Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.1
4.9
Journals
IJMS
Special Issues
Comprehensive Approach to Gastrointestinal Disorders
ijms-logo
Submit to IJMS Review for IJMS Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Comprehensive Approach to Gastrointestinal Disorders

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 14853

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Donatella Verbanac

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Hemtalogy, University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Domagojeva 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: biochemistry; dietetics; translational research; nutrition; gut microbiota; inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); drug discovery and development; nutraceuticals; anti-infectives; anti-inflammatories
Prof. Dr. Karmela Barisic

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Hemtalogy, University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Domagojeva 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: biochemistry; molecular diagnostics; proteomics; heat shock proteins; genomics; RNA interference (RNAi); siRNA; pharmacogenomics; microbiota; cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue of the MDPI journal IJMS, entitled “Comprehensive Approach to Gastrointestinal Disorders”, aims to bring additional insights into the discoveries and clinical evidence in the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract. Our goal is to highlight the need for a multidisciplinary, preferably translational, approach when tackling the prevention, prediction, initiation, treatment, and follow-up of the conditions associated with our digestive system and gastrointestinal diseases.

We kindly invite all of the experts working in the field of nutrition, dietetics, gut microbiota, drug discovery and development, infective and inflammatory diseases associated with the gastrointestinal tract to contribute original articles and review papers. We do hope that such a comprehensive approach will contribute to the gaining of new knowledge, which will be used in the development of innovative therapeutic approaches for the conditions associated with the misbalances in the gastrointestinal tract and the associated diseases for which an unmet medical need still exists.

Prof. Dr. Donatella Verbanac
Prof. Dr. Karmela Barisic
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • gastrointestinal disorders
  • molecular diagnostics
  • molecular mechanisms of disease
  • gut microbiota
  • inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • cancer
  • proteomic
  • transcriptomic
  • translational research
  • drug discovery
  • nutrition

