The loss of P2X7 receptor expression leads to increase intestinal glucose transit and hepatic steatosis.

In intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), it was reported that the activation of the P2X7 receptor leads to the internalization of the glucose transporter GLUT2, which is accompanied by a reduction of IEC capacity to transport glucose. In this study, we used P2rx7 mice to decipher P2X7 functions in intestinal glucose transport and to evaluate the impacts on metabolism. Immunohistochemistry analyses revealed the presence of GLUT2 at the apical domain of P2rx7 jejunum enterocytes.

Glucose transporter 2 expression is down regulated following P2X7 activation in enterocytes.

With the diabetes epidemic affecting the world population, there is an increasing demand for means to regulate glycemia. Dietary glucose is first absorbed by the intestine before entering the blood stream. Thus, the regulation of glucose absorption by intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) could represent a way to regulate glycemia.

The use of Streptomyces for immunization against mycobacterial infections.

Tuberculosis is one of the leading causes of mortality produced by an infectious agent. Different strategies including bioinformatics are currently being tested to identify and improve vaccines against tuberculosis. Comparative genome analysis between Streptomyces coelicolor and Mycobacterium tuberculosis suggest that both descend from a common Actinomycete ancestor.

[Single-dose toxicological test for leptospirosis vaccine vax-SPIRAL in mice].

The single-dose toxicological test for the leptospirosis vaccine vax-SPIRAL was made in rats. No clinical toxicity symptoms were found. The differences between the evaluated variables were not important from the biological point of view.