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A mouse thrombosis model was established by kappa-carrageenan to observe the inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus KSFY07 (LDSB-KSFY07) on thrombosis and the oxidative stress response. Mouse serum, liver tissue-related indicators, and intestinal microbial composition were measured by examining the expression of microbes in mouse faeces using a biochemical kit, slice observations, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) experiments. The results showed that LDSB-KSFY07 effectively reduced the degree of black tail in thrombotic mice, increased activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and decreased thrombin time (TT), fibrinogen (FIB), and prothrombin time (PT) in thrombotic mice. LDSB-KSFY07 was also able to reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels in the serum and liver tissues of thrombotic mice. Pathological observations showed that LDSB-KSFY07 reduced liver tissue lesions and tail vein thrombosis. Further, experimental results showed that LDSB-KSFY07 was able to upregulate the mRNA expression of copper/zinc-SOD (Cu/Zn-SOD), manganese-SOD, and GSH-Px in the liver tissue of thrombotic mice. Moreover, LDSB-KSFY07 was also able to downregulate the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65, intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin in tail vein vascular tissue. Meanwhile, LDSB-KSFY07 could raise plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) mRNA expression and reduce tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) expression in heart and tail vein vascular tissues of thrombotic mice. A mouse faeces examination revealed that LDSB-KSFY07 could also upregulate Bacteroides, Lactobacterium, and Bifidobacterium microbial expression and downregulate Firmicutes expression in the gut. These results indicate that LDSB-KSFY07 was able to inhibit mouse thrombosis and reduce liver oxidative stress damage in thrombus mice and show that high concentrations of LDSB-KSFY07 provided a better response similar to that of the drug heparin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present research, the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum YS4 (LP-YS4) on colitis were tested in an oxazolone-induced mouse model. BALB/c mice were induced by oxazolone and then treated with LP-YS4. The serum levels of mice were analyzed using commercial kits and the protein and mRNA expression levels of mouse colon tissue were detected by Western blotting and qPCR assay, respectively. The results demonstrated that LP-YS4 significantly (P < 0.05) increased the colon length and ratio of colon weight/length in mice with colitis and attenuated the negative effects of colitis. The results also showed that treatment with LP-YS4 significantly reduced the serum concentrations of ET-1, SP, and IL-10 while significantly increasing those of SS, VIP, and IL-2 in colitis mice (P < 0.05). In addition, LP-YS4 significantly increased the activities of GSH and SOD while decreasing those of MPO and MDA in the colon tissue of colitis mice (P < 0.05). LP-YS4 also significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of c-Kit, eNOS, nNOSe, and SCF in colitis mice while significantly downregulating the relative expression of iNOS. In summary, LP-YS4 could reduce the negative effects of colitis, and such effects were better than those of the common probiotic Lactobacillus bulgaricus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are an important group of microorganisms in the food industry. LAB with health benefits are considered natural elements promoting consumer health. The study investigated the anti‐obesity effects of Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC01 (LP‐CQPC01) on high‐fat diet‐induced mice. Liver morphology, liver function indexes, lipid indexes, and inflammatory factors in the serum and liver were determined. Expressions of lipid metabolism‐related gene were also detected by qPCR. LP‐CQPC01 slowed the HFD‐induced increase in body weight, decreased the organ indexes, alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation, and inhibited the increased adipose cell volume. LP‐CQPC01 decreased lipid levels of serum and liver, and the contents of pro‐inflammatory factors, and increased the IL‐4 and IL‐10 contents. LP‐CQPC01 downregulated the expressions of the C/EBP‐α and PPARγ mRNA and upregulated CYP7A1, CPT1, LPL, CAT, SOD1, and SOD2 mRNA. Our results indicated that LP‐CQPC01 is a potential probiotic for preventing or alleviating high‐energy intake‐related lipid conditions. Practical applications: Obesity is a factor of a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the occurrence of fat accumulation in time. This study investigated the effect of LP‐CQPC01 on lipid regulation in mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) and clarified the mechanism of strain to alleviate obesity by enhancing the decomposition of cholesterol and detoxification of fat. LP‐CQPC01 reduced fat accumulation without oxidative damage, and was confirmed by the attenuated pathological changes of liver. This research can serve as a significant reference for future research, prevention, and treatment of high‐energy intake‐related lipid conditions, and the development of functional foods with anti‐obesity activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the epithelial tissue of the breast gland and has become the most common malignancy in women. The regulation of the expression of related genes by microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in breast cancer. We constructed a comprehensive breast cancer-miRNA-gene interaction map. Methods. Three miRNA microarray datasets (GSE26659, GSE45666, and GSE58210) were obtained from the GEO database. Then, the R software "LIMMA" package was used to identify differential expression analysis. Potential transcription factors and target genes of screened differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were predicted. The BRCA GE-mRNA datasets (GSE109169 and GSE139038) were downloaded from the GEO database for identifying differentially expressed genes (DE-genes). Next, GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were conducted. A PPI network was then established, and hub genes were identified via Cytoscape software. The expression and prognostic roles of hub genes were further evaluated. Results. We found 6 upregulated differentially expressed- (DE-) miRNAs and 18 downregulated DE-miRNAs by analyzing 3 Gene Expression Omnibus databases, and we predicted the upstream transcription factors and downstream target genes for these DE-miRNAs. Then, we used the GEO database to perform differential analysis on breast cancer mRNA and obtained differentially expressed mRNA. We found 10 hub genes of upregulated DE-miRNAs and 10 hub genes of downregulated DE-miRNAs through interaction analysis. Conclusions. In this study, we have performed an integrated bioinformatics analysis to construct a more comprehensive BRCA-miRNA-gene network and provide new targets and research directions for the treatment and prognosis of BRCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgrounds. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are strongly associated with the development of breast cancer (BC). As yet, the function of LINC01234 in BC remains unknown. Methods. Using biological information, the potential lncRNA, miRNA, and target gene were predicted. LINC01234 and miR-525-5p expression in BC tissues was detected using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to determine the distribution of LINC01234. Cell proliferation was analyzed using CCK-8 assay, colony formation, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining, and apoptosis evaluated using flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to evaluate protein expression. Dual-luciferase® reporter, RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to analyze the binding relationships among LINC01234, miR-525-5p, and cold shock domain-containing E1 (CSDE1). Results. We screened out LINC01234, found to be significantly increased in BC tissues, associated with a poor prognosis, and positively correlated with tumor size of BC. Knockdown of LINC01234 suppressed BC cell growth and facilitated apoptosis. Dual-luciferase reporter®, RNA pull-down, and RNA immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that LINC01234 and CSDE1 directly interacted with miR-525-5p. Upregulation of miR-525-5p and suppression of CSDE1 inhibited BC cell growth and induced cell apoptosis. Conclusion. Upregulation of LINC01234 contributes to the development of BC through the miR-525-5p/CSDE1 axis. LINC01234 may be one of the potential diagnostic and treatment targets for BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum YS3 (LP‐YS3) on ulcerative colitis (UC) was assessed using a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis. Different concentrations of LP‐YS4 were administered to the experimental mice by daily gavage. Several inflammatory and biochemical indices, such as interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO), were examined in mouse serum and colon tissue. The mRNA and protein expression levels of c‐Kit, CXC chemokine receptor type 2 (CXCR2), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), and stem cell factor (SCF) in mouse colon tissue were assessed using Western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. The findings indicated that LP‐YS3 remarkably decreased the disease activity index (DAI) of UC mice (p <.05), inhibited colon length shortening induced by UC, and elevated the value of colon weight/length ratio. LP‐YS3 could also markedly reduce (p <.05) the activities of MDA, MPO, and NO; while an increase in the GSH content in the colonic tissue of UC mice. Moreover, LP‐YS3 remarkably increased (p <.05) the serum level of IL‐2 in UC mice, while reduced those of IL‐10, IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α cytokines. qPCR data revealed that LP‐YS3 could markedly upregulate the expression levels of c‐Kit and SCF, while downregulate those of CXCR2 and IL‐8 in the colonic tissue of UC mice (p <.05). LP‐YS3 exerted an outstanding protective effect on DSS‐induced colitis in C57BL/6J mice, especially at higher concentrations. Practical applications: Lactobacillus plantarum YS3 is a newly isolated and identified lactic acid bacteria. This study confirmed that L. plantarum YS3 can inhibit colitis and has good probiotic potential, which needs further development and utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malus hupehensis leaves (MHL) are used to make traditional Chinese tea. In this study, MHL extract was shown to improve metabolic disorders and inflammatory response in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice. MHL extract could reduce body weight, and significantly alleviate liver damage and fat accumulation. MHL extract caused a decrease in the levels of ALT, AST, AKP, TC, TG, LDL‐C, and an increase in the level of HDL‐C. It also caused a decrease in inflammatory cytokines, including TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and an increase in the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 and IL‐4. MHL extract could upregulate mRNA expression of PPAR‐α, LPL, CPT1, CYP7A1, SOD1, SOD2, CAT, GSH1, and GSH‐Px and downregulate that of PPAR‐γ and C/EBP‐α in the liver of obese mice. In conclusion, our work represents the first study demonstrating that MHL extract possesses an anti‐obesity effect and alleviates obesity‐related symptoms, including dyslipidemia, chronic low‐grade inflammatory, and liver damage. Practical applications: The research may contribute to the development and application of MHL as functional foods or dietary supplement to fight against obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are regard as safety approaches for preventing and treating some chronic diseases. This study investigated the regulating effect of Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC03 (LP‐CQPC03) on lipid metabolism in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity in mice. The results showed that administration of LP‐CQPC03 at a concentration of 1.0 × 109 CFU/kg body weight inhibits HFD‐induced obesity and improves lipid metabolism in the liver and serum. LP‐CQPC03 intervention attenuated obesity‐induced hepatic tissue damage, led decreases in hepatic triglyceride (42.02 mmol/gprot), total cholesterol (3.85 mmol/gprot), and LDL‐C (1.03 mmol/gprot), and an increase in HDL‐C (1.07 mmol/gprot). The same tendencies were observed in serum of HFD‐fed mice. LP‐CQPC03 intervention led a decrease in serum levels of aspartic transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. LP‐CQPC03 alleviated inflammation by increasing the level of interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐10, and decreasing the levels of pro‐inflammatory factors, including IL‐6, IL‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interferon‐γ. LP‐CQPC03 also increased activities of SOD and GSH‐Px in liver significantly and dropped the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level from 3.39 nmol/gprot to 1.90 nmol/gprot. RT‐qPCR results showed that the lipid metabolism‐improving effect of LP‐CQPC03 was performed by upregulating the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, lipoprotein lipase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase 1. This study indicates that L. plantarum CQPC03 might be a potential probiotic that can help mitigate the adverse effects of excessive lipids on the liver, and prevent or alleviate high‐energy intake‐related obesity. Practical applications: Intaking high‐energy foods is a potential risk of lipid metabolic disorder. Therefore, it is necessary to seek an effective and safe approach for preventing the obesity‐related disease. This study found that LP‐CQPC03 limited the rate of increase in body weight of mice fed on HFD, maintained normal hepatic tissue morphology, and exhibited a strong regulating effect on lipid metabolism. And the threshold concentration of LP‐CQPC03 for the lipid‐lowering effect was 1.0 × 109 CFU/kg body weight. Therefore, LP‐CQPC03 is a potential probiotic for preventing or alleviating high‐energy intake‐related obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are a group of active microorganisms, which benefit the host by colonizing and changing the composition of host flora. It is of great significance to promote the development of human gastrointestinal nutrition and health by regulating the host mucosal and systemic immune function or regulating the balance of intestinal flora. The purpose of this study is to analyze the production activity of the enzyme, evaluate its biological characteristics and safety as a preventive drug, and provide reference for the research of enzyme production and compound enzyme preparation by probiotics. In this study, four groups of probiotics were set up: Clostridium butyricum experimental group, Lactobacillus plantarum experimental group, drinking water control group, and Bacillus licheniformis experimental group. In addition, a variety of complex enzyme experiments were set up to study the influence on the digestive tract and single factor experiment. The results showed that probiotics and compound enzyme preparations could significantly promote the intestinal digestibility. Under the effect of probiotics, the weight of the chicken was almost 1 Jin heavier than that of the control group, and the average digestibility was increased by 4.3%. The effect of the enzyme on digestibility is stronger than that of probiotics, but the final effect tends to be stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rat model of secondary osteoporosis was constructed using retinoic acid as an inducer, and the genes, proteins, and bone mass of the rats were analyzed. qPCR detection of the Wnt/β-catenin and OPG/RANK/RANKL signaling pathway-related gene expression levels showed that Lactobacillus plantarum HFY15 played a positive role in regulating both pathways. HFY15 significantly increased β-catenin, Lrp5, Lrp6, Wnt10b, OPG, RANKL, and Runx2 expression and downregulated DKK1, RANK, CTSK, TRACP, and ALP expression. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays further confirmed the qPCR results. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining showed that HFY15 slowed retinoic acid-induced osteoclast formation. Microcomputed tomography showed that HFY15 reduced trabecular separation and increased the percent bone volume, trabecular numbers, trabecular thickness, and bone mineral density in the rats in vivo. These findings indicate that HFY15 may help prevent retinoic acid-induced secondary osteoporosis in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Water channel proteins, also called aquaporins, are integral membrane proteins from major intrinsic protein (MIP) family and involved in several pathways including not only water transport but also cell signaling, reproduction, and photosynthesis. The full cDNA and protein sequences of aquaporin in Chorispora bungeana Fisch. & C.A. Mey (C. bungeana) are still unknown. Results. In this study, PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends approaches were used to clone the full cDNA of LRB7 (GenBank accession number: EU636988) of C. bungeana. Sequence analysis indicated that it was 1235 bp, which had two introns and encoded a protein of 250 amino acids. Structure analysis revealed that the protein had two conserved NPA motifs, one of which is MIP signature sequence (SGxHxNPAVT), six membrane helix regions, and additional membrane-embedded domains. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the protein was from TIP2 subgroup. Surprisingly, semiquantitative RT-PCR experiment and western blot analysis showed that LRB7 and TIP2 were only detectable in roots, unlike Arabidopsis and Raphanus. Connecting with our previous studies, LRB7 was supported to associate with chilling-tolerance in C. bungeana. Conclusion. This is the first time to characterize the full sequences of LRB7 gene and water channel protein in C. bungeana. Our findings contribute to understanding the water transports in plants under low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]