammalian infection. Galacturonic acid utilization as a carbon source aids the initial pathogen expansion. The main source of galacturonic acid is dietary pectin, which is converted to galacturonic acid by the prominent member of the microbiota, Bacteroides thetaiotamicron. This is regulated by the ExuR transcription factor. However, galacturonic acid is also sensed as a signal through ExuR to modulate the expression of the genes encoding a molecular syringe known as a type III secretion system, leading to infectious colitis and inflammation. Galacturonic acid acts as both a nutrient and a signal directing the exquisite microbiota-pathogen relationships within the gastrointestinal tract. This work highlights that differential dietary sugar availability influences the relationship between the microbiota and enteric pathogens, as well as disease outcomes.

Topics: Animals; Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron; Citrobacter rodentium; Diet; Disease Models, Animal; Enterobacteriaceae Infections; Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli; Escherichia coli Infections; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Genes, Bacterial; HeLa Cells; Hexuronic Acids; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Mice; Mice, Inbred C3H; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pectins; Virulence

Topics: Acetic Acid; Animals; Antioxidants; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Chitosan; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Liberation; Particle Size; Pectins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Resveratrol; Tablets

This work investigated the physiochemical characteristics and preventive effects of purified pectin (H121, L13 and L102) with different esterification degrees on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Three doses of each type of pectin were administered to C57BL/6J mice for 7 days before the DSS treatment, with dextran and mesalazine as positive controls. Results showed that pathological factors including the body weight, the disease activity index (DAI), the colonic weight/length ratio and the organ index of the spleen were improved with pre-intervention of a high dose of L13 or L102. Further studies showed that administration of a low dose of L13, low dose and medium dose of L102 or dextran improved intestinal permeability and tight junction function in colitis mice. Treatments of L13 of all doses and L102 of a high dose downregulated the oxidative stress-associated factors, while L102 of a low dose and H121 ameliorated the inflammatory cytokine production in serum and the colon. The above results suggested that pectin could attenuate DSS-induced intestinal epithelial injury, inflammation and oxidative stress. Specifically, compared to high esterified pectin, low esterified pectin displayed better protective effects in acute colitis mice.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Colitis, Ulcerative; Dextrans; Disease Models, Animal; Functional Food; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pectins; Random Allocation; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms

A peptic ulcer is an alimentary tract injury that leads to a mucosal defect reaching the submucosa. This work aimed to optimize and maximize ellagic acid (EA) loading in Ca pectinate floating beads to maximize the release for 24 h. Three factors were selected: Ca pectinate concentration (X1, 1-3 w/v %), EA concentration (X2, 1-3 w/v %) and the dropping time (X3, 10-30 min). The factorial design proposed eight formulations. The optimized EA-Ca pectinate formulation was evaluated for the gastric ulcer index and the oxidative stress parameter determination of gastric mucosa. The results indicated that the optimum EA-Ca pectinate formula significantly improved the gastric ulcer index in comparison with raw EA. The protective effect of the optimized EA-Ca pectinate formula was further indicated by the histopathological features of the stomach. The results of the study indicate that an EA formulation in the form of Ca pectinate beads would be effective for protection against gastric ulcers because of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) administration.

Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Ellagic Acid; Indomethacin; Male; Oxidative Stress; Particle Size; Pectins; Rats; Stomach Ulcer; Treatment Outcome

Galectin‑3 is expressed in various tissues and plays an important role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Galectin‑3 has been found to be overexpressed in a variety of cancers and is associated with tumor progression and metastasis. Over the past decades, emerging evidence has suggested that the TME may induce galectin‑3 expression to maintain cellular homeostasis and promote cell survival. Furthermore, galectin‑3 regulates immune cell function to promote tumor‑driven immunosuppression through several mechanisms. In the TME, intracellular and extracellular galectin‑3 has different functions. In addition, it has been reported that galectin‑3 is associated with glycolysis and mitochondrial metabolism in tumors, and it is involved in the regulation of relevant signaling pathways, thus promoting cancer cell survival via adapting to the TME. The aim of the present review was to summarize the current knowledge on galectin‑3 production and its function in the TME, its effect on TME immunosuppression, its association with tumor metabolism and relevant signaling pathways, and to report common types of cancer in which galectin‑3 is highly expressed, in order to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the critical effects of galectin‑3 on tumor progression and metastasis.

Topics: Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Movement; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Galectin 3; Glycolysis; Humans; Immune Tolerance; Mice; Mitochondria; Neoplasm Metastasis; Neoplasms; Pectins; Signal Transduction; Tumor Microenvironment

Persistent air leaks after thoracic trauma are associated with significant morbidity. To evaluate a novel pectin sealant in a swine model of traumatic air leaks, we compared a pectin biopolymer with standard surgical and fibrin-based interventions.. A standardized lung injury was created in male Yorkshire swine. Interventions were randomized to stapled wedge resection (n = 5), topical fibrin glue (n = 5), fibrin patch (n = 5), and a pectin sealant (n = 6). Baseline, preintervention and postintervention tidal volumes (TV) were recorded. Early success was defined as the return to near-normal TV (>95% of baseline). Late success was defined as no detectable air leak in the chest tube after chest closure.. There were no differences in injury severity between groups (mean TV loss, 62 ± 17 mL, p = 0.2). Early success was appreciated in 100% (n = 6) of the pectin interventions which was significantly better than the fibrin sealant (20%, n = 1), fibrin patch (20%, n = 1), and stapled groups (80%, n = 4, p = 0.01). The percent of return to baseline TV after sealant intervention was significantly increased in the pectin (98%) and staple arms (97%) compared with the fibrin sealant (91%) and fibrin patch arms (90%) (p = 0.02; p = 0.03). Late success was also improved with the pectin sealant: no air leak was detected in 83% of the pectin group compared with 40% in the stapled group (p = 0.008)-90% of the fibrin-based interventions resulted in continuous air leaks (p = 0.001).. Pectin-based bioadhesives effectively seal traumatic air leaks upon application in a porcine model. Further testing is warranted as they may provide a superior parenchymal-sparing treatment option for traumatic air leaks.

Topics: Acute Lung Injury; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; Humans; Lung Injury; Male; Pectins; Pneumonectomy; Surgical Stapling; Sus scrofa; Tissue Adhesives

In this study, we show that calcium pectinate beads (CPB) allow the formation of 20 µm spherical microcolonies of the probiotic bacteria Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (formerly designated as Lactobacillus paracasei) ATCC334 with a high cell density, reaching more than 10 log (CFU/g). The bacteria within these microcolonies are well structured and adhere to a three-dimensional network made of calcium-pectinate through the synthesis of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and thus display a biofilm-like phenotype, an attractive property for their use as probiotics. During bacterial development in the CPB, a coalescence phenomenon arises between neighboring microcolonies accompanied by their peripheral spatialization within the bead. Moreover, the cells of L. paracasei ATCC334 encased in these pectinate beads exhibit increased resistance to acidic stress (pH 1.5), osmotic stress (4.5 M NaCl), the freeze-drying process and combined stresses, simulating the harsh conditions encountered in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In vivo, the oral administration of CPB-formulated L. paracasei ATCC334 in mice demonstrated that biofilm-like microcolonies are successfully released from the CPB matrix in the colonic environment. In addition, these CPB-formulated probiotic bacteria display the ability to reduce the severity of a DSS-induced colitis mouse model, with a decrease in colonic mucosal injuries, less inflammation, and reduced weight loss compared to DSS control mice. To conclude, this work paves the way for a new form of probiotic administration in the form of biofilm-like microcolonies with enhanced functionalities.

Topics: Animals; Biofilms; Capsules; Colitis; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Compounding; Extracellular Polymeric Substance Matrix; Freeze Drying; Lacticaseibacillus paracasei; Male; Mice; Osmotic Pressure; Pectins; Probiotics; Treatment Outcome

In our days, several approaches reported the use of natural compounds in medical applications. Among them, pectin and allantoin are nontoxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable; however, its use for possible wound healing therapeutics is still limited. Pectin and allantoin have been applied in pharmaceutical industry and beauty cosmetic and could be also applied as scaffolds for tissue regeneration, wound healing, and so on. The aim of this study was to combine by the first time two natural ingredients to develop a new biomaterial to treat skin injuries in a rat model.. For the hydrogel development, new synthesis parameters were established for the obtaining of the film such as temperature, mixing velocity and time, and drying temperatures as well. To enrich the film, the allantoin concentrations were set at 90 wt% and 100 wt% of pectin used. By in vivo assay, films were tested in wound healing in female Wistar rats, 190 ± 10 g in weight and 2 months aged.. The obtained films comprise 2 well-differentiated layers, one layer rich in allantoin, which will be the regenerative layer, and one rich in pectin, which will work as an antimicrobial and protective layer to the wound. These were characterized by swelling kinetics, Fourier transform of the infrared spectrum of absorption (FTIR) spectroscopy, and contact angle. The morphology and topography were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). In vivo assay showed remarkable reduce in a time period in a wound healing process when the film was used. The results show that the use of PA (Pectin-Allantoin) hydrogel reduces the total healing time by 25% approximately.. Pectin-Allantoin (PA) film has potential use in medical applications as wound healing material promoting healthy tissue renewal.