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

14 pages, 3852 KiB  
Article
Lactobacillusjohnsonii L531 Protects against Salmonella Infantis-Induced Intestinal Damage by Regulating the NOD Activation, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Autophagy
by Lan Yang, Jiu-Feng Wang, Ning Liu, Xue Wang, Jing Wang, Guang-Hui Yang, Gui-Yan Yang and Yao-Hong Zhu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10395; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810395 - 8 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1805
Abstract
Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis (S. Infantis) is an intracellular bacterial pathogen. It is prevalent but resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, the therapeutic effect of antibiotics on Salmonella infection is limited. In this study, we used the piglet diarrhea model and the Caco2 cell [...] Read more.
Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis (S. Infantis) is an intracellular bacterial pathogen. It is prevalent but resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, the therapeutic effect of antibiotics on Salmonella infection is limited. In this study, we used the piglet diarrhea model and the Caco2 cell model to explore the mechanism of probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii L531 (L. johnsonii L531) against S. Infantis infection. L. johnsonii L531 attenuated S. Infantis-induced intestinal structural and cellular ultrastructural damage. The expression of NOD pathway-related proteins (NOD1/2, RIP2), autophagy-related key proteins (ATG16L1, IRGM), and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers (GRP78, IRE1) were increased after S. Infantis infection. Notably, L. johnsonii L531 pretreatment not only inhibited the activation of the above signaling pathways but also played an anti-S. Infantis infection role in accelerating autophagic degradation. However, RIP2 knockdown did not interfere with ER stress and the activation of autophagy induced by S. Infantis in Caco2 cells. Our data suggest that L. johnsonii L531 pretreatment alleviates the intestinal damage caused by S. Infantis by inhibiting NOD activation and regulating ER stress, as well as promoting autophagic degradation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Approach to Gastrointestinal Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5565 KiB  
Article
CD26 Deficiency Controls Macrophage Polarization Markers and Signal Transducers during Colitis Development and Resolution
by Iva Vukelic, Suncica Buljevic, Lara Baticic, Karmela Barisic, Barbara Franovic and Dijana Detel
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(10), 5506; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23105506 - 14 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2441
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multifactorial condition characterized by a destructive immune response that failed to be attenuated by common regulatory mechanisms which reduce inflammation and promote mucosa healing. The inhibition of CD26, a multifunctional glycoprotein that controls the immune response via its [...] Read more.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multifactorial condition characterized by a destructive immune response that failed to be attenuated by common regulatory mechanisms which reduce inflammation and promote mucosa healing. The inhibition of CD26, a multifunctional glycoprotein that controls the immune response via its dipeptidyl peptidase (DP) 4 enzyme activity, was proven to have beneficial effects in various autoimmune inflammatory diseases. The polarization of macrophages into either pro-inflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory M2 subclass is a key intersection that mediates the immune-inflammatory process in UC. Hence, we hypothesized that the deficiency of CD26 affects that process in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced model of UC. We found that mRNA expression of M2 markers arginase 1 and Fizz were increased, while the expression of M1 marker inducible NO synthase was downregulated in CD26−/− mice. Decreased STAT1 mRNA, as well as upregulated pSTAT6 and pSTAT3, additionally support the demonstrated activation of M2 macrophages under CD26 deficiency. Finally, we investigated DP8 and DP9, proteins with DP4-like activity, and found that CD26 deficiency is not a key factor for the noted upregulation of their expression in UC. In conclusion, we demonstrate that CD26 deficiency regulates macrophage polarization toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, which is driven by STAT6/STAT3 signaling pathways. This process is additionally enhanced by the reduction of M1 differentiation via the suppression of proinflammatory STAT1. Therefore, further studies should investigate the clinical potential of CD26 inhibitors in the treatment of UC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Approach to Gastrointestinal Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2571 KiB  
Article
Colonic Mucosal Immune Activation in Mice with Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Airway Disease: Association between Allergic Airway Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
by Sanghyun Kim, Bora Keum, Junhyoung Byun, Byoungjae Kim, Kijeong Lee, Jiwoo Yeon, Jaemin Lee, Hyuksoon Choi, Eunsun Kim, Yoontae Jeen, Hongsik Lee, Hoonjai Chun and Taehoon Kim
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(1), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010181 - 24 Dec 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2567
Abstract
Recent studies on the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have focused on the role of mast cells (MCs) in intestinal mucosal immunity. A link between allergic airway diseases (AADs) and IBS has been suggested because both diseases have similar pathophysiology. We aimed [...] Read more.
Recent studies on the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have focused on the role of mast cells (MCs) in intestinal mucosal immunity. A link between allergic airway diseases (AADs) and IBS has been suggested because both diseases have similar pathophysiology. We aimed to investigate whether the induction of AAD in mice could lead to inflammation of the colonic mucosa, similar to IBS. We also evaluated whether this inflammatory response could be suppressed by administering a therapeutic agent. Mice were divided into three groups: control, AAD-induced, and salbutamol-treated. An AAD mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection and nasal challenge with ovalbumin. Mice with AAD were intranasally administered salbutamol. Analyses of cytokine levels, MC count, and tryptase levels in the intestinal mucosa were performed to compare the changes in inflammatory responses among the three groups. Inflammation was observed in the intestinal mucosa of mice in the AAD group. This inflammation in AAD mice was suppressed after salbutamol treatment. Our study demonstrates that AAD induces an inflammatory response similar to that in IBS, suggesting a possible association between IBS and AADs. In patients with IBS with such allergic components, salbutamol may have the potential to alleviate the inflammatory response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Approach to Gastrointestinal Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

