HIV-1 Tat-induced diarrhea is improved by the PPARalpha agonist, palmitoylethanolamide, by suppressing the activation of enteric glia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Diarrhea is a severe complication in HIV-1-infected patients with Trans-activator of transcription (HIV-1 Tat) protein being recognized as a major underlying cause. Beside its direct enterotoxic effects, Tat protein has been recently shown to affect enteric glial cell (EGC) activity. EGCs regulate intestinal inflammatory responses by secreting pro-inflammatory molecules; nonetheless, they might also release immune-regulatory factors, as palmytoilethanolamide (PEA), which exerts anti-inflammatory effects by activating PPARα receptors. We aimed at clarifying whether EGCs are involved in HIV-1 Tat-induced diarrhea and if PEA exerts antidiarrheal activity.

Methods

Diarrhea was induced by intracolonic administration of HIV-1 Tat protein in rats at day 1. PEA alone or i

SUBMITTER: Sarnelli G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5866515 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature