Intestinal barrier disruption as a cause of mortality in combined radiation and burn injury

Noncoding Vault RNA1-1 Impairs Intestinal Epithelial Renewal and Barrier Function by Interacting With CUG-binding Protein 1

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Small noncoding vault RNAs (vtRNAs) are involved in many cell processes important for health and disease, but their pathobiological functions in the intestinal epithelium are underexplored. Here, we investigated the role of human vtRNA1-1 in regulating intestinal epithelial renewal and barrier function.

METHODS

Studies were conducted in vtRNA1-1 transgenic (vtRNA1-1Tg) mice, primary enterocytes, and Caco-2 cells. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from the serum of shock patients and septic mice. Intestinal organoids (enteroids) were prepared from vtRNA1-1Tg and littermate mice. Mucosal growth was measured by Ki67 immunostaining or BrdU incorporation, and gut permeability was assessed using the FITC-dextran assay.

RESULTS

Intestinal tissues recovered from shock patients and septic mice evidenced mucosal injury and gut barrier dysfunction; vtRNA levels were elevated in EVs isolated from their sera. In mice, intestinal epithelial-specific transgenic expression of vtRNA1-1 inhibited mucosal growth, reduced Paneth cell numbers and intercellular junction (IJ) protein expression, and increased gut barrier vulnerability to lipopolysaccharide exposure. Conversely, in vitro silencing of vtRNA1-1 increased IJ protein levels and enhanced epithelial barrier function. Exposing enteroids to vtRNA1-1-rich EVs augmented paracellular permeability. Mechanistically, vtRNA1-1 interacted with CUG-binding protein 1 (CUGBP1) and increased CUGBP1 association with claudin-1 and occludin mRNAs, thereby inhibiting their expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that elevated levels of vtRNA1-1 in EVs and mucosal tissues repress intestinal epithelial renewal and barrier function. Notably, this work reveals a novel role for dysregulation of the vtRNA1-1/CUGBP1 axis in the pathogenesis of gut mucosal disruption in critical illness.

Alleviation of radiation combined skin injury in rat model by topical application of ascorbate formulation

PURPOSE

This research endeavor was undertaken to elucidate the impact of an innovative ascorbate formulation on the regeneration process of full-thickness excision wounds in a rat model exposed to whole-body gamma irradiation, replicating conditions akin to combat or radiation emergency scenarios.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established a comprehensive rat model by optimizing whole body γ-radiation doses (5-9 Gy) and full-thickness excision wound sizes (1-3 cm2) to mimic radiation combined injury (RCI). The developed RCI model was used to explore the healing potential of ascorbate formulation. The study includes various treatment groups (i.e., sham control, radiation alone, wound alone, radiation + wound, and radiation + wound + formulation). The ascorbate formulation was applied twice daily, with a 12-hour gap between each application, starting 1 hour after the initiation of the wound. The healing potential of the formulation in the RCI context was evaluated over 14 days through hematological, molecular, and histological parameters.

RESULTS

The combination of a 5 Gy radiation dose and a 1 cm2 wound was identified as the optimal setting to develop the RCI model for subsequent studies. The formulation was used topically immediately following RCI, and then twice daily until complete healing. Treatment with the ascorbate formulation yielded noteworthy outcomes and led to a substantial reduction (p < .05) in the wound area, accelerated epithelialization periods, and an increased wound contraction rate. The formulation's localized healing response improved organ weights, normalized blood parameters, and enhanced hematopoietic and immune systems. A gene expression study revealed the treatment up-regulated TGF-β and FGF, and down-regulated PDGF-α, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MIP-1α, and MCP-1 (p < .05). Histopathological assessments supported the formulation's effectiveness in restoring cellular architecture and promoting tissue regeneration.

CONCLUSION

Topical application of the ascorbate formulation in RCI resulted in a significant improvement in delayed wound healing, leading to accelerated wound closure by mitigating the expression of inflammatory responses.

Control of Paneth cell function by HuR regulates gut mucosal growth by altering stem cell activity

Rapid self-renewal of the intestinal epithelium requires the activity of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) that are intermingled with Paneth cells (PCs) at the crypt base. PCs provide multiple secreted and surface-bound niche signals and play an important role in the regulation of ISC proliferation. Here, we show that control of PC function by RNA-binding protein HuR via mitochondria affects intestinal mucosal growth by altering ISC activity. Targeted deletion of HuR in mice disrupted PC gene expression profiles, reduced PC-derived niche factors, and impaired ISC function, leading to inhibited renewal of the intestinal epithelium. Human intestinal mucosa from patients with critical surgical disorders exhibited decreased levels of tissue HuR and PC/ISC niche dysfunction, along with disrupted mucosal growth. HuR deletion led to mitochondrial impairment by decreasing the levels of several mitochondrial-associated proteins including prohibitin 1 (PHB1) in the intestinal epithelium, whereas HuR enhanced PHB1 expression by preventing microRNA-195 binding to the Phb1 mRNA. These results indicate that HuR is essential for maintaining the integrity of the PC/ISC niche and highlight a novel role for a defective PC/ISC niche in the pathogenesis of intestinal mucosa atrophy.

Small noncoding vault RNA2-1 disrupts gut epithelial barrier function via interaction with HuR

Vault RNAs (vtRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs and highly expressed in many eukaryotes. Here, we identified vtRNA2-1 as a novel regulator of the intestinal barrier via interaction with RNA-binding protein HuR. Intestinal mucosal tissues from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and from mice with colitis or sepsis express increased levels of vtRNAs relative to controls. Ectopically expressed vtRNA2-1 decreases the levels of intercellular junction (IJ) proteins claudin 1, occludin, and E-cadherin and causes intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction in vitro, whereas vtRNA2-1 silencing promotes barrier function. Increased vtRNA2-1 also decreases IJs in intestinal organoid, inhibits epithelial renewal, and causes Paneth cell defects ex vivo. Elevating the levels of tissue vtRNA2-1 in the intestinal mucosa increases the vulnerability of the gut barrier to septic stress in mice. vtRNA2-1 interacts with HuR and prevents HuR binding to claudin 1 and occludin mRNAs, thus decreasing their translation. These results indicate that vtRNA2-1 impairs intestinal barrier function by repressing HuR-facilitated translation of claudin 1 and occludin.

Combined radiation burn injuries: A note

Combined radiation injury occurs when radiation is accompanied by any other form of trauma. The past experiences of Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and Chernobyl have revealed that a large number of victims of such nuclear accidents or attacks suffer from combined radiation injuries. The possibility of a nuclear attack seems very far-fetched, but the destruction that would occur in such an event would be massive, with a huge lossof lives. Therefore, preparedness for the same should be done beforehand. The severity of combined radiation depends upon various factors, such as radiation dose, type, tissues affected, and traumas. The article focuses on combined radiation burn injury (CRBI) which may arise due to the combination of ionising radiation with thermal burns. CRBI can have varied effects on different organs like the hematopoietic, digestive, lymphatic, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Some of the most profound lethal effects are hematopoietic dysfunction, gastrointestinal leakage, bacterial translocation to other organ sites, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonitis. In this article, we have attempted to accumulate the knowledge of ongoing research on the functioning of different organ systems, which are affected due to CRBI and possible countermeasures to minimize the effects, thus improving survival.

Ionizing Radiation from Radiopharmaceuticals and the Human Gut Microbiota: An Ex Vivo Approach

This study aimed to determine the effect of three widely used radiopharmaceuticals with intestinal excretion on selected relevant bacteria that are part of the human gut microbiota, using an ex vivo approach. Fecal samples obtained from healthy volunteers were analyzed. Each sample was divided into four smaller aliquots. One served as the non-irradiated control. The other three were homogenized with three radiopharmaceutical solutions ([¹³¹I]NaI, [^99mTc]NaTcO₄, and [²²³Ra]RaCl₂). Relative quantification of each taxa was determined by the 2^−ΔΔC method, using the ribosomal gene 16S as an internal control (primers 534/385). Twelve fecal samples were analysed: three controls and nine irradiated. Our experiment showed fold changes in all analyzed taxa with all radiopharmaceuticals, but results were more significant with I-131, ranging from 1.87–83.58; whereas no relevant differences were found with Tc-99m and Ra-223, ranging from 0.98–1.58 and 0.83–1.97, respectively. This study corroborates limited existing research on how ionizing radiation changes the gut microbiota composition, providing novel data regarding the ex vivo effect of radiopharmaceuticals. Our findings justify the need for future larger scale projects.

Advanced age exacerbates intestinal epithelial permeability after burn injury in mice

BACKGROUND

Advanced age is an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality after burn injury. Following burn, the intestines can become permeable leading to the leakage of bacteria and their products from the lumen of the ileum to the portal and systemic circulation. Here, we sought to determine the effects of advanced age on intestinal permeability post burn injury and assess intestinal inflammatory biomarkers.

METHODS

Young (4-5 months) and aged (18-22 months) female BALB/cBy mice were subjected to a 12-15% total body surface area (TBSA) sham or burn injury. 24 h after injury, mice were euthanized, and organs collected. Colony-forming units (CFU) were counted from plated mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). Gene expression of ileal tight junctional proteins, occludin and zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), in addition to ileal damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP) proteins, S100A8 and S100A9, as well as ileal inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α were measured by qPCR. Intestinal cell death was measured by ELISA. Intestinal permeability was determined by FITC fluorescence in serum; 4kD FITC-dextran was given by oral gavage 3 h before euthanasia.

RESULTS

Aged mice subjected to burn injury had increased intestinal permeability as evidenced by a 5.8-fold higher level of FITC-dextran in their serum when compared to all other groups (p < 0.05). In addition, aged burn-injured mice exhibited heightened bacterial accumulation in the MLN with a 15.5-fold increase over all other groups (p < 0.05). Histology of ileum failed to show differences in villus length among all groups. Analysis of ileal tight junctional proteins and inflammatory marker gene expression revealed no difference in Ocln, Tjp1, Il6, or Tnf expression among all groups, but 2.3 and 2.9-fold upregulation of S100a8 and S100a9, respectively, in aged burn-injured mice relative to both young groups and aged sham-injured mice (p < 0.05). Lastly, cell death in the ileum was elevated more than two-fold in aged burn-injured mice relative to young animals regardless of injury (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that advanced age exacerbates intestinal epithelial permeability after burn injury. Heightened apoptosis may be responsible for the elevated intestinal leakiness and accumulation of bacteria in mesenteric lymph nodes. In addition, S100a8/9 may serve as a biomarker of elevated inflammation within the intestine.

Will mesenchymal stem cells be future directions for treating radiation-induced skin injury?

Radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) is one of the common serious side effects of radiotherapy (RT) for patients with malignant tumors. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are applied to RISI repair in some clinical cases series except some traditional options. Though direct replacement of damaged cells may be achieved through differentiation capacity of MSCs, more recent data indicate that various cytokines and chemokines secreted by MSCs are involved in synergetic therapy of RISI by anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation, antioxidant, revascularization, and anti-apoptotic activity. In this paper, we not only discussed different sources of MSCs on the treatment of RISI both in preclinical studies and clinical trials, but also summarized the applications and mechanisms of MSCs in other related regenerative fields.

Me6TREN targets β-catenin signaling to stimulate intestinal stem cell regeneration after radiation

Background: Acute gastrointestinal syndrome (AGS) is one of the most severe clinical manifestations after exposure to high doses of radiation, and is life-threatening in radiological emergency scenarios. However, an unmet challenge is lacking of an FDA-approved drug that can ameliorate the damage of radiation-exposed intestinal tissues and accelerate the regeneration of injured epithelia. In this study, we investigated whether the small molecule Me6TREN (Me6) can regulate intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation and promote crypt regeneration after irradiation.

Methods: Lethally irradiated mice were administered with Me6 or PBS to study the survival rate, and sections of their small intestine were subjected to immunostaining to evaluate epithelial regeneration. An intestinal organoid culture system was employed to detect the role of Me6 in organoid growth and ISC proliferation. We further investigated the key signaling pathways associated with Me6 using microarray, western blotting, and RNA interference techniques.

Results: We identified the small molecule Me6 as a potent intestinal radiation countermeasure. Systemic administration of Me6 significantly improved ISC and crypt cell regeneration and enhanced the survival of mice after high doses of radiation. Using an in vitro intestinal organoid culture system, we found that Me6 not only induced ISC proliferation but also increased the budding rate of intestinal organoids under unirradiated and irradiated conditions. Me6 remarkably activated the expression of ISC-associated and proliferation-promoting genes, such as Ascl2, Lgr5, Myc, and CyclinD1. Mechanistically, Me6 strongly stimulated the phosphorylation of β-catenin at the S552 site and increased the transcriptional activity of β-catenin, a key signaling pathway for ISC self-renewal and proliferation. This is further evidenced by the fact that knockdown of β-catenin abolished the effect of Me6 on intestinal organoid growth in vitro and crypt regeneration in irradiated mice.

Conclusion: The small molecule Me6TREN induced ISC proliferation, enhanced intestinal organoid growth in vitro, and promoted intestinal tissue regeneration after radiation injury by activating β-catenin signaling.

Wound Trauma Exacerbates Acute, but not Delayed, Effects of Radiation in Rats: Mitigation by Lisinopril

The goal of this study is to understand and mitigate the effects of wounds on acute radiation syndrome (ARS) and delayed effects of acute radiation exposure (DEARE), for preparedness against a radiological attack or accident. Combined injuries from concomitant trauma and radiation are likely in these scenarios. Either exacerbation or mitigation of radiation damage by wound trauma has been previously reported in preclinical studies. Female WAG/RijCmcr rats received 13 Gy X-rays, with partial-body shielding of one leg. Within 2 h, irradiated rats and non-irradiated controls were given full-thickness skin wounds with or without lisinopril, started orally 7 days after irradiation. Morbidity, skin wound area, breathing interval and blood urea nitrogen were measured up to 160 days post-irradiation to independently evaluate wound trauma and DEARE. Wounding exacerbated morbidity in irradiated rats between 5 and 14 days post-irradiation (during the ARS phase), and irradiation delayed wound healing. Wounding did not alter delayed morbidities from radiation pneumonitis or nephropathy after 30 days post-irradiation. Lisinopril did not mitigate wound healing, but markedly decreased morbidity during DEARE from 31 through 160 days. The results derived from this unique model of combined injuries suggest different molecular mechanisms of injury and healing of ARS and DEARE after radiation exposure.

Loganin attenuates intestinal injury in severely burned rats by regulating the toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Severe burns may lead to intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress, resulting in intestinal barrier damage and gut dysfunction. Loganin, an iridoid glycoside compound, has been isolated from Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc; however, its role in the treatment of burn injury is yet to be fully elucidated. Therefore, the present study examined the effect of loganin administration on burn-induced intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress after severe burns in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Histological injury was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Furthermore, cytokine expression in intestinal tissues was measured by ELISA and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Antioxidative activities were assessed by determining the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Apoptosis-related proteins, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein and NF-κB translocation were examined by western blotting. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe TLR4 and NF-κB p65 expression in intestinal tissues. The present study suggested that loganin administration significantly reduced burn injury-induced intestinal histological changes, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β production and oxidative stress, evidenced by decreased ROS levels and MDA content (P<0.05). Furthermore, loganin increased SOD, CAT and GSH-Px levels and intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis. Loganin treatment also significantly inhibited activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the intestine of severely burned rats (P<0.05). In conclusion, loganin reduced burns-induced intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effect of Berberine from Coptis chinensis on Apoptosis of Intestinal Epithelial Cells in a Mouse Model of Ulcerative Colitis: Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of berberine (BBR) on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in mice with ulcerative colitis (UC). BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups as follows: blank control, model, and low-, medium-, and high-dose BBR. A dextran sodium sulfate- (DSS-) induced model of UC was prepared, and the low-, medium-, and high-dose BBR groups were simultaneously gavaged with a BBR suspension for 7 d. Disease activity index (DAI) was assessed, and tissue damage index (TDI) was assessed from colon samples after the last administration. TUNEL assays were used to detect apoptosis of IECs. Immunohistochemistry and/or real-time PCR were applied to determine the expression of GRP78, caspase-12, and caspase-3. In all BBR treatment groups, clinical symptoms of colitis and histopathological damage were significantly reduced. The high-dose BBR group exhibited particularly pronounced decrease (p < 0.01) in both DAI (0.48 ± 0.36) and TDI (1.62 ± 0.64) relative to the model group (1.50 ± 0.65 and 3.88 ± 0.04, respectively). In colon tissues of the model group, the number of apoptotic IECs was significantly increased; the expression of GRP78, caspase-12, and caspase-3 proteins was significantly increased; and the expression of the GRP78 mRNA was upregulated. In low-, medium-, and high-dose BBR groups, the number of apoptotic IECs was significantly reduced. Moreover, GRP78 and caspase-3 expression levels were significantly decreased in the medium- and high-dose BBR groups, caspase-12 expression was significantly decreased in the high-dose BBR group, and the GRP78 mRNA expression level was significantly decreased in the high-dose BBR group. BBR can effectively reduce the rate of IEC apoptosis in UC mice and alleviate the inflammatory response in the colon. The underlying mechanism seems to involve ERS modulation and inhibition of ERS-mediated activation of the caspase-12/caspase-3 apoptosis signaling pathway.

