The Role of Vitamin A-Storing Cells (Stellate Cells) in Inflammation and Tumorigenesis

Characteristic localization and distribution of vitamin A-storing cells (stellate cells) were demonstrated as hepatic stellate cells in the hepatic lobule and as subepithelial myofibroblasts in the colonic crypt. The stem cell-stem cell niche is maintained by stellate cells in the periportal area and crypt base. Periportal vitamin A-rich stellate cells decrease in patients with chronic hepatitis C who are habitual smokers. Mice fed a vitamin A-supplemented diet show reduced severity of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis and development of subsequent colonic neoplasia in a model of the ulcerative colitis-dysplasia-carcinoma sequence, compared with mice fed a vitamin A-deficient diet. Decreased colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts and IgA/IgG-positive cells, and increased CD11c-positive dendritic cells in the colonic mucosa, in the vitamin A-deficient state suggest dysfunction of the stem cell niche at the colonic crypt base and colonic immunity. Accordingly, vitamin A deficiency may worsen inflammation and subsequent tumor development, indicating the possibility that vitamin A supplementation might be effective against chronic inflammation and cancer development

A Study on Water Quality of Ponds in Agricultural Villages, in Bangladesh

Death rate of infant in Bangladesh is higher among developing countries. It is said that children die from diarrhca and other water-related diseases. Then authors investigated the water quality in 116 ponds and a few of reivers in 2002 where people daily use water for washing foodstuffs, eating utensils, clothes and bathing. The followings are obtained. 1) Pond water is contaminated with organic matter, coliform group colonies and unsuitable for daily use. 2) As surgace water and rainwater are safer than groud water, it is expected to set up tanks storing rainwater, and to develop the apparatus purifying the contaminated surface water