Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are known to be largely influenced by one’s lifestyle and dietary uptake. A high-salt diet (HSD) is well recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular complications, hypertension, and metabolic syndromes. However, the relationship between an HSD and the GI system, which is the compartment that comes in direct contact with exogenous stimulants, has not been fully explored. Aims: We seek to better understand the complexity of the pathogenic effects of an HSD in the context of GI disorders. Methods: By searching the PubMed and Web of science, the review of literature was performed using keywords: high-salt and GI, high-salt and immunity, salt and microbiota, salt and hormone. Results: In this review, we concluded that high-salt intake potentially perturbs the local immune homeostasis, alters the gut microbiota composition and function, and affects the endocrine hormone profiling in the GI system. Conclusion: HSD might get involved in GI diseases through the reshaping of gastroenterological milieu, which could help to better understand the complexity of the pathogenic effects of an HSD in the context of GI disorders.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic autoimmune disorder stemming from unrestrained immune activation and subsequent destruction of colon tissue. Genetic susceptibility, microbiota remodeling, and environmental cues are involved in IBD pathogenesis. Up to now, there are limited treatment options for IBD, so better therapies for IBD are eagerly needed. The therapeutic effects of naturally occurring compounds have been extensively investigated, among which quercetin becomes an attractive candidate owing to its unique biochemical properties. To facilitate the clinical translation of quercetin, we aimed to get a comprehensive understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-IBD role of quercetin. We summarized that quercetin exerts the anti-IBD effect through consolidating the intestinal mucosal barrier, enhancing the diversity of colonic microbiota, restoring local immune homeostasis, and restraining the oxidative stress response. We also delineated the effect of quercetin on gut microbiome and discussed the potential side effects of quercetin administration. Besides, quercetin could serve as a prodrug, and the bioavailability of quercetin is improved through chemical modifications or the utilization of effective drug delivery systems. Altogether, these lines of evidence hint the feasibility of quercetin as a candidate compound for IBD treatment.

The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is related to genetic susceptibility, enteric dysbiosis, and uncontrolled, chronic inflammatory responses that lead to colonic tissue damage and impaired intestinal absorption. As a consequence, patients with IBD are prone to nutrition deficits after each episode of disease resurgence. Nutritional supplementation, especially for protein components, is often implemented during the remission phase of IBD. Notably, ingested nutrients could affect the progression of IBD and the prognostic outcome of patients; therefore, they should be cautiously evaluated prior to being used for IBD intervention. Arginine (Arg) is a semi-essential amino acid required for protein synthesis and intimately associated with gut pathophysiology. To help optimize arginine-based nutritional intervention strategies, the present work summarizes that during the process of IBD, patients manifest colonic Arg deficiency and the turbulence of Arg metabolic pathways. The roles of Arg–nitric oxide (catalyzed by inducible nitric oxide synthase) and Arg–urea (catalyzed by arginases) pathways in IBD are debatable; the Arg–polyamine and Arg–creatine pathways are mainly protective. Overall, supplementation with Arg is a promising therapeutic strategy for IBD; however, the dosage of Arg may need to be carefully tailored for different individuals at different disease stages. Additionally, the combination of Arg supplementation with inhibitors of Arg metabolic pathways as well as other treatment options is worthy of further exploration.

Background During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a nucleic acid test is frequently conducted to identify positive cases. Compared with a hospital-based strategy, whole-community nucleic acid testing displays a unique advantage in rapid screening of a massive population. Yet a management plan to ensure ample and contamination-free sample collection is lacking. The objective of the current study was to establish an efficient operational mode of whole-community nucleic acid testing by management of a sample collection team and to provide a reference for joint prevention work to contain the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Methods The efficient operation of nucleic acid testing within the community was implemented by urgent setting up of sample collection teams, efficient allocation of medical supplies, optimization of management procedures and coordination among multiple working departments. Results A total of 21 585 nucleic acid samples were collected within 3 d, while no one was missed or experienced a cross infection. No falls, heatstroke, disputes or other adverse events occurred. Conclusions Under the emergency setting of nucleic acid testing of a large population, a management system with orderly organization, clear division of responsibilities and standardized operational procedures should be formulated.