50 research outputs found

    Role of the High Affinity Immunoglobulin E Receptor in Bacterial Translocation and Intestinal Inflammation

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    A role for immunoglobulin E and its high affinity receptor (FcΔRI) in the control of bacterial pathogenicity and intestinal inflammation has been suggested, but relevant animal models are lacking. Here we compare transgenic mice expressing a humanized FcΔRI (hFcΔRI), with a cell distribution similar to that in humans, to FcΔRI-deficient animals. In hFcΔRI transgenic mice, levels of colonic interleukin 4 were higher, the composition of fecal flora was greatly modified, and bacterial translocation towards mesenteric lymph nodes was increased. In hFcΔRI transgenic mice, 2,4,6-tri-nitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis was also more pronounced, whereas FcΔRI-deficient animals were protected from colitis, demonstrating that FcΔRI can affect the onset of intestinal inflammation

    Identification of epicatechin as one of the key bioactive constituents of polyphenol-enriched extracts that demonstrate an anti-allergic effect in a murine model of food allergy

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    Polyphenols are naturally derived bioactive compounds with numerous reported health benefits. We have previously reported on the beneficial effect of a polyphenol-enriched apple extract in a murine model of food allergy. The objectives of the present study were to elucidate the class of bioactive polyphenols that exhibit a beneficial anti-allergic effect and to assess whether the protective effect matches the in vivo bioavailable metabolite concentrations. Female BALB/c mice were sensitised to ovalbumin (OVA) following the protocol of a well-established murine model of food allergy. They were fed diets containing polyphenol-enriched extracts or purified epicatechin for 8d after the last sensitisation. The sensitised mice were orally challenged with OVA after the intervention. The allergy symptoms, in addition to allergen-specific serum Ig concentrations and gene expression profiles in the intestine, of the control and treated mice were compared. Plasma samples were collected to compare the concentrations of bioavailable epicatechin metabolites in the treatment groups. Polyphenol-enriched fruit extracts containing epicatechin exhibited a significant anti-allergic effect in vivo. This effect was unambiguously attributed to epicatechin, as oral administration of this purified polyphenol to sensitised mice by inclusion in their diet modulated allergy symptoms in a dose-dependent manner. Immune parameters were also affected by the administration of epicatechin. Bioavailability measurements in plasma indicated that the attenuation of allergy symptoms could be due to the higher concentrations of bioavailable epicatechin metabolites. In conclusion, epicatechin is a key bioactive polyphenol that has the ability to modulate allergy outcomes in sensitised mic

    Partially Hydrolysed Whey-Based Infant Formula Improves Skin Barrier Function

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    Specific partially hydrolysed whey-based infant formulas (pHF-W) have been shown to decrease the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) in infants. Historically, AD has been associated primarily with milk allergy; however, defective skin barrier function can be a primary cause of AD. We aimed to ascertain whether oral supplementation with pHF-W can improve skin barrier function. The effect of pHF-W was assessed on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and antibody productions in mice epicutaneously exposed to Aspergillus fumigatus. Human primary keratinocytes were stimulated in vitro, and the expression of genes related to skin barrier function was measured. Supplementation with pHF-W in neonatal mice led to a significant decrease in TEWL and total IgE, but not in allergen-specific antibody levels. The whey hydrolysate was sufficient to decrease both TEWL and total IgE. Aquaporin-3 gene expression, linked with skin hydration, was modulated in the skin of mice and human primary keratinocytes following protein hydrolysate exposure. Skin barrier improvement may be an additional mechanism by which pHF-W may potentially reduce the risk of AD development in infants. Further human studies are warranted to confirm the clinical efficacy of these observations

    Attenuation of Colon Inflammation through Activators of the Retinoid X Receptor (Rxr)/Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ (Pparγ) Heterodimer: A Basis for New Therapeutic Strategies

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    The peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor Îł (PPARÎł) is highly expressed in the colon mucosa and its activation has been reported to protect against colitis. We studied the involvement of PPARÎł and its heterodimeric partner, the retinoid X receptor (RXR) in intestinal inflammatory responses. PPARÎł1/− and RXRα1/− mice both displayed a significantly enhanced susceptibility to 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis compared with their wild-type littermates. A role for the RXR/PPARÎł heterodimer in the protection against colon inflammation was explored by the use of selective RXR and PPARÎł agonists. TNBS-induced colitis was significantly reduced by the administration of both PPARÎł and RXR agonists. This beneficial effect was reflected by increased survival rates, an improvement of macroscopic and histologic scores, a decrease in tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1ÎČ mRNA levels, a diminished myeloperoxidase concentration, and reduction of nuclear factor ÎșB DNA binding activity, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, and p38 activities in the colon. When coadministered, a significant synergistic effect of PPARÎł and RXR ligands was observed. In combination, these data demonstrate that activation of the RXR/PPARÎł heterodimer protects against colon inflammation and suggest that combination therapy with both RXR and PPARÎł ligands might hold promise in the clinic due to their synergistic effects

    Nigella sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Extract Alleviates Symptoms of Allergic Diarrhea in Mice, Involving Opioid Receptors

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    The incidence of food hypersensitivity and food allergies is on the rise and new treatment approaches are needed. We investigated whether N. sativa, one of its components, thymoquinone, or synthetic opioid receptor (OR)-agonists can alleviate food allergy. Hence, ovalbumin (OVA) -sensitized BALB/c-mice were pre-treated either with a hexanic N. sativa seed extract, thymoquinone, kappa- (U50'4889) or mu-OR-agonists (DAMGO) and subsequently challenged intra-gastrically with OVA. All 4 treatments significantly decreased clinical scores of OVA-induced diarrhea. N. sativa seed extract, thymoquinone, and U50'488 also decreased intestinal mast cell numbers and plasma mouse mast cell protease-1 (MMCP-1). DAMGO, in contrast, had no effect on mast cell parameters but decreased IFNÎł, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 concentration after ex vivo re-stimulation of mesenteric lymphocytes. The effects on allergy symptoms were reversible by OR-antagonist pre-treatment, whereas most of the effects on immunological parameter were not. We demonstrate that N. sativa seed extract significantly improves symptoms and immune parameters in murine OVA-induced allergic diarrhea; this effect is at least partially mediated by thymoquinone. ORs may also be involved and could be a new target for intestinal allergy symptom alleviation. N. sativa seed extract seems to be a promising candidate for nutritional interventions in humans with food allergy

    Abstracts from the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Meeting 2016

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    Role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and retinoid X receptor heterodimer in hepatogastroenterological diseases

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    The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and its partner the retinoid X receptor (RXR) are two nuclear receptors that are expressed mainly in adipose tissue and which have a role in lipid metabolism and insulin sensitisation. New sites of PPARgamma/RXR expression have been described, especially in the intestinal tract, pancreas, and liver. Concomitantly, new functions have been attributed to this heterodimer in regulation of inflammation, by its inhibition of nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and via stress-kinase pathways. These new sites and functions of PPARgamma/RXR have led to novel ideas about pathophysiology of different inflammatory digestive diseases and to development of innovative treatment strategies with PPARgamma activators

    Partially Hydrolyzed Whey Infant Formula: Literature Review on Effects on Growth and the Risk of Developing Atopic Dermatitis in Infants from the General Population.

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    Limited evidence is available regarding the effect of partially hydrolyzed whey-based formula (pHF-W) on growth and atopic dermatitis (AD) risk reduction in infants within the general infant population, and without a familial history of allergy as an inclusion or exclusion criterion. We reviewed the current evidence available from studies using pHF-W in the general population and summarized the data on safety (growth) and efficacy outcomes (reduction of AD), comparing the studies side by side. A total of 8 clinical trials were identified from the literature search, 7 of which used the same pHF-W. Six out of 8 studies indicated a reduction of atopic manifestations using a specific pHF-W versus cow's milk formula (CMF) in the first years of life. Data were summarized and compared side by side for growth (3 studies) and efficacy (5 studies). In these diverse general populations, the results on growth and AD were consistent with the previous findings reported on infants with a family history of allergy, but numerous limitations to these studies were identified. This literature review confirms that pHF-W supports normal growth in infants, and suggests that the risk of AD may be reduced in not-fully breastfed infants from the general population when supplemented with a specific pHF-W when compared to CMF during the first 4-6 months of life. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results
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