12 pages, 9679 KiB  
Review
The IgSF Cell Adhesion Protein CLMP and Congenital Short Bowel Syndrome (CSBS)
by Fritz G. Rathjen and René Jüttner
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(6), 5719; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24065719 - 16 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1526
Abstract
The immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecule CLMP is a member of the CAR family of cell adhesion proteins and is implicated in human congenital short-bowel syndrome (CSBS). CSBS is a rare but very severe disease for which no cure is currently available. In this [...] Read more.
The immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecule CLMP is a member of the CAR family of cell adhesion proteins and is implicated in human congenital short-bowel syndrome (CSBS). CSBS is a rare but very severe disease for which no cure is currently available. In this review, we compare data from human CSBS patients and a mouse knockout model. These data indicate that CSBS is characterized by a defect in intestinal elongation during embryonic development and impaired peristalsis. The latter is driven by uncoordinated calcium signaling via gap junctions, which is linked to a reduction in connexin43 and 45 levels in the circumferential smooth muscle layer of the intestine. Furthermore, we discuss how mutations in the CLMP gene affect other organs and tissues, including the ureter. Here, the absence of CLMP produces a severe bilateral hydronephrosis—also caused by a reduced level of connexin43 and associated uncoordinated calcium signaling via gap junctions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Approach to Gastrointestinal Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2366 KiB  
Review
Circulating Tumor Cells in Colorectal Cancer: Detection Systems and Clinical Utility
by József Petrik, Donatella Verbanac, Marija Fabijanec, Andrea Hulina-Tomašković, Andrea Čeri, Anita Somborac-Bačura, Roberta Petlevski, Marija Grdić Rajković, Lada Rumora, Božo Krušlin, Mario Štefanović, Neven Ljubičić, Neven Baršić, Antonija Hanžek, Luka Bočkor, Ivana Ćelap, Alma Demirović and Karmela Barišić
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(21), 13582; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232113582 - 5 Nov 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3959
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. The high mortality from CRC is mainly related to metastasis affecting distant organs and their function. Dissemination of tumor cells from the primary tumor and hematogeneous spread are considered crucial in the formation [...] Read more.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. The high mortality from CRC is mainly related to metastasis affecting distant organs and their function. Dissemination of tumor cells from the primary tumor and hematogeneous spread are considered crucial in the formation of tumor metastases. The analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CTC clusters in the blood can be used for the early detection of invasive cancer. Moreover, CTCs have a prognostic significance in the monitoring of a malignant disease or the response to chemotherapy. This work presents an overview of the research conducted on CTCs with the aim of finding suitable detection systems and assessing the possibility of clinical applications in patients with CRC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Approach to Gastrointestinal Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

7 pages, 949 KiB  
Brief Report
Stimulatory Effect of Lactobacillus Metabolites on Colonic Contractions in Newborn Rats
by Constantin V. Sobol
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010662 - 30 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1357
Abstract
Microbiota are known to play an important role in gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology. Microbiota and their metabolites can affect gut motility, neural regulation and the enteric endocrine systems and immune systems of the gut. The use of fermented/hydrolyzed products may be a promising [...] Read more.
Microbiota are known to play an important role in gastrointestinal physiology and pathophysiology. Microbiota and their metabolites can affect gut motility, neural regulation and the enteric endocrine systems and immune systems of the gut. The use of fermented/hydrolyzed products may be a promising new avenue for stimulating gastrointestinal motility. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of lactobacillus metabolites (PP), produced using a U.S.-patented fermentation method, on rat colon motility in vitro. The distal colon was incised from newborn male Wistar rats. A sensitive tensometric method for the study of colon contractions was used. The [Ca2+]i in colon tissue was registered using a computerized ratiometric system for an intracellular ion content assay (Intracellular Imaging and Photometry System, Intracellular imaging, Inc. Cincinnati, OH, USA). The cumulative addition of PP induced contraction with sigmoid dose responses with ED50 = 0.13 ± 0.02% (n = 4), where 10% PP was accepted as a maximal dose. This contraction was accompanied by an increase in the concentration of [Ca2+]i. It was shown that introducing Lactobacillus metabolites produced using a U.S.-patented fermentation method quickly stimulates dose-dependent colon contractions and an increase in intracellular calcium. The direct application of PP via enema to the colon could stimulate colon motility and suppress pathogenic microbiota, owing to the antagonistic property of PP on pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Comprehensive Approach to Gastrointestinal Disorders)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop