Nutrition
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Zinc deficiency is related to reduced growth, mass, and work capacity of skeletal muscle. However, the underlying mechanisms in connection with skeletal muscle proteostasis and mitochondrial biology are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of dietary zinc deficiency on skeletal muscle proteostasis and mitochondrial biology in growing rats. ⋯ Zinc deficiency disturbed the skeletal muscle proteostasis, and mitochondrial biology, causing decreased cell size and increased cell death.
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Probiotics are gaining interest as alternative options for antibiotic or antiinflammatory drugs. Probiotics can affect the health of the host through metabolites and competitive inhibition adhesion of pathogenic microorganisms. Koumiss is an important part of the diet of Asian nomads, and is rich in a broad array of probiotics that can benefit the body. Mongolians have developed koumiss therapy to assist in the treatment of various diseases. In the present study, we investigate the beneficial effect of Lactobacillus paracasei, a strain isolated from koumiss, on a mouse model of diarrhea induced by Escherichia coli O8 (E. coli O8). ⋯ L. paracasei reduced the intestinal permeability, induced the expression of mucin 2, oligomeric mucus/gel-forming protein, and increased the number of goblet cells in mice by the upregulation of the expression of TJ proteins via the nuclear factor kappa B cells-myosin light-chain kinase signaling pathway.