Topics: Allantoin; Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Hydrogels; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Pectins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Wound Healing

A number of natural polymer-based drug delivery systems targeting the colon are reported for different applications. Most of the research is based on the class of natural polymers such as polysaccharides. This study compares the anti-inflammatory effect of different polysaccharide based tablets on IBD when a drug carrier is targeted to the colon as matrix and coated systems.. The TNBS induced IBD Wistar rats were used as a model for the study. The microscopic and macroscopic parameters were studied in detail. Almost all the important IBD parameters were reported in this work.. The results demonstrated that the polysaccharides are efficient in carrying the drugs to the colon. Reduction in the level of ulcer index (UI), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), and Malondialdehyde MDA, confirmed the inhibitory activity on the development of Reactive oxygen species (ROS). The increased level of Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) an expression of colonic inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was lowered in treatments as compared to TNBS control.. The different polymer-based mesalamine (DPBM) confirmed the efficient anti- inflammatory activity on IBD induced rats. The increased level of glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) also confirmed the effective anti-inflammatory effect. A significant decrease in the ulcer score and ulcer area was reported. The investigation revealed that chitosan is superior to pectin in IBD treatment likewise polysaccharide-based matrix systems are superior to the coated system.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Chitosan; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Mesalamine; Pectins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reactive Oxygen Species; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid; Ulcer

Anti-inflammatory properties of artichoke pectin and modified fractions (arabinose- and galactose-free) used at two doses (40 and 80 mg kg-1) in mice with colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium have been investigated. Expression of pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α and ICAM-I decreased in groups of mice treated with original and arabinose-free artichoke pectin while IL-1β and IL-6 liberation was reduced only in mice groups treated with original artichoke pectin. A decrease in iNOS and TLR-4 expression was observed for most treatments. Intestinal barrier gene expression was also determined. MUC-1 and Occludin increased in groups treated with original artichoke pectin while MUC-3 expression also increased in arabinose-free pectin treatment. Galactose elimination led to a loss of pectin bioactivity. Characteristic expression profiles were established for each treatment through artificial neural networks showing high accuracy rates (≥90%). These results highlight the potential amelioration of inflammatory bowel disease on mice model colitis through artichoke pectin administration.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Colitis; Cynara scolymus; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Interleukin-1beta; Interleukin-6; Intestines; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pectins; Plant Extracts; Toll-Like Receptor 4

Dietary fiber, with intake of soluble fibers in particular, has been reported to lower the risk for developing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This is at least partly attributable to the fermentation of dietary fiber by the colonic microbiota to produce short chain fatty acids. Pectin, a widely consumed soluble fiber, is known to exert a protective effect in murine models of IBD, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Apart from having a prebiotic effect, it has been suggested that pectin direct influences host cells by modulating the inflammatory response in a manner dependent on its neutral sugar side chains. Here we examined the effect of the side chain content of pectin on the pathogenesis of experimental colitis in mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a pectin-free diet, or a diet supplemented with characteristically high (5% orange pectin) or low (5% citrus pectin) side chain content for 10-14 days, and then administered 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid or dextran sulfate sodium to induce colitis. We found that the clinical symptoms and tissue damage in the colon were ameliorated in mice that were pre-fed with orange pectin, but not in those pre-fed with citrus pectin. Although the population of CD4

Topics: Animals; Colitis; Cytokines; Dextran Sulfate; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation Mediators; Macrophages; Male; Mice; Pectins; Sugars; T-Lymphocytes; Toll-Like Receptors

Although optimal therapy for myocardial infarction includes reperfusion to restore blood flow to the ischemic region, ischemia/reperfusion (IR) also initiates an inflammatory response likely contributing to adverse left ventricular (LV) extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding-lectin, promotes cardiac remodeling and dysfunction. Our aim is to investigate whether Gal-3 pharmacological inhibition using modified citrus pectin (MCP) improves cardiac remodeling and functional changes associated with IR. Wistar rats were treated with MCP from 1 day before until 8 days after IR (coronary artery ligation) injury. Invasive hemodynamics revealed that both LV contractility and LV compliance were impaired in IR rats. LV compliance was improved by MCP treatment 8 days after IR. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed decreased LV perfusion in IR rats, which was improved with MCP. There was no difference in LV hypertrophy in MCP-treated compared to untreated IR rats. However, MCP treatment decreased the ischemic area as well as Gal-3 expression. Gal-3 blockade paralleled lower myocardial inflammation and reduced fibrosis. These novel data showing the benefits of MCP in compliance and ECM remodeling in IR reinforces previously published data showing the therapeutic potential of Gal-3 inhibition.

Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; Blood Proteins; Disease Models, Animal; Galectin 3; Galectins; Gene Expression; Heart Failure; Heart Function Tests; Immunohistochemistry; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Myocardial Infarction; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury; Myocardium; Pectins; Rats

Enteral feeding with pectin has proven beneficial for anastomosis healing in rats. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low-methoxyl pectin (LMP) or high-methoxyl pectin (HMP), on colonic anastomosis healing in rats.. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (age 7 wk) were fed liquid diets containing LMP, HMP, or no pectin (pectin-free [PF]) for 14 d (n = 10/group). The rats underwent colonic anastomosis surgery on day 7 and were sacrificed on day 14. Bursting pressure, breaking strength, and salt-soluble hydroxyproline at the anastomosis site were used as indices of anastomosis healing. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecal contents were analyzed.. Breaking strength was higher in the LMP group than in the other two groups (P < 0.001). The salt-soluble hydroxyproline content was higher in LMP group than in the PF group (P < 0.01). Bursting pressure did not differ among the three groups. The LMP group produced normal, formed stools, whereas watery stools were observed in HMP and PF groups throughout the experimental period. Cecal SCFAs were highest in LMP group.. These results suggest that LMP promotes healing of colonic anastomosis more effectively than HMP, which may be explained by the mechanical stresses generated by the movement of normally formed stool though the colon.

Topics: Anastomosis, Surgical; Animals; Cecum; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Enteral Nutrition; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hydroxyproline; Male; Pectins; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Serum Albumin; Wound Healing

Preclinical studies have demonstrated that anti-galectin-3 (Gal-3) interventions are effective in attenuating cardiac remodeling, fibrosis, and dysfunction. We determined, in a transgenic (TG) mouse model of fibrotic cardiomyopathy, whether Gal-3 expression was elevated and whether Gal-3 played a critical role in disease development. We studied mice with fibrotic cardiomyopathy attributable to cardiac overexpression of human β

Topics: Amino Sugars; Animals; Cardiomyopathies; Disease Models, Animal; Fibrosis; Galectin 3; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Knockout; Myocytes, Cardiac; Pectins; Phenotype; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta-2; Severity of Illness Index; Up-Regulation; Ventricular Remodeling

Dietary carbohydrate fibers are known to prevent immunological diseases common in Western countries such as allergy and asthma but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Until now beneficial effects of dietary fibers are mainly attributed to fermentation products of the fibers such as anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Here, we found and present a new mechanism by which dietary fibers can be anti-inflammatory: a commonly consumed fiber, pectin, blocks innate immune receptors. We show that pectin binds and inhibits, toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and specifically inhibits the proinflammatory TLR2-TLR1 pathway while the tolerogenic TLR2-TLR6 pathway remains unaltered. This effect is most pronounced with pectins having a low degree of methyl esterification (DM). Low-DM pectin interacts with TLR2 through electrostatic forces between non-esterified galacturonic acids on the pectin and positive charges on the TLR2 ectodomain, as confirmed by testing pectin binding on mutated TLR2. The anti-inflammatory effect of low-DM pectins was first studied in human dendritic cells and mouse macrophages

Topics: Animals; Diet, Western; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Doxorubicin; Esterification; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Female; HEK293 Cells; Hexuronic Acids; Humans; Ileitis; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pectins; Signal Transduction; Toll-Like Receptor 1; Toll-Like Receptor 2

Galactomannan and citrus pectin are considered 'super fibers' known for altering gut microbiota composition and improving glucose and lipid metabolism. The study aims to investigate the fiber's effect on a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model.. Two feeding experiments are carried out using groups of 7-8 week-old male C57BL/6J mice. The diets used are based on a high cholesterol/cholate diet (HCD), such as a nutritional NASH model. Mice are fed a diet with or without 15% fiber-citrus pectin (HCD-CP) or galactomannan (HCD-G) together with the HCD (first experiment), which commenced 3 weeks prior to the HCD (second experiment). Liver damage is evaluated by histological and biochemical parameters. Galactomannan leads to lesser weight gain and improved glucose tolerance, but increased liver damage. This is shown by elevated levels of liver enzymes compared to that with HCD alone. Fibers induce higher steatosis, as evaluated by liver histology. This intriguing result is linked to various changes in the gut microbiota, such as elevated Proteobacteria levels in the galactomannan group, which are correlated with disturbed metabolism and dysbiosis.. In a NASH mouse model, galactomannan increases liver damage but improves glucose metabolism. Changes in the microbiota composition may answer this enigmatic observation.

Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Cholesterol; Diet, High-Fat; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Galactose; Gastrointestinal Contents; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Glucose Tolerance Test; Lipid Metabolism; Liver; Male; Mannans; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Pectins

This work addresses the role of different by-products derived from the industrial extraction of orange juice in a possible anti-inflammatory effect in mice with colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Fresh orange residue (FOR), dry orange residue (DOR), orange liqueur (OL) and animal feed (AF), as well as commercial citrus pectin (CP), were administered to C57BL/6J mice for 15 days before starting the DSS treatment. Analysis of macroscopic parameters such as the Disease Activity Index (DAI) and the colonic weight/length ratio revealed an anti-inflammatory effect following intake of FOR, AF or CP. Moreover, q-PCR of RNA from colonic tissue indicated measurable changes in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, and intercellular adhesion molecules ICAM I, as well as in intestinal barrier proteins such as MUC-3, occludin, and ZO-1. Pectin, phenolic compounds and/or Maillard reaction products formed at initial steps were identified as relevant components exerting the ascribed beneficial effects. Our findings could open up the further application of a variety of orange by-products as food supplements in the potential amelioration of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Biological Products; Citrus sinensis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Cytokines; Dextran Sulfate; Dietary Supplements; Disease Models, Animal; Food-Processing Industry; Fruit; Gene Expression Regulation; Glycation End Products, Advanced; Industrial Waste; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pectins; Phenols; Protective Agents; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms

Clostridium difficile flagellin FliC is a highly immunogenic pathogen-associated molecular pattern playing a key role in C. difficile pathogenesis and gut colonization. Here, we designed an oral vaccine against C. difficile with FliC encapsulated into pectin beads for colonic release. Bead stability and FliC retention was confirmed in vitro using simulated intestinal media (SIM), while bead degradation and FliC release was observed upon incubation in simulated colonic media (SCM). The importance of FliC encapsulation into pectin beads for protection against C. difficile was assessed in a vaccination assay using a lethal hamster model of C. difficile infection. Three groups of hamsters orally received either FliC-loaded beads or unloaded beads in gastro-resistant capsule to limit gastric degradation or free FliC. Two other groups were immunized with free FliC, one intra-rectally and the other intra-peritoneally. Hamsters were then challenged with a lethal dose of C. difficile VPI 10463. Fifty percent of hamsters orally immunized with FliC-loaded beads survived whereas all hamsters orally immunized with free FliC died within 7 days post challenge. No significant protection was observed in the other groups. Only intra-peritoneally immunized hamsters presented anti-FliC IgG antibodies in sera after immunizations. These results suggest that an oral immunization with FliC-loaded beads probably induced a mucosal immune response, therefore providing a protective effect. This study confirms the importance of FliC encapsulation into pectin beads for a protective oral vaccine against C. difficile.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Bacterial Proteins; Bacterial Vaccines; Capsules; Clostridioides difficile; Clostridium Infections; Colon; Cricetinae; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Flagellin; Immunity, Mucosal; Immunoglobulin G; Microspheres; Pectins; Vaccination

Peripheral neuropathic condition is amongst the classical symptoms of progressed diabetes. An intensive glycemic control with insulin injections has been shown to delay the onset and the progression of this condition in diabetes. In this study, we investigated the effect of pectin-insulin patch application on peripheral neuropathic symptoms in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Pectin-insulin patches (20.0, 40.8, and 82.9 μg/kg) were daily applied thrice in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 45 days. The diabetic animals sham treated with insulin-free patch served as negative control, while diabetic animals receiving subcutaneous insulin served as positive controls. The locomotor activity, gripping strength, and thermal perception were assessed at day 36, day 40, and day 44, respectively. On the 45th day, the animals were sacrificed, after which the plasma insulin, nitric oxide, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and malondialdehyde were measured. The patch application attenuated hyperglycemia with an improvement in the locomotor activity, thermal perception, and gripping strength in diabetic animals. Furthermore, the application of the patch augmented plasma nitric oxide while attenuating plasma malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor alpha. The application of pectin-insulin patch delays the onset of peripheral neuropathic-like symptoms in diabetic animals.

