Basal LFP relative power in six frequency bands (total: 1–60 Hz; delta: 1–4 Hz; theta: 4–8 Hz; alpha: 8–12 Hz; beta: 12–25 Hz; gamma: 25–60 Hz).

<p>A, saline injection in VPM did not change the values of LFP power in all bands. B, significant rise of power were found in all bands after BIC injection in VPM. Data shown as mean ± S.E.M. (n = 8). *, p < 0.05 versus control.</p

Schematic representation of the somatosensory ascending pathway.

<p>The tactile information was transmitted from mechanoreceptors of the facial skin to the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). The tungsten microelectrode allowed extracellular single-unit recordings in S1, while a glass electrode performed the injection of bicuculline (BIC) in the thalamic ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPM).</p

SEP responses before and after injection of saline/BIC in VPM.

<p>A and D, original traces. B, time course plots of SEP responses before and after saline injection in VPM (n=3). C, amplitudes of four components of SEP calculated from B, saline injection in VPM did not change the values of all components. C, SEP responses before and after BIC injection in VPM (n=11). D, increase in all response components were observed after BIC injection in VPM. Data shown as mean ± S.E.M. (n = 11). *, p < 0.05 versus control.</p

Four response components in SEP.

<p>A, Time course plots of SEP responses to stimulus frequencies of 2 Hz during middle propofol anaesthesia. B, Typical SEP response with four components (N1, P1, N2, P2). Dashed lines show how the amplitude of each was calculated.</p

Results of LFP and SEP with BIC injection in S1.

<p>A, Schematic representation of the altered injection site (in S1 area) of BIC. B, original traces of LFP and SEP traces before and after BIC (and saline) injection in S1. C, power spectral density of LFP. D, basal LFP relative power in six frequency bands. E, time course plots of SEP responses before and after BIC (and saline) injection in S1. F, amplitudes of four components of SEP calculated from E. Data shown as mean ± S.E.M. (n = 5). *, p < 0.05 versus control.</p

Rice Protein Peptides Alleviate Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis via the Keap1–Nrf2 Signaling Pathway and Regulating Gut Microbiota

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with increasing incidence, causes a range of gastrointestinal symptoms and brings distress and impact on the health and lives of patients. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of industrially produced rice protein peptides (RPP) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in mice and the potential mechanisms. The results showed that RPP treatment alleviated the symptoms of colitis in mice, including weight loss, colon shortening, and injury, decreased the level of disease activity index (DAI), regulated the balance of inflammatory factors and oxidation, activated Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, regulated the expression of related antioxidant proteases, and promoted the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins. In addition, RPP maintained intestinal mucosal barrier function and alleviated acute colitis caused by DSS treatment in mice by increasing the value of F/B, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia, and regulating the level of short-chain fatty acids. In conclusion, RPP alleviated colitis symptoms through the Keap1–Nrf2 signaling pathway and regulating gut microbiota, which had the potential as dietary supplements or functional foods