When intestinal barrier function is damaged bacterial translocation (BT) can occur. The injury to intestinal barrier function caused by chemotherapy has been investigated in some studies, however, definitive evidence of BT caused by chemotherapy is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate small intestinal barrier dysfunction and BT and to evaluate the preventive effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on intestinal barrier dysfunction and BT in a rat model of chemotherapy. Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with methotrexate (MTX; 3.5 mg/kg) for 3 days to induce intestinal barrier dysfunction and BT, gavaged Escherichia coli TG1 labeled with green fluorescent protein for 2 days to track BT, and G-CSF (10 microg/kg) for 4 days to prevent intestinal barrier dysfunction and BT. Intestinal permeability was measured by the urinary excretion rate of lactulose and mannitol following administration by gavage. Representative tissue specimens from the mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and kidney were aseptically harvested for bacteria culture in ampicillin-supplemented medium. Light microscopy was performed on intestinal samples. MTX induced significant mucosal and villous atrophy in ileum and significantly increased intestinal permeability. MTX also induced noticeable BT. G-CSF significantly increased the mucosal thickness and villous height of the ileum and decreased intestinal permeability and BT. In conclusion, MTX caused intestinal barrier dysfunction and BT, and G-CSF prevented intestinal barrier dysfunction and BT.
Objectives
Despite being a key population in whom to initiate pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the awareness of and willingness to use PrEP are still unclear in Chinese young men who have sex with men (YMSM). We report factors associated with PrEP awareness and willingness in the population.
Methods
From 1 August to 31 December 2018, 495 participants aged 15–24 years were included in a cross‐sectional study about awareness of and willingness to use PrEP among YMSM. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with two outcomes: awareness of PrEP; and willingness to use PrEP.
Results
Among 495 eligible participants, 129 participants (26.1%) knew about PrEP. PrEP awareness among YMSM was associated with higher education level [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.812, 95% CI: 1.113–2.951] and previous HIV testing (aOR = 3.507, 95% CI: 1.261–9.752). YMSM with shorter local residence time (aOR = 0.317, 95% CI: 0.101–0.992) and internet‐based partner‐seeking (aOR = 0.171, 95% CI: 0.096–0.305) were less likely to be aware of PrEP. In those with previous knowledge of PrEP, 36 (27.9%) conveyed their willingness to use it. PrEP willingness was associated with internet‐based partner‐seeking (aOR = 9.593, 95% CI: 1.965–46.844). The main barriers influencing those who knew about PrEP but refused to use it were the high price of PrEP (69.9%), the need to use condoms consistently (52.7%), and concerns about side effects (39.8%) and effectiveness of prevention (22.6%).
Conclusions
Chinese YMSM have low awareness of and willingness to use PrEP. Adequate PrEP promotions should be implemented, especially on the Internet and dating software.
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