Activation of Cofilin Increases Intestinal Permeability via Depolymerization of F-Actin During Hypoxia in vitro

Mechanical barriers play a key role in maintaining the normal function of the intestinal mucosa. The barrier function of intestinal epithelial cells is significantly damaged after severe hypoxia. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this hypoxia-induced damage are still not completely clear. Through the establishment of an in vitro cultured intestinal epithelial cell monolayer model (Caco-2), we treated cells with hypoxia or drugs [jasplakinolide or latrunculin A (LatA)] to detect changes in the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER), the expression of the cellular tight junction (TJ) proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin, the distribution of F-actin, the ratio of F-actin/G-actin content, and the expression of the cofilin protein. The results showed that hypoxia and drug treatment could both induce a significant reduction in the TER of the intestinal epithelial cell monolayer and a significant reduction in the expression of the ZO-1 and occludin protein. Hypoxia and LatA could cause a significant reduction in the ratio of F-actin/G-actin content, whereas jasplakinolide caused a significant increase in the ratio of F-actin/G-actin content. After hypoxia, cofilin phosphorylation was decreased. We concluded that the barrier function of the intestinal epithelial cell monolayer was significantly damaged after severe burn injury. The molecular mechanism might be that hypoxia-induced F-actin depolymerization and an imbalance between F-actin and G-actin through cofilin activation resulted in reduced expression and a change in the distribution of cellular TJ proteins.

Bletilla striata polysaccharides ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced injury in intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) treating on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal epithelial barrier disruption in rat intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LPS was used to stimulate the IEC-18 cells (1 μg/ml), with or without different concentrations of BSP (25, 50 and 100 μg/ml) for 24 h. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was measured to detect the permeability of cells. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the cell supernatant were detected with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to detect the mRNA levels of zonulae occludens (ZO)-1 and occludin. Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis were used for analyzing the expression level and the distribution patterns of ZO-1 and occludin protein.

RESULTS

After treatment with BSP, the IL-6 and TNF-α levels in the cell supernatant were significantly decreased compared with the experiment group (P < 0.05 or 0.01). The permeability of IEC was decreased in BSP groups when compared with the experiment group (P < 0.05 or 0.01). In addition, compared with the experiment group, treatment with BSP up-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of ZO-1 and occludin, and kept the ZO-1 and occludin protein intact in IEC-18 cells injured with LPS (P < 0.05 or 0.01).

CONCLUSION

BSP has the capacity to protect IEC-18 cells from LPS-induced injury. The mechanisms may be associated with decreasing the inflammatory cytokine levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, and elevating the expression of ZO-1 and occludin, which might serve as a new protective agent for LPS-induced intestinal epithelial barrier disruption.

A comparative analysis of gut microbiota disturbances in the Gottingen minipig and rhesus macaque models of acute radiation syndrome following bioequivalent radiation exposures

In rodent studies, the gut microbiota has been implicated in facilitating both radioresistance, by protecting the epithelium from apoptotic responses and radiosensitivity, inducing endothelial apoptotic responses. Despite the observation that large animal models, such as the Chinese Rhesus macaque and the Gottingen Minipig, demonstrate similarity to human physiologic responses to radiation, little is known about radiation-induced changes of the gut microbiome in these models. To compare the two models, we used bioequivalent radiation doses which resulted in an LD50 for Gottingen Minipigs and Chinese Rhesus macaques, 1.9 Gy and 6.8 Gy, respectively. Fecal samples taken prior and 3 days post-radiation were used for 16S rRNA gene sequence amplicon high throughput sequencing (Illumina MiSeq). Baseline gut microbiota profiles were dissimilar between minipigs and rhesus macaques. Irradiation profoundly impacted gut microbiota profiles in both animals. Significant increases of intracellular symbionts were common to both models and to reported changes in rodents suggesting universality of these findings post-radiation. Remarkably, opposite dynamics were observed for the main phyla, with increase of Firmicutes and decrease of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria in minipigs but with enrichment of Bacteroidetes in rhesus macaques. Minipig changes in magnitude and in variety of species affected were more extensive than those observed in rhesus macaques. This pilot study provides an important first step in comparing the radiosensitive pig model to the comparatively more radioresistant macaque model, for the identification of microbial elements which may influence radiosensitivity.

Pomegranate prevents binge alcohol-induced gut leakiness and hepatic inflammation by suppressing oxidative and nitrative stress

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a major chronic liver disease worldwide and can range from simple steatosis, inflammation to fibrosis/cirrhosis possibly through leaky gut and systemic endotoxemia. We investigated whether pomegranate (POM) protects against binge alcohol-induced gut leakiness, endotoxemia, and inflammatory liver damage. After POM pretreatment for 10 days, rats were exposed to 3 oral doses of binge alcohol (5 g/kg/dose) or dextrose (as control) at 12-h intervals. Binge alcohol exposure induced leaky gut with significantly elevated plasma endotoxin and inflammatory fatty liver by increasing the levels of oxidative and nitrative stress marker proteins such as ethanol-inducible CYP2E1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nitrated proteins in the small intestine and liver. POM pretreatment significantly reduced the alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction, plasma endotoxin and inflammatory liver disease by inhibiting the elevated oxidative and nitrative stress marker proteins. POM pretreatment significantly restored the levels of intestinal tight junction (TJ) proteins such as ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1, and claundin-3 markedly diminished after alcohol-exposure. In addition, the levels of gut adherent junction (AJ) proteins (e.g., β-catenin and E-cadherin) and desmosome plakoglobin along with associated protein α-tubulin were clearly decreased in binge alcohol-exposed rats but restored to basal levels in POM-pretreated rats. Immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblot analyses revealed that intestinal claudin-1 protein was nitrated and ubiquitinated in alcohol-exposed rats, whereas these modifications were significantly blocked by POM pretreatment. These results showed for the first time that POM can prevent alcohol-induced gut leakiness and inflammatory liver injury by suppressing oxidative and nitrative stress.

Emerging role of lncRNAs in the normal and diseased intestinal barrier

OBJECTIVE

A significant effort has been made to understand the intestinal barrier, but the effective means to prevent, reduce, and restore intestinal mucosal damage remains unclear. Recently, a few of studies have explained the mechanism of the intestinal barrier in long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). This review aims to summarize recent views on the function of lncRNAs in the intestinal barrier and discuss the emerging role of lncRNAs in intestinal barrier diseases caused by inflammatory diseases.

METHODS

Observations led us to believe that lncRNAs participate in inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, and control microbial susceptibility. In view of these, lncRNAs have been proved to involve in the intestinal barrier.

RESULTS

lncRNAs directly or indirectly affect TJ mRNA translation and intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) paracellular permeability, as well as IECs proliferation and susceptibility to apoptosis, to modulate the function of the intestinal barrier. miRNAs play a pivotal role in this process.

CONCLUSIONS

lncRNAs have been shown to be fundamentally involved in intestinal mucosal regeneration, protection, and epithelial barrier function. It may emerge as new and potential factors to be evaluated in the intestinal barrier diseases caused by acute pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and imbalance of intestinal flora.

Apoptosis of enterocytes and nitration of junctional complex proteins promote alcohol-induced gut leakiness and liver injury

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Binge alcohol exposure causes gut leakiness, contributing to increased endotoxemia and inflammatory liver injury, although the molecular mechanisms are still elusive. This study was aimed at investigating the roles of apoptosis of enterocytes and nitration followed by degradation of intestinal tight junction (TJ) and adherens junction (AJ) proteins in binge alcohol-induced gut leakiness.

METHODS

The levels of intestinal (ileum) junctional complex proteins, oxidative stress markers and apoptosis-related proteins in rodents, T84 colonic cells and autopsied human ileums were determined by immunoblot, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and mass-spectral analyses.

RESULTS

Binge alcohol exposure caused apoptosis of gut enterocytes with elevated serum endotoxin and liver injury. The levels of intestinal CYP2E1, iNOS, nitrated proteins and apoptosis-related marker proteins were significantly elevated in binge alcohol-exposed rodents. Differential, quantitative mass-spectral analyses of the TJ-enriched fractions of intestinal epithelial layers revealed that several TJ, AJ and desmosome proteins were decreased in binge alcohol-exposed rats compared to controls. Consistently, the levels of TJ proteins (claudin-1, claudin-4, occludin and zonula occludens-1), AJ proteins (β-catenin and E-cadherin) and desmosome plakoglobin were very low in binge alcohol-exposed rats, wild-type mice, and autopsied human ileums but not in Cyp2e1-null mice. Additionally, pretreatment with specific inhibitors of CYP2E1 and iNOS prevented disorganization and/or degradation of TJ proteins in alcohol-exposed T84 colonic cells. Furthermore, immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblot confirmed that intestinal TJ and AJ proteins were nitrated and degraded via ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis, resulting in their decreased levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated for the first time the critical roles of CYP2E1, apoptosis of enterocytes, and nitration followed by ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic degradation of the junctional complex proteins, in promoting binge alcohol-induced gut leakiness and endotoxemia, contributing to inflammatory liver disease.

LAY SUMMARY

Binge alcohol exposure causes gut leakiness, contributing to increased endotoxemia and inflammatory liver injury. Our results demonstrated for the first time the critical roles of apoptosis of enterocytes and nitration followed by ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic degradation of the junctional complex proteins in promoting this gut leakiness and endotoxemia. These results provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of alcohol-induced inflammatory liver disease.

Regulation of Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function by Long Noncoding RNA uc.173 through Interaction with MicroRNA 29b

The mammalian intestinal epithelium establishes a selectively permeable barrier that supports nutrient absorption and prevents intrusion by noxious luminal substances and microbiota. The effectiveness and integrity of the barrier function are tightly regulated via well-controlled mechanisms. Long noncoding RNAs transcribed from ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs) control diverse cellular processes, but their roles in the regulation of gut permeability remain largely unknown. Here we report that the T-UCR uc.173 enhances intestinal epithelial barrier function by antagonizing microRNA 29b (miR-29b). Decreasing the levels of uc.173 by gene silencing led to dysfunction of the intestinal epithelial barrier in cultured cells and increased the vulnerability of the gut barrier to septic stress in mice. uc.173 specifically stimulated translation of the tight junction (TJ) claudin-1 (CLDN1) by associating with miR-29b rather than by binding directly to CLDN1 mRNA. uc.173 acted as a natural decoy RNA for miR-29b, which interacts with CLDN1 mRNA via the 3' untranslated region and represses its translation. Ectopically expressed uc.173 abolished the association of miR-29b with CLDN1 mRNA and restored claudin-1 expression to normal levels in cells overexpressing miR-29b, thus rescuing the barrier function. These results highlight a novel function of uc.173 in controlling gut permeability and define a mechanism by which uc.173 stimulates claudin-1 translation, by decreasing the availability of miR-29b to CLDN1 mRNA.

Severe Burn-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Dysfunction Is Associated With Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy in Mice

The disruption of intestinal barrier plays a vital role in the pathophysiological changes after severe burn injury, however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Severe burn causes the disruption of intestinal tight junction (TJ) barrier. Previous studies have shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy are closely associated with the impairment of intestinal mucosa. Thus, we hypothesize that ER stress and autophagy are likely involved in burn injury-induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction. Mice received a 30% total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness burn, and were sacrificed at 0, 1, 2, 6, 12 and 24 h postburn. The results showed that intestinal permeability was increased significantly after burn injury, accompanied by the damage of mucosa and the alteration of TJ proteins. Severe burn induced ER stress, as indicated by increased intraluminal chaperone binding protein (BIP), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and inositol-requiring enzyme 1(IRE1)/X-box binding protein 1 splicing (XBP1). Autophagy was activated after burn injury, as evidenced by the increase of autophagy related protein 5 (ATG5), Beclin 1 and LC3II/LC3I ratio and the decrease of p62. Besides, the number of autophagosomes was also increased after burn injury. The levels of p-PI3K(Ser191), p-PI3K(Ser262), p-AKT(Ser473), and p-mTOR were decreased postburn, suggesting that autophagy-related PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is involved in the intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction following severe burn. In summary, severe burn injury induces the ER stress and autophagy in intestinal epithelia, leading to the disruption of intestinal barrier.

Long Noncoding RNA uc.173 Promotes Renewal of the Intestinal Mucosa by Inducing Degradation of MicroRNA 195

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The mammalian intestinal epithelium self-renews rapidly and homeostasis is preserved via tightly controlled mechanisms. Long noncoding RNAs transcribed from ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs) control different cell functions, but little is known about their role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelium. We searched for T-UCRs that regulate growth of the intestinal mucosa and investigated the mechanism by which T-UCR uc.173 regulates epithelial renewal.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice were deprived of food for 48 hours in fasting experiments. Some mice were given intraperitoneal injections of a plasmid encoding LNA-anti-uc.173, to knock down endogenous uc.173. For studies using organoids, primary enterocytes were isolated from the intestine and transfected with the uc.173 transgene to increase uc.173 levels. Intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2 and IEC-6 lines) were transfected with LNA-anti-uc.173 or uc.173 transgene. We quantified intestinal epithelial renewal based on BrdU incorporation, villus height and crypt depth, and cell number. The association of uc.173 with microRNA 195 (miRNA195) was determined by RNA pull-down assays.

RESULTS

Genome-wide profile analyses identified 21 T-UCRs, including uc.173, that were differentially expressed between intestinal mucosa of fasted vs non-fasted mice. Increasing levels of uc.173 by expression of a transgene increased growth of intestinal epithelial cells and organoids. Decreasing uc.173 levels by LNA-anti-uc.173 in mice reduced renewal of the intestinal epithelium. We found that uc.173 interacted directly with the primary transcript of miRNA195, leading to miRNA195 degradation.

CONCLUSIONS

In analyses of intestinal epithelial cells and mice, we identified uc.173 noncoding RNA that regulates growth of the intestinal mucosa and stimulates intestinal epithelial renewal by reducing levels of miRNA195.

Development of A Novel Murine Model of Combined Radiation and Peripheral Tissue Trauma Injuries

Detonation of a 10-kiloton nuclear bomb in an urban setting would result in >1 million casualties, the majority of which would present with combined injuries. Combined injuries, such as peripheral tissue trauma and radiation exposure, trigger inflammatory events that lead to multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) and death, with gastrointestinal (GI) and pulmonary involvement playing crucial roles. The objective of this study was to develop an animal model of combined injuries, peripheral tissue trauma (TBX animal model) combined with total body irradiation with 5% bone marrow shielding (TBI/BM5) to investigate if peripheral tissue trauma contributes to reduced survival. Male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to TBX10%, irradiation (TBI/BM5), or combined injuries (TBX10% + TBI/BM5). Experiments were conducted to evaluate mortality at day 7 after TBI/BM5. Serial euthanasia was performed at day 1, 3 and 6 or 7 after TBI/BM5 to evaluate the time course of pathophysiologic processes in combined injuries. Functional tests were performed to assess pulmonary function and GI motility. Postmortem samples of lungs and jejunum were collected to assess tissue damage. Results indicated higher lethality and shorter survival in the TBX10% +T BI/BM5 group than in the TBX10% or TBI/BM5 groups (day 1 vs. day 7 and 6, respectively). TBI/BM5 alone had no effects on the lungs but significantly impaired GI function at day 6. As expected, in the animals that received severe trauma (TBX10%), we observed impairment in lung function and delay in GI transit in the first 3 days, effects that decreased at later time points. Trauma combined with radiation (TBX10% + TBI/BM5) significantly augmented impairment of the lung and GI function in comparison to TBX10% and TBI/BM5 groups at 24 h. Histologic evaluation indicated that combined injuries caused greater tissue damage in the intestines in TBX10% + TBI/BM5 group when compared to other groups. We describe here the first combined tissue trauma/radiation injury model that will allow conduction of mechanistic studies to identify new therapeutic targets and serve as a platform for testing novel therapeutic interventions.

Neutrophil Accumulation in the Small Intestine Contributes to Local Tissue Destruction Following Combined Radiation and Burn Injury

The threat of nuclear disaster makes combined radiation and burn injury (CRI) a relevant topic when discussing modern trauma, as burn injuries are likely to occur with detonation of a conventional nuclear weapon. Previous studies in a murine model have shown that there is a breakdown of the gut epithelium and subsequent bacterial translocation into mesenteric lymph nodes after CRI. This study examines the early innate immune response of the small intestine after CRI. Using a previously established murine model of 5 to 5.5 Gy total body irradiation combined with 15% TBSA burn, the injury response of the small intestine was examined at 24, 48, and 72 hours by visual assessment, myeloperoxidase, and cytokine measurement. At 24 hours, intestinal damage as measured by villus blunting, crypt debris, and decreased mitosis, was apparent in all injury groups but the derangements persisted out to 72 hours only with CRI. The prolonged intestinal damage in CRI was accompanied by a 2-fold (P < .05) elevation in myeloperoxidase activity over sham animals at 48 hours and persisted as a 3-fold (P < .05) elevation at 72 hours after injury. Corresponding levels of KC were 8-fold (P < .05) higher than sham at 48 hours with persistent elevation at 72 hours. An enhanced innate immune response, partially mediated by the influx of neutrophils into the gastrointestinal tract is contributing to the hyperinflammatory state seen after CRI. Attenuation of the local gastrointestinal inflammatory response may play a major role in managing victims after nuclear disaster.

Ghrelin accelerates wound healing through GHS-R1a-mediated MAPK-NF-κB/GR signaling pathways in combined radiation and burn injury in rats

The therapeutic effect of ghrelin on wound healing was assessed using a rat model of combined radiation and burn injury (CRBI). Rat ghrelin, anti-rat tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α polyclonal antibody (PcAb), or selective antagonists of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) 1a (SB203580, SP600125, and [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6, respectively), were administered for seven consecutive days. Levels of various signaling molecules were assessed in isolated rat peritoneal macrophages. The results showed that serum ghrelin levels and levels of macrophage glucocorticoid receptor (GR) decreased, while phosphorylation of p38MAPK, JNK, and p65 nuclear factor (NF) κB increased. Ghrelin inhibited the serum induction of proinflammatory mediators, especially TNF-α, and promoted wound healing in a dose-dependent manner. Ghrelin treatment decreased phosphorylation of p38MAPK, JNK, and p65NF-κB, and increased GR levels in the presence of GHS-R1a. SB203580 or co-administration of SB203580 and SP600125 decreased TNF-α level, which may have contributed to the inactivation of p65NF-κB and increase in GR expression, as confirmed by western blotting. In conclusion, ghrelin enhances wound recovery in CRBI rats, possibly by decreasing the induction of TNF-α or other proinflammatory mediators that are involved in the regulation of GHS-R1a-mediated MAPK-NF-κB/GR signaling pathways.

H19 Long Noncoding RNA Regulates Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function via MicroRNA 675 by Interacting with RNA-Binding Protein HuR

The disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier function occurs commonly in various pathologies, but the exact mechanisms responsible are unclear. The H19 long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) regulates the expression of different genes and has been implicated in human genetic disorders and cancer. Here, we report that H19 plays an important role in controlling the intestinal epithelial barrier function by serving as a precursor for microRNA 675 (miR-675). H19 overexpression increased the cellular abundance of miR-675, which in turn destabilized and repressed the translation of mRNAs encoding tight junction protein ZO-1 and adherens junction E-cadherin, resulting in the dysfunction of the epithelial barrier. Increasing the level of the RNA-binding protein HuR in cells overexpressing H19 prevented the stimulation of miR-675 processing from H19, promoted ZO-1 and E-cadherin expression, and restored the epithelial barrier function to a nearly normal level. In contrast, the targeted deletion of HuR in intestinal epithelial cells enhanced miR-675 production in the mucosa and delayed the recovery of the gut barrier function after exposure to mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion. These results indicate that H19 interacts with HuR and regulates the intestinal epithelial barrier function via the H19-encoded miR-675 by altering ZO-1 and E-cadherin expression posttranscriptionally.

Effect of combined radiation injury on cell death and inflammation in skin

In the event of a nuclear disaster, the individuals proximal to the source of radiation will be exposed to combined radiation injury. As irradiation delays cutaneous repair, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of combined radiation and burn injury (CRBI) on apoptosis and inflammation at the site of skin injury. Male C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to no injury, thermal injury only, radiation only (1 and 6 Gy) and CRBI (1 and 6 Gy) and euthanized at various times after for skin collection. TUNEL staining revealed that the CRBI 6 Gy group had a delayed and increased apoptotic response. This correlated with decreased recovery of live cells as compared to the other injuries. Similar response was observed when cleaved-caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining was compared between CRBI 6 Gy and thermal injury. TNFR1, caspase 8, Bax and IL-6 mRNA expression revealed that the higher CRBI group had delayed increase in mRNA expression as compared to thermal injury alone. RIPK1 mRNA expression and necrotic cell counts were delayed in the CRBI 6 Gy group to day 5. TNF-α and NFκB expression peaked in the CRBI 6 Gy group at day 1 and was much higher than the other injuries. Also, inflammatory cell counts in the CRBI 6 Gy group were lower at early time points as compared to thermal injury by itself. These data suggest that CRBI delays and exacerbates apoptosis and inflammation in skin as well as increases necrosis thus resulting in delayed wound healing.

Long noncoding RNA SPRY4-IT1 regulates intestinal epithelial barrier function by modulating the expression levels of tight junction proteins

Epithelial cells line the intestinal mucosa and form an important barrier to a wide array of noxious substances in the lumen. Disruption of the barrier integrity occurs commonly in various pathologies. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) control diverse biological processes, but little is known about the role of lncRNAs in regulation of the gut permeability. Here we show that the lncRNA SPRY4-IT1 regulates the intestinal epithelial barrier function by altering expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins. SPRY4-IT1 silencing led to dysfunction of the epithelial barrier in cultured cells by decreasing the stability of mRNAs encoding TJ proteins claudin-1, claudin-3, occludin, and JAM-1 and repressing their translation. In contrast, increasing the levels of SPRY4-IT1 in the intestinal mucosa protected the gut barrier in mice exposed to septic stress by increasing the abundance of TJ proteins. SPRY4-IT1 directly interacted with TJ mRNAs, and this process was enhanced through the association with the RNA-binding protein HuR. Of interest, the intestinal mucosa from patients with increased gut permeability exhibited a decrease in the levels of SPRY4-IT1. These findings highlight a novel role for SPRY4-IT1 in controlling the intestinal epithelial barrier and define a mechanism by which SPRY4-IT1 modulates TJ expression by altering the stability and translation of TJ mRNAs.

Novel regenerative peptide TP508 mitigates radiation-induced gastrointestinal damage by activating stem cells and preserving crypt integrity

In recent years, increasing threats of radiation exposure and nuclear disasters have become a significant concern for the United States and countries worldwide. Exposure to high doses of radiation triggers a number of potentially lethal effects. Among the most severe is the gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity syndrome caused by the destruction of the intestinal barrier, resulting in bacterial translocation, systemic bacteremia, sepsis, and death. The lack of effective radioprotective agents capable of mitigating radiation-induced damage has prompted a search for novel countermeasures that can mitigate the effects of radiation post exposure, accelerate tissue repair in radiation-exposed individuals, and prevent mortality. We report that a single injection of regenerative peptide TP508 (rusalatide acetate, Chrysalin) 24 h after lethal radiation exposure (9 Gy, LD100/15) appears to significantly increase survival and delay mortality by mitigating radiation-induced intestinal and colonic toxicity. TP508 treatment post exposure prevents the disintegration of GI crypts, stimulates the expression of adherens junction protein E-cadherin, activates crypt cell proliferation, and decreases apoptosis. TP508 post-exposure treatment also upregulates the expression of DCLK1 and LGR5 markers of stem cells that have been shown to be responsible for maintaining and regenerating intestinal crypts. Thus, TP508 appears to mitigate the effects of GI toxicity by activating radioresistant stem cells and increasing the stemness potential of crypts to maintain and restore intestinal integrity. These results suggest that TP508 may be an effective emergency nuclear countermeasure that could be delivered within 24 h post exposure to increase survival and delay mortality, giving victims time to reach clinical sites for advanced medical treatment.

Transgenic Expression of miR-222 Disrupts Intestinal Epithelial Regeneration by Targeting Multiple Genes Including Frizzled-7

Defects in intestinal epithelial integrity occur commonly in various pathologies. miR-222 is implicated in many aspects of cellular function and plays an important role in several diseases, but its exact biological function in the intestinal epithelium is underexplored. We generated mice with intestinal epithelial tissue-specific overexpression of miR-222 to investigate the function of miR-222 in intestinal physiology and diseases in vivo. Transgenic expression of miR-222 inhibited mucosal growth and increased susceptibility to apoptosis in the small intestine, thus leading to mucosal atrophy. The miR-222-elevated intestinal epithelium was vulnerable to pathological stress, since local overexpression of miR-222 not only delayed mucosal repair after ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury, but also exacerbated gut barrier dysfunction induced by exposure to cecal ligation and puncture. miR-222 overexpression also decreased expression of the Wnt receptor Frizzled-7 (FZD7), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and tight junctions in the mucosal tissue. Mechanistically, we identified the Fzd7 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) as a novel target of miR-222 and found that [miR-222/Fzd7 mRNA] association repressed Fzd7 mRNA translation. These results implicate miR-222 as a negative regulator of normal intestinal epithelial regeneration and protection by downregulating expression of multiple genes including the Fzd7. Our findings also suggest a novel role of increased miR-222 in the pathogenesis of mucosal growth inhibition, delayed healing and barrier dysfunction.