Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion induces the release of IL-17A to regulate cell inflammation, apoptosis and barrier damage.

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury promotes the release of IL-17A, and previous studies have indicated that TGF-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is an important signaling molecule in the regulatory function of IL-17A. The present study aimed to explore the potential effects of IL-17A release in intestinal I/R injury, and to investigate the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Initially, the expression levels of TAK1 and JNK in a hypoxia/reoxygenation model were determined, and the effects of TAK1-knockdown on JNK phosphorylation and the viability, inflammation, apoptosis and barrier function of Caco-2 cells were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, TUNEL and transepithelial electrical resistance assays, respectively.

Can pigment gallstones be induced by biliary stricture and prevented by medicine in Guinea pigs?

Aim: To determine the relationship between biliary stricture and pigment gallstone formation, and the prevention of pigment gallstones with medicine.

Methods: One hundred and eighteen male guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups: stricture group (S, n = 30) underwent partial ligation of common bile duct, and fed on regular chow; S plus medicine group (S+M, n = 27) underwent the same operation but fed on medicinal chow (0.3 g chenodeoxycholic acid, 0.