Topics: Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Hand Strength; Insulin; Locomotion; Male; Malondialdehyde; Muscle Strength; Nitric Oxide; Pectins; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Streptozocin; Transdermal Patch; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Background and Purpose- Plasma levels of galectin-3-a matricellular protein-are increased after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but the functional significance remains undetermined. This study was conducted to evaluate whether modified citrus pectin (MCP; galectin-3 inhibitor) prevents post-SAH early brain injury, focusing on blood-brain barrier disruption. Methods- C57BL/6 male adult mice (n=251) underwent sham or filament perforation SAH modeling, followed by a random intracerebroventricular injection of vehicle or drug at 30 minutes post-modeling. First, vehicle-treated and 0.8, 4, 16, or 32 µg MCP-treated mice were assessed by neuroscore and brain water content at 24 and 48 hours post-modeling. Second, Evans blue extravasation, Western blotting, coimmunoprecipitation and immunostaining were performed in vehicle-treated or 4 µg MCP-treated mice at 24 hours post-modeling. Third, vehicle or R-galectin-3 (recombinant galectin-3) was administered to SAH mice simultaneously with vehicle or MCP, and neuroscore and Evans blue extravasation were evaluated at 24 hours post-modeling. Fourth, vehicle or R-galectin-3 was administered to MCP-treated SAH mice at 24 hours, and neuroscore and IgG immunostaining were evaluated at 48 hours post-SAH. Results- Among tested dosages, 4 µg MCP showed the best neuroprotective effects as to preventing neurological impairments and brain edema at 24 to 48 hours post-SAH. Four micrograms MCP attenuated post-SAH blood-brain barrier disruption and galectin-3 upregulation in brain capillary endothelial cells, associated with inactivation of ERK (extracellular signal-related kinase) 1/2, STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription)-3, and MMP (matrix metalloproteinase)-9, and the consequent preservation of a tight junction protein ZO-1 (zonula occludens-1). Coimmunoprecipitation assay demonstrated physical interactions between galectin-3 and TLR (Toll-like receptor) 4. R-galectin-3 blocked the neuroprotective effects of MCP. Conclusions- MCP prevents post-SAH blood-brain barrier disruption possibly by inhibiting galectin-3, of which the mechanisms may include binding to TLR4 and activating ERK1/2, STAT-3, and MMP-9. This study suggests galectin-3 to be a novel therapeutic target against post-SAH early brain injury.

Topics: Animals; Blood-Brain Barrier; Blotting, Western; Brain; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelial Cells; Galectin 3; Male; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pectins; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Zonula Occludens-1 Protein

Nephrotoxicity is a major toxic effect in chemotherapy, which constitutes up to 60% of hospitalized acute kidney injury (AKI). Very few treatment options exist to slow the transition from AKI to subsequent chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Here, we demonstrate that galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside binding lectin that plays an important role in kidney fibrosis and renal failure, is one of the key factors for renal injury progression. Ectopic overexpression of Gal-3 significantly decreased the viability of HEK293, simultaneously inducing of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. However, inhibition of Gal-3, mediated by modified citrus pectin (MCP), predominantly antagonized the pro-apoptotic effects. Mice were pre-treated with normal or 1% MCP-supplemented drinking water 1 week before cisplatin injection. Analyses of serum creatinine and renal tissue damage indicated that MCP-treated mice demonstrated increased renal function and attenuated renal fibrosis after cisplatin-induced injury. MCP-treated mice also demonstrated decreased renal fibrosis and apoptosis, as revealed by masson trichrome staining and Western blot analysis of cleaved caspase-3. Additionally, the protective role of Gal-3 inhibition in the kidney injury was shown to be mediated by protein kinase C α (PKC-α), which promoted cell apoptosis and collagen I synthesis in HEK293 cells. These results demonstrated the potential Gal-3 and PKC-α as therapeutic targets for the treatment of AKI and CKD.

Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Animals; Apoptosis; Blood Proteins; Caspase 3; Cisplatin; Creatinine; Disease Models, Animal; Fibrosis; Galectin 3; Galectins; Gene Expression Regulation; Humans; Kidney; Mice; Neoplasms; Pectins; Protein Kinase C-alpha; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic

Galectin-3 is a carbohydrate-binding lectin, which has been implicated in the modulation of atherosclerotic pathophysiology, and is highly expressed in monocytes, macrophages and endothelial cells within atherosclerotic plaques. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) is produced from citrus pectin via pH and temperature modifications, which break it into shorter, non‑branched, galactose‑rich carbohydrate chains. MCP is able to tightly bind with galectin‑3, via recognition of its carbohydrate recognition domain, and facilitates the modulation of galectin‑3‑induced bioactivity. The present study explored the effects of MCP on the initiation of atherosclerosis. Eight‑week‑old apolipoprotein E‑deficient mice were treated with 1% MCP and fed an atherogenic diet for 4 weeks. The effects of MCP on atherosclerotic initiation were determined by pathological analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging. MCP treatment reduced the size of atherosclerotic lesion areas, which was accompanied by decreased numbers of macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Furthermore, SEM examination of the surface of the atheroma‑prone vessel wall indicated that MCP treatment reduced endothelial injury. To analyze the effects of MCP on monocyte adhesion, firstly, oxidized‑low density lipoprotein and various concentrations of MCP (0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.25%) were incubated with the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) for stimulation and following this, the U937 cells were plated onto the HUVECs. The results revealed that MCP reduced the adhesion of U937 monocytes to HUVECs, indicating the adhesion-inhibiting effects of MCP. In conclusion, the present study revealed that MCP, a galectin‑3 inhibitor, reduced the size of atherosclerotic lesions by inhibiting the adhesion of leucocytes to endothelial cells. Inhibition of galectin‑3 function may be a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Topics: Animals; Apolipoproteins E; Atherosclerosis; Cells, Cultured; Diet; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelium, Vascular; Galectin 3; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells; Humans; Macrophages; Male; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Monocytes; Pectins; Plaque, Atherosclerotic

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is involved in cardiovascular fibrosis and aortic valve (AV) calcification. We hypothesized that Gal-3 pharmacological inhibition with modified citrus pectin (MCP) could reduce aortic and AV remodeling in normotensive rats with pressure overload (PO). Six weeks after aortic constriction, vascular Gal-3 expression was up-regulated in male Wistar rats. Gal-3 overexpression was accompanied by an increase in the aortic media layer thickness, enhanced total collagen, and augmented expression of fibrotic mediators. Further, vascular inflammatory markers as well as inflammatory cells content were greater in aorta from PO rats. MCP treatment (100 mg/kg/day) prevented the increase in Gal-3, media thickness, fibrosis, and inflammation in the aorta of PO rats. Gal-3 levels were higher in AVs from PO rats. This paralleled enhanced AV fibrosis, inflammation, as well as greater expression of calcification markers. MCP treatment prevented the increase in Gal-3 as well as fibrosis, inflammation, and calcification in AVs. Overall, Gal-3 is overexpressed in aorta and AVs from PO rats. Gal-3 pharmacological inhibition blocks aortic and AV remodeling in experimental PO. Gal-3 could be a new therapeutic approach to delay the progression and the development of aortic remodeling and AV calcification in PO.

Topics: Animals; Aorta; Aortic Valve; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Calcinosis; Disease Models, Animal; Galectin 3; Gene Expression Regulation; Male; Pectins; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Topics: Animals; Aorta, Abdominal; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Blood Proteins; Case-Control Studies; Cells, Cultured; Chemokine CCL5; Dilatation, Pathologic; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Progression; Galectin 3; Galectins; Humans; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Pancreatic Elastase; Pectins; Phosphorylation; RNA, Messenger; Signal Transduction; STAT3 Transcription Factor; Time Factors; Up-Regulation

The development of coronary heart disease can be divided into preocclusion and postocclusion steps. We previously showed that cell wall polysaccharides consisting of a high content of arabinose and/or xylose, such as apple pectin, protected against myocardial injury by inhibiting postocclusion steps. We hypothesized that xyloglucan, another apple cell wall polysaccharide that consists of a high content of xylose, might also show myocardial protection. To test the hypothesis, rats were supplemented with either tamarind xyloglucan (TXG) (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg per day) or cotton cellulose (CCL) (100mg/kg per day) for 3 days. Then, rats underwent 30 minutes of ischemia followed by 3 hours of reperfusion. Supplementation with TXG at a dosage greater than 10mg/kg per day significantly reduced the infarct size (IS), whereas supplementation with CCL at 100mg/kg per day did not reduce IS. TXG supplementation up-regulated the expression of myoglobin and fatty acid-binding protein, both of which are known to be involved in apoptosis and ATP generation. Indeed, TXG supplementation inhibited apoptosis through decrease in p38 and JNK phosphorylation, increase in Bcl-2/Bax ratio, inhibition in the conversion of procaspase-3 to cleaved caspase-3, and decrease in the generation of DNA nicks. From these results, we demonstrated that xyloglucan in apple can protect against myocardial injury by inhibiting apoptosis and improving energy metabolism. Therefore, apple xyloglucan and pectin contribute to the known beneficial effects of apple in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease by blocking postocclusion steps through apoptosis inhibition. In addition, this study demonstrates the feasibility of developing TXG as a cardioprotectant.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Cardiotonic Agents; Caspase 3; Cell Wall; Diet; Disease Models, Animal; Energy Metabolism; Fruit; Glucans; In Situ Nick-End Labeling; Male; Malus; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Myocardial Infarction; Myocardium; Pectins; Phosphorylation; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tamarindus; Xylans

Topics: Acetylation; Animals; Antibodies, Bacterial; Antibody Formation; Disease Models, Animal; Immunization, Secondary; Immunogenicity, Vaccine; Immunoglobulin G; Immunologic Memory; Mice; Pectins; Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Salmonella typhi; Typhoid Fever; Typhoid-Paratyphoid Vaccines; Vaccines, Synthetic

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of liver failure and mortality. In humans, severe alcoholic hepatitis is associated with key changes to intestinal microbiota (IM), which influences individual sensitivity to develop advanced ALD. We used the different susceptibility to ALD observed in two distinct animal facilities to test the efficiency of two complementary strategies (fecal microbiota transplantation and prebiotic treatment) to reverse dysbiosis and prevent ALD.. Mice were fed alcohol in two distinct animal facilities with a Lieber DeCarli diet. Fecal microbiota transplantation was performed with fresh feces from alcohol-resistant donor mice to alcohol-sensitive receiver mice three times a week. Another group of mice received pectin during the entire alcohol consumption period.. Ethanol induced steatosis and liver inflammation, which were associated with disruption of gut homeostasis, in alcohol-sensitive, but not alcohol resistant mice. IM analysis showed that the proportion of Bacteroides was specifically lower in alcohol-sensitive mice (p<0.05). Principal coordinate analysis showed that the IM of sensitive and resistant mice clustered differently. We targeted IM using two different strategies to prevent alcohol-induced liver lesions: (1) pectin treatment which induced major modifications of the IM, (2) fecal microbiota transplantation which resulted in an IM very close to that of resistant donor mice in the sensitive recipient mice. Both methods prevented steatosis, liver inflammation, and restored gut homeostasis.. Manipulation of IM can prevent alcohol-induced liver injury. The IM should be considered as a new therapeutic target in ALD.. Sensitivity to alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is driven by intestinal microbiota in alcohol fed mice. Treatment of mice with alcohol-induced liver lesions by fecal transplant from alcohol fed mice resistant to ALD or with prebiotic (pectin) prevents ALD. These findings open new possibilities for treatment of human ALD through intestinal microbiota manipulation.

Topics: Animals; Bacteroides; Bile Acids and Salts; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Disease Susceptibility; Dysbiosis; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Liver Diseases, Alcoholic; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pectins; Prebiotics

The present study was aimed at exploiting the wound healing applications and tablet coating potential of Tamarindus indica pectin-chitosan (PCH) conjugate for reducing recovery period from TNBS induced colitis. The PCH (60:40, 3% w/v) solution when spray coated followed by drying at 50°C created hydrophobic surface, that may be due to interaction of pectin with chitosan as evident from temperature ramping rheological investigations. Further, the 15% w/v coating was sufficient to prevent Mesalamine (Ma) release in pH 1.2. The AUC and AUMC of PCH coated tablets were 1.98 and 17.69 fold increased as compared to uncoated tablets. A synergistic therapeutic effect of PCH conjugate with Ma was evident from the colon/body weight ratio, clinical activity and damage score. Overall, the findings suggested PCH and Ma (20mg) reduces the recovery period from 5 to 4days with reduction in dose.

Topics: Animals; Chitosan; Colitis; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Pectins; Plant Exudates; Rats; Tablets; Tamarindus; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid; Wound Healing

Stable suspensions of metal oxide nanoparticles (Me-NPs) obtained by laser ablation of 99.99% pure copper, zinc or lead under a layer of deionized water were used separately, in three binary combinations and a triple combination in two independent experiments on rats. In one of the experiments the rats were instilled with Me-NPs intratracheally (i.t.) (for performing a broncho-alveolar lavage in 24h to estimate the cytological and biochemical indices of the response of the lower airways), while in the other, Me-NPs were repeatedly injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) 18 times during 6 weeks (for estimating the accumulation of corresponding metals in the blood and their excretion with urine and feces and for assessing subchronic intoxication by a large number of functional and morphological indices). Mathematical description of the results from both experiments with the help of the Response Surface Methodology has shown that, as well as in the case of any other binary toxic combinations previously investigated by us, the response of the organism to a simultaneous exposure to any two of the Me-NPs under study is characterized by complex interactions between all possible types of combined toxicity (additivity, subadditivity or superadditivity of unidirectional action and different variants of opposite effects) depending on which effect it is estimated for as well as on the levels of the effect and dose. With any third Me-NP species acting in the background, the type of combined toxicity displayed by the other two may change significantly (as in the earlier described case of a triple combination of soluble metal salts). It is shown that various harmful effects produced by CuO-NP+ZnO-NP+PbO-NP combination may be substantially attenuated by giving rats per os a complex of innocuous bioactive substances theoretically expected to provide a protective integral and/or metal-specific effect during one month before i.t. instillation or during the entire period of i.p. injections.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Copper; Disease Models, Animal; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Injections, Intraperitoneal; Lead; Lung; Male; Metal Nanoparticles; Micronutrients; Models, Theoretical; Multivariate Analysis; Oxides; Particle Size; Pectins; Protective Agents; Rats; Toxicity Tests, Subchronic; Zinc Oxide

It is established that arabinogalactan and pectinaceous polysaccharides isolated from Ferula kuchistanica are capable of stimulating a primary immune response in mice by increasing the number of antibody-producing cells in the spleen in response to immunization with sheep red blood cells in both intact animals (on average by 51.0%; p < 0.005) and those with secondary immunodeficiency caused by irradiation (on average by 164.4%; p < 0.005). The treatment with compounds studied also significantly increased the functional condition of cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (on average by 27.0%; p < 0.005).

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Ferula; Galactans; Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes; Male; Mice; Pectins; Phagocytes

Starfruit (Averrhoa carambola L.) is an edible tropical fruit, which is usually consumed as a fresh table fruit or as fruit juice. It also exhibits various pharmacological activities. In this study, polysaccharides were extracted with boiling water and purified by freeze-thawing and Fehling treatments. After purification steps, a homogenous fraction was obtained. It was analyzed by sugar composition, gel permeation chromatography, methylation, and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D NMR) spectroscopy analyses. It comprised arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal), and galacturonic acid (GalA) in a molar ratio of 12.3:1.7:86.0. Methylation and NMR spectroscopy analyses showed that it contained a substituted galacturonan composed of (1→4)-linked α-D-Galp A units branched at O-2 by (1→5)-linked α-L-Araf and terminal α-L-Araf and α-D-Galp A units. The effect of PFSCW (10-300mg/kg, i.p.) on nocifensive behavior induced by intraplantar injection of formalin in mice was evaluated. The fraction demonstrated antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that it may be useful in therapeutic intervention for the management of inflammatory pain.

Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Averrhoa; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Mice; Molecular Structure; Pectins; Plant Extracts; Polysaccharides

Extracellular matrix remodelling of the adipose tissue has a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of obesity. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is increased in obesity and mediates inflammation and fibrosis in the cardiovascular system. However, the effects of Gal-3 on adipose tissue remodelling associated with obesity remain unclear. Male Wistar rats were fed either a high-fat diet (33.5% fat) or a standard diet (3.5% fat) for 6 weeks. Half of the animals of each group were treated with the pharmacological inhibitor of Gal-3, modified citrus pectin (MCP; 100 mg kg(-1) per day) in the drinking water. In adipose tissue, obese animals presented an increase in Gal-3 levels that were accompanied by an increase in pericellular collagen. Obese rats exhibited higher adipose tissue inflammation, as well as enhanced differentiation degree of the adipocytes. Treatment with MCP prevented all the above effects. In mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes, Gal-3 (10(-8 )m) treatment increased fibrosis, inflammatory and differentiation markers. In conclusion, Gal-3 emerges as a potential therapeutic target in adipose tissue remodelling associated with obesity and could have an important role in the development of metabolic alterations associated with obesity.

Topics: 3T3-L1 Cells; Adipocytes; Adipose Tissue; Adiposity; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Galectin 3; Inflammation; Male; Mice; Pectins; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Recently, academic studies suggest that global growth of airway allergic disease has a close association with dietary changes including reduced consumption of fiber. Therefore, appropriate dietary fiber supplementation might be potential to prevent airway allergic disease (AAD).. We investigated whether dietary fiber intake suppressed the induction of AAD and tried to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms.. The control mice and AAD model mice fed with 4% standard-fiber chow, while low-fiber group of mice fed with a 1.75% low-fiber chow. The two fiber-intervened groups including mice, apart from a standard-fiber diet, were also intragastric (i.g.) administrated daily with poorly fermentable cellulose or readily fermentable pectin (0.4% of daily body weight), respectively. All animals except normal mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to induce airway allergic inflammation. Hallmarks of AAD were examined by histological analysis and ELISA. The variation in intestinal bacterial composition was assessed by qualitative analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) content in fecal samples using real-time PCR.. Low-fiber diet aggravated inflammatory response in ovalbumin-induced allergic mice, whereas dietary fiber intake significantly suppressed the allergic responses, attenuated allergic symptoms of nasal rubbing and sneezing, decreased the pathology of eosinophil infiltration and goblet cell metaplasia in the nasal mucosa and lung, inhibited serum OVA-specific IgE levels, and lowered the levels of Th2 cytokines in NALF and BALF, but, increased Th1 (IFN-γ) cytokines. Additionally, dietary fiber intake also increased the proportion of Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria, and decreased Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Levels of probiotic bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, were upgraded significantly.. Long-term deficiency of dietary fiber intake increases the susceptibility to AAD, whereas proper fiber supplementation promotes effectively the balance of Th1/Th2 immunity and then attenuates allergic inflammatory responses significantly, as well as optimizes the structure of intestinal microbiota, which suggests potential for novel preventive and therapeutic intervention.

Topics: Animals; Bacteroidetes; Bifidobacterium; Cellulose; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Eosinophils; Feces; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Goblet Cells; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Inflammation; Intestines; Lactobacillus; Lung; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Nasal Mucosa; Ovalbumin; Pectins; Proteobacteria; Respiratory Hypersensitivity; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Th1-Th2 Balance

This study was aimed at determining potential effects of apple-derived pectin on weight gain, gut microbiota, gut barrier and metabolic endotoxemia in rat models of diet-induced obesity. The rats received a standard diet (control; Chow group; n = 8) or a high-fat diet (HFD; n = 32) for eight weeks to induce obesity. The top 50th percentile of weight-gainers were selected as diet induced obese rats. Thereafter, the Chow group continued on chow, and the diet induced obese rats were randomly divided into two groups and received HFD (HF group; n = 8) or pectin-supplemented HFD (HF-P group; n = 8) for six weeks. Compared to the HF group, the HF-P group showed attenuated weight gain (207.38 ± 7.96 g vs. 283.63 ± 10.17 g, p < 0.01) and serum total cholesterol level (1.46 ± 0.13 mmol/L vs. 2.06 ± 0.26 mmol/L, p < 0.01). Compared to the Chow group, the HF group showed a decrease in Bacteroidetes phylum and an increase in Firmicutes phylum, as well as subordinate categories (p < 0.01). These changes were restored to the normal levels in the HF-P group. Furthermore, compared to the HF group, the HF-P group displayed improved intestinal alkaline phosphatase (0.57 ± 0.20 vs. 0.30 ± 0.19, p < 0.05) and claudin 1 (0.76 ± 0.14 vs. 0.55 ± 0.18, p < 0.05) expression, and decreased Toll-like receptor 4 expression in ileal tissue (0.76 ± 0.58 vs. 2.04 ± 0.89, p < 0.01). The HF-P group also showed decreased inflammation (TNFα: 316.13 ± 7.62 EU/mL vs. 355.59 ± 8.10 EU/mL, p < 0.01; IL-6: 51.78 ± 2.35 EU/mL vs. 58.98 ± 2.59 EU/mL, p < 0.01) and metabolic endotoxemia (2.83 ± 0.42 EU/mL vs. 0.68 ± 0.14 EU/mL, p < 0.01). These results suggest that apple-derived pectin could modulate gut microbiota, attenuate metabolic endotoxemia and inflammation, and consequently suppress weight gain and fat accumulation in diet induced obese rats.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Obesity Agents; Bacteria; Biomarkers; Cholesterol; Diet, High-Fat; Disease Models, Animal; Endotoxemia; Fruit; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Hypercholesterolemia; Inflammation Mediators; Intestinal Mucosa; Intestines; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Malus; Obesity; Pectins; Permeability; Phytotherapy; Plants, Medicinal; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tight Junctions; Time Factors; Weight Gain

Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding lectin, is increased in kidney injury and its pharmacological blockade reduces renal damage in acute kidney injury, hyperaldosteronism or hypertensive nephropathy. We herein investigated the effects of pharmacological Gal-3 inhibition by modified citrus pectin (MCP) in early renal damage associated with obesity and aortic stenosis (AS).. Gal-3 was upregulated in kidneys from high fat diet (HFD) rats and in animals with partial occlusion of ascending aorta (AS). Urinary and plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and urinary albumin were enhanced in HFD and AS rats. In kidney from obese rats, fibrotic markers (collagen, TFG-β), epithelial-mesenchymal transition molecules (α-smooth muscle actin, E-cadherin), inflammatory mediator (osteopontin) and kidney injury marker (kidney injury molecule-1) were modified. In kidney from AS rats, fibrotic markers (collagen, CTGF), epithelial-mesenchymal transition molecules (fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, β-catenin, E-cadherin) and kidney injury markers (NGAL, kidney injury molecule-1) were altered. Histologic observations of obese and AS rat kidneys revealed tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The pharmacological inhibition of Gal-3 with MCP normalized renal Gal-3 levels as well as functional, histological and molecular alterations in obese and AS rats.. In experimental models of mild kidney damage, the increase in renal Gal-3 expression paralleled with renal fibrosis, inflammation and damage, while these alterations were prevented by Gal-3 blockade. These data suggest that Gal-3 could be a new player in renal molecular, histological and functional alterations at early stages of kidney damage.

Topics: Acute Kidney Injury; Animals; Aortic Valve Stenosis; Diet, High-Fat; Disease Models, Animal; Fibrosis; Galectin 3; Kidney; Male; Obesity; Pectins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Acetic acid ulcerative colitis (UC) is an experimental condition created due to intra-rectal administration of acetic acid which causes inflammation and ulceration in the lining of colon and rectum. In such condition, the colon cannot absorb liquid from the stools, resulting in larger volume of watery stools. Mesalazine is mainly used for the treatment of UC but suffers from the drawback of having poor bioavailability. UC is also characterized by alteration in colonic microflora. The present work was focused on delivering mesalazine along with probiotic, which would facilitate to refurbish customary growth of microflora. Mesalazine and probiotic were encapsulated in pectin beads with an aim to protect the drug from gastric environment and target to colonic region.. Pectin beads were prepared, formulation process was optimized for polymer concentration, drug concentration, cross-linking agent concentration. Formulation was characterized for surface morphology, in vitro drug release studies, determination of viable cell count, in vivo ulcer protective studies and stability studies.. Average particle diameter of beads was ∼1.44-1.72 mm. Drug entrapment efficiency was found to be optimal (78-79%). A sustained release of drug was observed for 5 h; nearly 60% of drug was released at the end of 10 h. Microbiological studies of probiotic showed best cell viability. In acetic acid induced UC model, Mesalazine-probiotic beads-treated group showed significant (p < 0.01) ulcer protection index with respect to free drug-treated group.. In conclusion, mesalazine-probiotic loaded beads may serve as a useful colon specific drug delivery system for treatment of colitis.

Topics: Acetic Acid; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Cell Survival; Colitis, Ulcerative; Colon; Delayed-Action Preparations; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Carriers; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Liberation; Male; Mesalamine; Particle Size; Pectins; Probiotics; Rats; Rats, Wistar

Colonic drug delivery is intended not only for local treatment in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) but also for systemic delivery of therapeutics. Intestinal myeloperoxidase (MPO) determination could be used to estimate the average level of inflammation in colon as well as to determine the efficacy of drugs to be used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases or study the specificity of dosage forms to be used for colonic targeting of anti-inflammatory drugs. Colonic prodrug sulfasalazine (SASP) gets metabolized to give 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), which is the active portion of SASP. However, when given orally, 5-ASA is absorbed in upper part of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and not made available in colon. In the present study, colon-targeted delivery of 5-ASA was achieved by formulating tablets with two natural polymers namely guar gum and pectin using compression coating method. Colonic specificity of 5-ASA tablets (prepared using guar gum and pectin as polymers) was evaluated in vitro using simulated fluids mimicking in vivo environment as well as in vivo method using chemically (2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid and acetic acid)-induced colitis rat model. Both colon-specific formulations of 5-ASA (guar gum and pectin) were observed to be more effective in reducing inflammation in chemically induced colitis rat models when compared to colon-specific prodrug sulfasalazine as well as conventional 5-ASA administered orally.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Carriers; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Galactans; Male; Mannans; Mesalamine; Pectins; Plant Gums; Prodrugs; Rats; Tablets; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

Increased intake of probiotic dietary fibre reduces colonic cancer risk. Modified citrus pectin (MCP) requires optimal bioactivity to inhibit galectin-3 (GAL-3) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This study evaluated the preventative effect of modified pectin alginate (MCPA) probiotic microbeads on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic carcinogenesis in Balb/c mice.. Optimization of AOM dose duration: 10-15 mg/kg was administered for 2-4 weeks. The optimal AOM dose was initiated prior to intake of MCPA, alginate probiotic (AP) microbeads and MCP in Balb/c mice for 16 weeks; samples were analyzed for colonic histopathology and immunohistochemistry.. AOM at 15 mg/kg for 4 weeks induced optimal GAL-3 and VEGF immunostaining. Furthermore, MCPA treatment reduced GAL-3 expression in the colon of AOM-treated mice compared to MCP.. MCPA probiotic microbeads increase bioactivity and chemopreventative effect against pre-cancerous colonic lesions and adenocarcinoma through inhibition of GAL-3 and VEGF in the Balb/c mouse model of colonic carcinogenesis.

Topics: Alginates; Animals; Azoxymethane; Carcinogenesis; Chemoprevention; Colon; Colonic Neoplasms; Disease Models, Animal; Galectins; Glucuronic Acid; Hexuronic Acids; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Pectins; Probiotics; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Remodeling, diastolic dysfunction, and arterial stiffness are some of the alterations through which obesity affects the cardiovascular system. Fibrosis and inflammation are important mechanisms underlying cardiovascular remodeling, although the precise promoters involved in these processes are still unclear. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) induces inflammation and fibrosis in the cardiovascular system. We have investigated the potential role of Gal-3 in cardiac damage in morbidly obese patients, and we have evaluated the protective effect of the Gal-3 inhibition in the occurrence of cardiovascular fibrosis and inflammation in an experimental model of obesity. Morbid obesity is associated with alterations in cardiac remodeling, mainly left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. Obesity and hypertension are the main determinants of left ventricular hypertrophy. Insulin resistance, left ventricular hypertrophy, and circulating levels of C-reactive protein and Gal-3 are associated with a worsening of diastolic function in morbidly obese patients. Obesity upregulates Gal-3 production in the cardiovascular system in a normotensive animal model of diet-induced obesity by feeding for 6 weeks a high-fat diet (33.5% fat). Gal-3 inhibition with modified citrus pectin (100 mg/kg per day) reduced cardiovascular levels of Gal-3, total collagen, collagen I, transforming and connective growth factors, osteopontin, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the heart and aorta of obese animals without changes in body weight or blood pressure. In morbidly obese patients, Gal-3 levels are associated with diastolic dysfunction. In obese animals, Gal-3 blockade decreases cardiovascular fibrosis and inflammation. These data suggest that Gal-3 could be a novel therapeutic target in cardiac fibrosis and inflammation associated with obesity.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Cardiovascular System; Diet, High-Fat; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Fibrosis; Galectin 3; Heart Ventricles; Humans; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular; Incidence; Inflammation; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Myocardium; Obesity; Pectins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Regression Analysis; Ultrasonography; Ventricular Remodeling

Semi-solidification by gelation or increased viscosity could slow the influx of liquid enteral nutrition (EN) into the small intestine. A liquid EN formula containing pectin that gels under acidic conditions such as those found in the stomach has been developed. A new near-infrared fluorescent imaging reagent was used to non-invasively acquire real time images of gastric emptying in a murine model in vivo. We postulated that the EN formula delays gastric emptying and tested this hypothesis using imaging in vivo.. Male BALB/c mice were given an oral bolus injection of a liquid EN containing the fluorescence reagent GastroSense750 with or without pectin. The EN in the stomach was visualized in vivo at various intervals using a non-invasive live imaging system and fluorescent signals were monitored from the stomach, which was removed at 60 min after EN ingestion.. The fluorescence intensity of signals in stomachs in vivo and in resected stomachs was lower and attenuated over time in mice given EN without, than with pectin.. Adding a gelling agent such as pectin delayed the transit of liquid EN from the stomach. Fluorescence imaging can visualize the delayed gastric emptying of EN containing pectin.

Topics: Animals; Antidiarrheals; Disease Models, Animal; Enteral Nutrition; Fluorescent Dyes; Gastric Emptying; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Optical Imaging; Pectins

Intakes of apple and its products are shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by delaying occlusion of coronary arteries. In our previous study, we showed that apple pectin protected against myocardial injury by prohibiting apoptotic cascades in a rat model of ischemia/reperfusion. Thus, we hypothesized that water-extracted apple, into which apple pectin was released from the cell wall, might exhibit the same efficacy as apple pectin. To test this hypothesis, we fed rats either cold water- (400 mg kg(-1) d(-1)) or hot water-extracted apples (HWEA; 40, 100, and 400 mg kg(-1) d(-1)). Three days later, the rats were subjected to myocardial injuries by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (30 minutes), and subsequently, the heart (3 hours) reperfused by releasing the ligation. Only the rats that were supplemented with HWEA (400 mg kg(-1) d(-1)) showed significant reductions in infarct size, which was 28.5% smaller than that of the control group. This infarct size reduction could be partly attributed to the prevention of steps leading to apoptosis. These steps are manifested by a higher Bcl-2/Bax ratio, lower procaspase-3 conversion to caspase-3, and inhibition of DNA nick generation, which reflects the extent of apoptosis. The findings indicate that HWEA supplementation reduces myocardial injury by inhibiting apoptosis under ischemia/reperfusion conditions. In conclusion, this study suggests that apple intake, specifically boiled apple, might reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by inhibiting postocclusion steps, such as myocardial injury after artery occlusion, as well as preocclusion steps, such as atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Topics: Animals; Apoptosis; bcl-2-Associated X Protein; Caspase 3; Disease Models, Animal; Male; Malus; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury; Pectins; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Temperature; Water

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the pectic polysaccharides BP-II, Oc50A1.I.A and CC1P1 isolated from the Malian medicinal plants Biophytum petersianum, Opilia celtidifolia and Cola cordifolia, respectively, were able to protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in mice. The pectin preparations were administered intraperitoneally 3 h before challenge with S. pneumoniae serotype 6B. Blood samples were obtained from all animals before and at 3 h, 24 h and 72 h after challenge with the pneumococci. The number of bacteria in blood was recorded and the blood concentration of a range of cytokines measured. The pretreatment with BP-II, Oc50A1.I.A and CC1P1 demonstrated a protective activity against S. pneumoniae serotype 6B infection, albeit at different range of concentrations. The pectins showed no direct antibacterial effects towards S. pneumonia; however, they induced the production of a range of cytokines and chemokines. We have previously shown that BP-II, Oc50A1.I.A and CC1P1 exhibit complement fixation activity and also that BP-II and Oc50A1.I.A stimulate macrophages to produce NO. The observed clinical effect might therefore be linked to the ability of the pectic polysaccharides to stimulate the innate immune system.

Topics: Animals; Bacteremia; Chemokines; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Lipopolysaccharides; Mice; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Pectins; Plants, Medicinal; Pneumococcal Infections; Serotyping; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Time Factors

We have designed an oral vaccine against Clostridium difficile infection. The virulent factor Cwp84, that is a cystein protease highly immunogenic in patients with C. difficile-associated disease, was entrapped within pectin beads. Beads encapsulating Cwp84 were shown to be stable in the simulated intestinal medium and to release the cystein protease once in the simulated colonic medium. Three groups of hamsters were immunized, the first receiving pectin beads encapsulating Cwp84, the second unloaded beads and the third one free Cwp84. After three immunizations by the intragastric route, all groups received clindamycine. Post-challenge survival with a strain of C. difficile showed that 2 days after infection, all hamsters treated with unloaded beads and all hamsters treated with free Cwp84 have deceased after 7 days, whereas about 40% of hamsters administered with Cwp84-loaded beads survived 10 days after challenge, proving that oral vaccination provides partial protection. These first data obtained with an oral vaccine against C. difficile appear promising for preventing this infection.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibodies, Bacterial; Bacterial Vaccines; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Clostridioides difficile; Clostridium Infections; Cricetinae; Cysteine Endopeptidases; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Carriers; Drug Compounding; Drug Stability; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Immunoglobulin G; Molecular Weight; Pectins; Survival Analysis

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has become an important modality to provide enteral access for long-term nutritional support. Nevertheless, aspiration of liquid nutrients due to vomiting and reflux esophagitis caused by gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a significant problem associated with tube feeding by PEG.. First, gastrostomy as an access for enteral nutrition and esophagostomy for gastroesophageal pH and Bilitec monitoring were performed in eight beagle dogs, in which the influence of viscosity of an enteral formula on the degree of GER was investigated using a commercially available liquid meal and a nearly isocaloric half-solid diet that was prepared by adding a solution mixed with dextrin, pectin, and calcium lactate. Second, similar studies were accomplished in seven beagle dogs that underwent cardioplasty and intrathoracic cardiopexy (a model of GER disease [GERD]).. There was no difference in the degree of GER evaluated by Bilitec monitoring between liquid and half-solid nutrients in eight normal dogs, whereas solidifying nutrients significantly reduced the frequency of reflux during the feeding periods (P=0.0180) and post-feeding periods (P=0.0277) in a model of GERD.. The use of half-solid nutrients for enteral feeding reduced the frequency of reflux in a dog model of GERD.

Topics: Animals; Calcium Compounds; Catheters, Indwelling; Dextrins; Disease Models, Animal; Dogs; Enteral Nutrition; Fluoroscopy; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Gastrostomy; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Lactates; Nutritional Support; Pectins

Pectin has protective, anti-inflammatory effects on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the exact mechanism is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the immunological effect of dietary pectin in IL-10(-/-) mice, a murine model for IBD. Cytokine expression, CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell populations, and immunoglobulin secretion were observed in three groups of mice: normal (BALb/c), IL-10(-/-), and IL-10(-/-) treated with pectin. Pectin treatment reduced expression of TNF-α and GATA-3, an important transcription factor for the Th2 immune response. These mice also expressed lower levels of IgE in the spleen and Peyer's patches (PP) and lower IgG and IgM expression in PP. Interestingly, IL-10 deficiency resulted in lower CD4(+) and CD8(+) populations in the spleen, mesenteric lymph node (MLN), and PP; however, pectin counteracted these declines in the MLN and PP. Therefore, dietary pectin downregulates the inflammatory response in the colon by moderating the production of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins.

Topics: Animals; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cytokines; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Immunoglobulin E; Immunoglobulin G; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Interleukin-10; Lymph Nodes; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Knockout; Pectins; Plant Extracts; Spleen; Th1 Cells; Vaccinium

Ionotropic gelation was used to entrap aceclofenac into algino-pectinate bioadhesive microspheres as a potential drug carrier for the oral delivery of this anti-inflammatory drug. Microspheres were investigated in vitro for possible sustained drug release and their use in vivo as a gastroprotective system for aceclofenac. Polymer concentration and polymer/drug ratio were analyzed for their influence on microsphere properties. The microspheres exhibited good bioadhesive property and showed high drug entrapment efficiency. Drug release profiles exhibited faster release of aceclofenac from alginate microspheres whereas algino-pectinate microspheres showed prolonged release. Dunnet's multiple comparison analysis suggested a significant difference in percent inhibition of paw edema when the optimized formulation was compared to pure drug. It was concluded that the algino-pectinate bioadhesive formulations exhibit promising properties of a sustained release form for aceclofenac and that they provide distinct tissue protection in the stomach.

Topics: Adhesiveness; Administration, Oral; Alginates; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Delayed-Action Preparations; Diclofenac; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Carriers; Edema; Glucuronic Acid; Hexuronic Acids; Inflammation; Male; Microspheres; Pectins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Stomach

The purpose of the study was to evaluate digestion of pectin/Kollicoat SR30D free films for colonic delivery in vitro and in vivo.. Free films containing different ratios of pectin to Kollicoat SR30D were prepared by casting/solvent evaporation method. An in-vitro comparison of swelling, degradation and permeability of the free films was carried out in simulated colon fluids containing caecal contents from normal rats with colitis induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) or oxazolone. A comparative in-vivo evaluation of degradation was also conducted in normal and colitis-induced model rats.. The pectin within the mixed films was susceptible to rat colonic bacterial enzymes. The extent of digestion correlated with the amount of pectin present within the film. In vitro, the swelling index, drug permeability and extent of film digestion in simulated colon fluids with caecal contents obtained from normal rats were higher than from TNBS- or oxazolone-induced model rats, whereas in-vivo degradation was similar in the three groups of rats. The pectin/Kollicoat SR30D free films were completely degraded in the colitis-induced rats.. Pectic/Kollicoat SR30D films may be useful as coatings to target delivery of drugs to the colon.

Topics: Animals; Cecum; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Delivery Systems; Fluorouracil; Glass; Oxazolone; Pectins; Permeability; Polyvinyls; Rats; Steam; Temperature; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

The purpose of this study was to formulate budesonide (BUD) compression-coated tablets for colonic specific delivery. Pectin and guar gum were used as enzyme-dependent polymers. For comparison purposes, both pH- and time-dependent polymers were also tried. In vitro release studies were carried out at different pH (1.2, 6.8, and 7.4). Therapeutic efficacy of the prepared tablets compared to commercially available capsules and enema were evaluated in trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced rabbit colitis model. In pH-dependent polymers, Eudragit (EUD) S100/EUD L100 (1:1) released 45.58% in the target area (colon). For time-dependent polymers, decreasing cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) ratio increased the release in both pH 6.8 and 7.4 till it reached 40.58% and 93.65%, respectively, for 25% CAB. In enzyme-dependent polymers, increasing pectin ratio to 75% retarded the release (4.59% in pH 6.8 and 54.45% in pH 7.4) which was significantly enhanced to 99.31% using pectinolytic enzyme. Formula F14 coated with 75% pectin significantly reduced the inflammatory cells in the connective tissue core of the colon of the treated group and significantly decreased myeloperoxidase activity (3.90 U/g tissue weight). This study proved that BUD compression-coated with 75% pectin may be beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Budesonide; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Cellulose; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Colitis; Colon; Delayed-Action Preparations; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Carriers; Drug Compounding; Galactans; Gastrointestinal Agents; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hypromellose Derivatives; Kinetics; Male; Mannans; Methylcellulose; Pectins; Plant Gums; Polymethacrylic Acids; Rabbits; Rheology; Solubility; Tablets, Enteric-Coated; Technology, Pharmaceutical; Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid

Evaluated were the anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities, and bleeding effect of two chemically sulfated polysaccharides, obtained from citric pectin, with different average molar masses. Both low-molecular-weight (Pec-LWS, 3,600 g/mol) and high-molecular-weight sulfated pectins (Pec-HWS, 12,000 g/mol) had essentially the same structure, consisting of a (1-->4)-linked alpha-D-GalpA chain with almost all its HO-2 and HO-3 groups substituted by sulfate. Both polysaccharides had anticoagulant activity in vitro, although Pec-HWS was a more potent antithrombotic agent in vivo, giving rise to total inhibition of venous thrombosis at a dose of 3.5 mg/kg body weight. Surprisingly, in contrast with heparin, Pec-HWS and Pec-LWS are able to directly inhibit alpha-thrombin and factor Xa by a mechanism independent of antithrombin (AT) and/or heparin co-factor II (HCII). Moreover, Pec-HWS provided a lower risk of bleeding than heparin at a dose of 100% effectiveness against venous thrombosis, indicating it to be a promising antithrombotic agent.

Topics: Animals; Anticoagulants; Blood Coagulation; Citrus sinensis; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Factor Xa Inhibitors; Female; Fibrinolytic Agents; Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Molecular Weight; Pectins; Platelet Aggregation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Structure-Activity Relationship; Sulfates; Thrombin; Venous Thrombosis

This project aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of mastic [(Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia (Anacardiaceae)] extracted from the Chios mastic plant to help reduce intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease patients. Mastic and mastic resin were obtained from the Chios Mastiha Growers Association (www.mastihashop.com). The resin was ground into a fine powder using a pestle and mortar and formulated in factorial design manner. Evaluation of the efficacy of specific anti-inflammatory/antioxidant compounds in mitigating the clinical colitis parameters in a mouse model of colitis were performed with mastic itself and combination of tocopherol compounds. Colonic drug delivery system was developed consisting of two compartment model and its release profile was also investigated.

Topics: alpha-Tocopherol; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Colitis; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Dosage Forms; Drug Carriers; Drug Therapy, Combination; Gastrointestinal Agents; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hypromellose Derivatives; Kinetics; Male; Methylcellulose; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pectins; Pistacia; Resins, Plant; Solubility

Standard models of experimental ulceration (of neurogenic origin, H. Shay ulcer, indomethacine-, ethanol-, prednisolone-, histamine- and acetate-induced ulcers) were used to demonstrate protective effect of non-starch polysaccharides (potassium alginate, potassium pectate, low-esterified pectin). Potassium pectate proved to be the most efficacious protector. Mechanism of its anti-ulcerative action is attributable to antacidic, cytoprotective, and reparative activity. It appeals to optimally stimulate the motor-evacuation function and, besides, exhibits marked anti-inflammatory activity.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Alginates; Animals; Antidiarrheals; Biocompatible Materials; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Carriers; Female; Gastric Emptying; Glucuronic Acid; Hexuronic Acids; Male; Mice; Pectins; Polysaccharides; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Stomach Ulcer; Treatment Outcome

To discuss the expression of glactin-3 in liver metastasis of colon cancer and its inhibition by modified citrus pectin (MCP) in mice.. Seventy-five Balb/c mice were randomly divided into negative control group (n = 15), positive control group (n = 15), low MCP concentration group (n = 15), middle MCP concentration group (n = 15) and high MCP concentration group (n = 15). CT26 colon cancer cells were injected into the subcapsule of mouse spleen in positive control group, low, middle and high MCP concentrations groups, except in negative control, to set up a colon cancer liver metastasis model. The concentration of MCP in drinking water was 0.0%, 0.0%, 1.0%, 2.5% and 5.0% (wt/vol), respectively. Liver metastasis of colon cancer was observed after 3 wk. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the concentration of galectin-3 in serum. Expression of galectin-3 in liver metastasis was detected by immunohistochemistry.. Except for the negative group, the percentage of liver metastasis in the other 4 groups was 100%, 80%, 73.3% and 60%, respectively. The number of liver metastases in high MCP concentration group was significantly less than that in positive control group (P = 0.008). Except for the negative group, the median volume of implanted spleen tumor in the other 4 groups was 1.51 cm(3), 0.93 cm(3), 0.77 cm(3) and 0.70 cm(3), respectively. The volume of implanted tumor in middle and high MCP concentration groups was significantly smaller than that in positive control group (P = 0.019; P = 0.003). The concentration of serum galectin-3 in positive control and MCP treatment groups was significantly higher than that in the negative control group. However, there was no significant difference between them. Except for the negative control group, the expression of galectin-3 in liver metastases of the other 4 groups showed no significant difference.. Expression of galetin-3 increases significantly in liver metastasis of colon cancer, which can be effectively inhibited by MCP.

Topics: Animals; Cell Adhesion; Cell Aggregation; Cell Line, Tumor; Citrus; Colonic Neoplasms; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Galectin 3; Liver Neoplasms; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Pectins; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Splenic Neoplasms

Ciprofloxacin hydrochloride-loaded microspheres were prepared by a spray-drying method using pectin and chitosan. The effects of different polymers and drug ratios were investigated. The most appropriate carriers were selected by in vitro testing. A rat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis model was used to evaluate the effects of the loaded microspheres. The drug was released rapidly from the pectin carrier but this was more sustained in the chitosan formulation.Chitosan microspheres loaded with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride were more effective for the treatment of osteomyelitis than equivalent intramuscular antibiotics.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Chitosan; Ciprofloxacin; Delayed-Action Preparations; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Compounding; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Male; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Microspheres; Osteomyelitis; Pectins; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Staphylococcal Infections; Treatment Outcome

The efficacy of comaruman CP, a pectin of marsh cinquefoil Comarum palustre L., was investigated using a model of acetic acid-induced colitis in mice. Mice were administered comaruman CP orally 2 days prior to rectal injection of 5% acetic acid and examined for colonic damage 24 hr later. Colonic inflammation was characterized by macroscopical injury, higher levels of myeloperoxidase activity, enhanced vascular permeability, and diminution of colonic mucus. Oral administration of comaruman CP was found to prevent progression of colitis. Colonic macroscopic scores and the total square of damage were significantly reduced in mice treated with CP compared with the vehicle-treated colitis group. Peroral pretreatment of mice with comaruman CP was shown to decrease tissue myeloperoxidase activity in colons compared with the colitis group. Comaruman CP was found to stimulate production of mucus by colons of normal and colitis mice. Comaruman CP decreased the inflammatory status of normal mice as elicited by reduction of vascular permeability and adhesion of peritoneal neutrophils and macrophages. Thus, a preventive effect of comaruman on acetic acid-induced colitis in mice was detected. Reduction of neutrophil infiltration and enhancement of colon-bound mucus may be implicated in the protective effect of comaruman.

Topics: Acetic Acid; Animals; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Mice; Pectins; Plant Extracts; Potentilla

To study isolation and chemical characterization of pectin derived from the common cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccos L. (oxycoccusan OP) and the testing of its preventive effect on experimental colitis.. Mice were administrated orally with OP two days prior to a rectal injection of 5% acetic acid and examined for colonic damage 24 h later. Colonic inflammation was characterized by macroscopical injury and enhanced levels of myeloperoxidase activity measured spectrophotometrically with o-phenylene diamine as the substrate. The mucus contents of the colon were determined by the Alcian blue dye binding method. Vascular permeability was estimated using 4% Evans blue passage after i.p. injection of 0.05 mol/L acetic acid.. In the mice treated with OP, colonic macroscopic scores (1.1+/-0.4 vs 2.7, P<0.01) and the total square area of damage (10+/-2 vs 21+/-7, P<0.01) were significantly reduced when compared with the vehicle-treated colitis group. OP was shown to decrease the tissue myeloperoxidase activity in colons (42+/-11 vs 112+/-40, P<0.01) and enhance the amount of mucus of colitis mice (0.9+/-0.1 vs 0.4+/-0.1, P<0.01). The level of colonic malondialdehyde was noted to decrease in OP-pretreated mice (3.6+/-0.7 vs 5.1+/-0.8, P<0.01). OP was found to decrease the inflammatory status of mice as was determined by reduction of vascular permeability (161+/-34 vs 241+/-21, P<0.01). Adhesion of peritoneal neutrophils and macrophages was also shown to decrease after administration of OP (141+/-50 vs 235+/-37, P<0.05).. Thus, a preventive effect of pectin from the common cranberry, namely oxycoccusan OP, on acetic acid-induced colitis in mice was detected. A reduction of neutrophil infiltration and antioxidant action may be implicated in the protective effect of oxycoccusan.

Topics: Acetic Acid; Animals; Antioxidants; Cell Adhesion; Colitis; Colon; Disease Models, Animal; Intestinal Mucosa; Male; Malondialdehyde; Mice; Mice, Inbred A; Neutrophils; Pectins; Peroxidase; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Vaccinium

A type of respiratory disorder resembling some aspects of human allergic asthma can be induced in mice using ovalbumin. The factors that influence the etiology of asthma are poorly understood even though cytokines are known to play a pivotal role. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis whether an administration of Asian pear pectin during presensitization could suppress allergic response to ovalbumin in BALB/c mice.. High-dose (100 microg) of pectin-sol was used and values were compared to those from the control. Ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide were utilized for sensitization while ovalbumin aerosol was used for provocation 2 weeks later. The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and assessment of tracheal smooth muscle responsiveness to electrical field stimulation or acetylcholine were performed 1 day after ovalbumin provocation. Two main cytokines of interferon (IFN)-gamma and interleukin (IL)-5, and serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) were assayed.. Laboratory of the Chosun University Medical School. Male BALB/c mice. Antigen dose of 5 microg for sensitization generated TH1 type cytokines in the lungs with a high level of IFN-gamma and a low level of IL-5. In contrast, TH2 type cytokines were produced in splenocytes including a high level of IL-5 and a low level of IFN-gamma. Asian pear pectin-sol administration during presensitization significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) sensitivity of airway smooth muscle to electrical field stimulation and acetylcholine. Further, IFN-gamma production significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in BAL fluids while it significantly increased (p < 0.05) in splenic cells. On the other hand, IL-5 production significantly increased (p < 0.05) in BAL fluids while it was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in splenic cells. For the histopathologic changes in the lung, pear pectin-sol recovered ovalbumin (OVA)-induced abnormal signs to an almost normal state. As a correlate, IgE production significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in pectin-sol-treated animals compared to the control.. It is possible from these data that BALB/c mice have different susceptibilities to different doses of OVA regulated by pulmonary TH1 and TH2 type cytokines, independent of splenic TH1 and TH2 type cytokines production. These results also indicate that administration of Asian pear pectin-sol in presensitized mice suppresses allergic asthmatic reaction.

Topics: Allergens; Aluminum Hydroxide; Animals; Asthma; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic; Immunoglobulin E; Interleukin-18; Interleukin-5; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Ovalbumin; Pectins; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Pulmonary Alveoli; Pyrus; Th1 Cells; Th2 Cells

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a worldwide poultry disease caused by the alpha toxin-producing bacterium Clostridium perfringens. Disease risk factors include concurrent coccidial infection and the dietary use of cereal grains high in nonstarch polysaccharides (NSP), such as wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Outbreaks of NE can be prevented or treated by the use of in-feed antibiotics. However, the current debate regarding the prophylactic use of antibiotics in animal diets necessitates a better understanding of factors that influence intestinal colonization by C. perfringens as well as the pathophysiological consequences of its growth. We report a study with a chick model of NE, which used molecular (16S rRNA gene [16S rDNA]) and culture-based microbiological techniques to investigate the impact of the macrolide antibiotic tylosin phosphate (100 ppm) and a dietary NSP (pectin) on the community structure of the small intestinal microbiota relative to colonization by C. perfringens. The effects of tylosin and pectin on mucolytic activity of the microbiota and C. perfringens colonization and their relationship to pathological indices of NE were of particular interest. The data demonstrate that tylosin reduced the percentage of mucolytic bacteria in general and the concentration of C. perfringens in particular, and these responses correlated in a temporal fashion with a reduction in the occurrence of NE lesions and an improvement in barrier function. The presence of pectin did not significantly affect the variables measured. Thus, it appears that tylosin can control NE through its modulation of C. perfringens colonization and the mucolytic activity of the intestinal microbiota.

Topics: Animal Feed; Animals; Chickens; Clostridium Infections; Clostridium perfringens; Disease Models, Animal; DNA, Bacterial; DNA, Ribosomal; Duodenum; Enteritis; Ileum; Intestinal Mucosa; Necrosis; Pectins; Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Tylosin

Topics: Adhesives; Animals; Calcium; Disease Models, Animal; Gels; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Ion Transport; Latex; Occlusive Dressings; Pectins; Plastics; Polytetrafluoroethylene; Potassium; Rats; Skin; Skin Physiological Phenomena; Water Loss, Insensible

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in U.S. men and remains incurable once it has metastasized. Many stages of the metastatic cascade involve cellular interactions mediated by cell surface components, such as carbohydrate-binding proteins, including galactoside-binding lectins (galectins). Modified citrus pectin (pH-modified), a soluble component of plant fiber derived from citrus fruit, has been shown to interfere with cell-cell interactions mediated by cell surface carbohydrate-binding galectin-3 molecules.. The aim of this study was to determine whether modified citrus pectin, a complex polysaccharide rich in galactosyl residues, could inhibit spontaneous metastasis of prostate adenocarcinoma cells in the rat.. The ability of modified citrus pectin to inhibit the adhesion of Dunning rat prostate cancer MAT-LyLu cells to rat endothelial cells was measured by 51Cr-labeling. Modified citrus pectin inhibition of MAT-LyLu cell anchorage-independent growth was measured by colony formation in agarose. The presence of galectin-3 in rat MAT-LyLu cells and human prostate carcinoma was demonstrated by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. One million MAT-LyLu cells were injected subcutaneously into the hind limb of male Copenhagen rats on day 0. Rats were given 0.0%, 0.01%, 0.1%, or 1.0% (wt/vol) modified citrus pectin continuously in their drinking water (from day 4 until necropsy on day 30). The number of MAT-LyLu tumor colonies in the lungs were counted.. Compared with 15 or 16 control rats that had lung metastases on day 30, seven of 14 rats in the 0.1% and nine of 16 rats in the 1.0% modified citrus-pectin group had statistically significant (two-sided; P < .03 and P < .001, respectively) reductions in lung metastases. The lungs of the 1.0% modified citrus pectin-treated rats had significantly (two-sided; P < .05) fewer metastatic colonies than control groups (9 colonies +/- 4 [mean +/- SE] in the control group compared with 1 colony +/- 1 in the treated group). Modified citrus pectin had no effect on the growth of the primary tumors. In vitro, modified citrus pectin inhibited MAT-LyLu cell adhesion to rat endothelial cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner as well as their colony formation in semisolid medium.. We present a novel therapy in which oral intake of modified citrus pectin acts as a potent inhibitor of spontaneous prostate carcinoma metastasis in the Copenhagen rat.. Further investigations are warranted to determine the following: 1) the role of galectin-3 in normal and cancerous prostate tissues and 2) the ability of modified citrus pectin to inhibit human prostate metastasis in nude mice.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Administration, Oral; Analysis of Variance; Animals; Cell Adhesion; Cell Separation; Disease Models, Animal; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Humans; Immunoblotting; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Male; Neoplasm Metastasis; Pectins; Prostatic Neoplasms; Rats; Tumor Stem Cell Assay

Previous research indicated that prunes in the diet of men with hypercholesterolemia lowered plasma and LDL cholesterol concentrations. To further study lipid metabolism in response to ingesting prunes, we conducted an animal study to test the hypotheses that fiber extracted from prunes, compared with purified cellulose, lowers plasma and liver cholesterol in rats with diet-induced hyperlipidemia and that the response is dose dependent. Rats were randomly assigned to one of five experimental diet groups. Four of the diets contained cholesterol and cholic acid to induce hyperlipidemia. The fiber source in the hyperlipidemic diets was 6% cellulose, 3% prune fiber, 6% prune fiber or 3% pectin. The fifth group, the nonhyperlipidemic control, was fed a diet containing 6% cellulose without cholesterol or cholic acid. Rats consumed one of the five diets ad libitum for 28 d, then were killed after 16 h without food. Plasma, LDL and liver cholesterol concentrations were higher in the hyperlipidemic control than the nonhyperlipidemic control and lower in the groups fed diets containing pectin or prune fiber than in the hyperlipidemic control group. No differences in plasma or liver cholesterol concentrations were detected between groups fed either dose level of prune fiber or between groups fed 6% prune fiber and pectin. These results indicate that fiber extracted from prunes lowers plasma and liver cholesterol in hyperlipidemic rats, although a dose-dependent response was not detected.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Apolipoproteins; Cecum; Cellulose; Cholesterol; Diet; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Eating; Fruit; Hyperlipidemias; Intestine, Small; Lipoproteins; Liver; Male; Organ Size; Pectins; Random Allocation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Triglycerides

Immunomodulating activity of zosterin was studied. Zosterin is a pectin from sea grass belonging to Zostera with pronounced antibacterial activity and therapeutic efficacy in experimental infections. It was shown that parenteral administration of the drug 24 hours before the antigenic irritation stimulated the humoral and cellular immunity in F1 (CBA X C 57 BL/6) mice: an increase in the number of the antibody cells in the spleen, the DTH and the index of the splenocyte spontaneous proliferation. In the animals treated with injections of zosterin and infected intraperitoneally with a virulent strain of S. enteritidis there was observed a marked increase in migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes to the abdominal cavity accompanied by an increase in their phagocytic activity. The results suggested the possible use of zosterin as a drug with associated antibacterial and immunomodulating activities.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Enterocolitis; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Neutrophils; Pectins; Phagocytosis; Plant Extracts; Poaceae; Salmonella Infections; Seawater

The kinetics of the antibacterial activity of zosterin, a polysaccharide preparation of a sea grass belonging to Zoster, was studied. By its chemical structure zosterin is a low ++methoxylated pectin. In vitro the preparation markedly inhibited the growth of ++Gram-negative and ++Gram-positive organisms: S. aureus, E. coli, Y. pseudotuberculosis, S. typhimurium and Ps. aeruginosa. On a model of experimental pseudotuberculosis++ infection caused by oral contamination of mice F1 (CBA X C57B1) with a suspension of Y. pseudotuberculosis zosterin was shown to have a therapeutic effect. It protected 30 to 40 per cent of the animals when administered per os simultaneously with or 24 hours after the contamination. The results are in favour of the zosterin further investigation as a preparation useful in prevention of intestinal infections in persons being in contact with the patients.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Disease Models, Animal; Enterobacteriaceae; In Vitro Techniques; Mice; Pectins; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Polysaccharides; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Seawater; Staphylococcus aureus; Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Infections

We studied the effect of dietary grapefruit pectin on plasma cholesterol and the development of atherosclerosis in 18 miniature swine. Pigs were randomized to one of three diets: no added fat (I), added fat/cellulose (II), and added fat/pectin (III). Plasma cholesterol was measured monthly. Arteries were examined for atherosclerosis at the termination of the experiment. Pectin supplementation of an added fat diet resulted in a significantly lower average plasma cholesterol than did cellulose supplementation (168 mg/dl vs. 249 mg/dl, p less than 0.05). The pectin-fed pigs also developed less atherosclerosis of their aortas (1.1% vs. 7.0%, p less than 0.05) and coronary arteries (2.9% vs. 26.2% cross-sectional narrowing, p less than 0.05). Plasma cholesterol levels correlated with the severity of aortic (r = 0.836) and coronary artery (r = 0.735) atherosclerosis. We conclude that dietary grapefruit pectin supplementation inhibits hypercholesterolemia and appears to be proportionately protective against atherosclerosis.

Topics: Animals; Cholesterol; Citrus; Coronary Artery Disease; Diet, Atherogenic; Dietary Fiber; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Hypercholesterolemia; Pectins; Random Allocation; Swine; Swine, Miniature; Triglycerides

Topics: Animals; Antacids; Carrageenan; Cellulose; Charcoal; Disease Models, Animal; Dogs; Ion Exchange Resins; Pectins; Pepsin A; Peptic Ulcer; Polysaccharides; Protease Inhibitors; Sulfates