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Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023This study reviews the use of mirabilite in traditional Chinese medicine and various preparations by describing its chemical composition, processing methods,... (Review)
Review
This study reviews the use of mirabilite in traditional Chinese medicine and various preparations by describing its chemical composition, processing methods, pharmacology, toxicology, and clinical research progress. The applications and processing methods of mirabilite are searched in traditional and modern Chinese medical writings, and the articles on chemical composition, pharmacological effects, toxicology, and clinical studies of mirabilite and its combinations in PubMed and China Knowledge Network are reviewed, sorted, and analyzed. The main chemical component of mirabilite is sodium sulfate decahydrate (NaSO·10HO), followed by small amounts of sodium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, and other inorganic salts. This study systematically organizes the history of the medicinal use of mirabilite in China for more than 2,000 years. This mineral has been used by nine Chinese ethnic groups (Han, Dai, Kazakh, Manchu, Mongolian, Tujia, Wei, Yi, and Tibetan) in a large number of prescription preparations. The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2020 edition) records stated that mirabilite can be used for abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, intestinal carbuncle, external treatment of breast carbuncle, hemorrhoids, and other diseases. The traditional processing methods of mirabilite in China include refining, boiling, sautéing, filtration after hot water blistering, and firing. Since the Ming Dynasty, processing by radish has become the mainstream prepared method of mirabilite. Mirabilite can exhibit anti-inflammatory detumescence effects by inhibiting AMS, LPS, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and NO levels and attenuating the upregulation of TNF-α and NF-κB genes. It can promote cell proliferation and wound healing by increasing the production of cytokines TGFβ1 and VEGF-A and gastrointestinal motility by increasing the release of vasoactive intestinal peptide, substance P, and motilin. It can increase the expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor and AKT phosphorylation in the liver by up-regulating bile acid synthesis genes; reduce TRB3 expression in the liver, FGF15 co-receptor KLB expression, and FGF15 production in the ileum, and JNK signal transduction; and increase the transcription of CYP7A1 to achieve a cholesterol-lowering effect. Mirabilite also has a variety of pharmacological effects, such as regulating intestinal flora, anti-muscle paralysis, anti-colon cancer, promoting water discharge, and analgesic. Only a few toxicological studies on mirabilite are available. External application of mirabilite can cause local skin to be flushed or itchy, and its oral administration is toxic to neuromuscular cells. The sulfur ions of its metabolites can also be toxic to the human body. At present, no pharmacokinetic study has been conducted on mirabilite as a single drug. This mineral has been widely used in the clinical treatment of inflammation, edema, wound healing, digestive system diseases, infusion extravasation, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, breast accumulation, muscle paralysis, intestinal preparation before microscopic examination, and other diseases and symptoms. Mirabilite has good application prospects in traditional Chinese medicine and ethnomedicine. In-depth research on its processing methods, active ingredients, quality control, pharmacokinetics, pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms, and standardized clinical application is needed. This paper provides a reference for the application and research of mirabilite in the future.
PubMed: 38239194
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1293097 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2024The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential probiotic properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus VHProbi®M15 (M15). This study examined the...
The main objective of this study was to investigate the potential probiotic properties of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus VHProbi®M15 (M15). This study examined the effects of M15 on sucralfate-induced constipation in a mouse model. The BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: the normal group (NOR) was without any treatment, while the constipation (CON), phenolphthalein (PHE), and probiotic (PRO) treatment groups were fed with sucralfate until the appearance of constipation symptoms. Afterward, the NOR and CON groups were given 1 ml saline orally every day until the end of the experiment; the PHE and PRO groups were given phenolphthalein or M15 suspension in 1 ml orally, respectively. Compared with the CON group, the fecal water content and intestinal peristalsis improved in the PRO group. Here, intake of M15 effectively attenuated sucralfate-induced constipation, recuperated colonic epithelial integrity, and increased serum levels of gastrointestinal excitatory neurotransmitters (motilin, gastrin, substance P). Analysis of the intestinal microbiota of mice by 16S rRNA metagenomic revealed an increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroides and a decrease in Sclerotinia, Verrucosa and Proteus in the PRO group. Compared with the CON group, the constipation-induced intestinal microecological changes were partially recovered in the PHE and PRO groups. These results demonstrate that M15 enhanced gastrointestinal transit and alleviated in mice with sucralfate-induced constipation.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus; Sucralfate; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Constipation; Probiotics; Phenolphthaleins; Substance P; Galanin
PubMed: 38212429
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51497-7 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2023Motilin (MLN) is a gastrointestinal (GI) hormone produced in the upper small intestine. Its most well understood function is to participate in Phase III of the...
Motilin (MLN) is a gastrointestinal (GI) hormone produced in the upper small intestine. Its most well understood function is to participate in Phase III of the migrating myoelectric complex component of GI motility. Changes in MLN availability are associated with GI diseases such as gastroesophageal reflux disease and functional dyspepsia. Furthermore, herbal medicines have been used for several years to treat various GI disorders. We systematically reviewed clinical and animal studies on how herbal medicine affects the modulation of MLN and subsequently brings the therapeutic effects mainly focused on GI function. We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases to collect all articles published until 30 July 2023, that reported the measurement of plasma MLN levels in human randomized controlled trials and herbal medicine studies. The collected characteristics of the articles included the name and ingredients of the herbal medicine, physiological and symptomatic changes after administering the herbal medicine, changes in plasma MLN levels, key findings, and mechanisms of action. The frequency patterns (FPs) of botanical drug use and their correlations were investigated using an FP growth algorithm. Nine clinical studies with 1,308 participants and 20 animal studies were included in the final analyses. Herbal medicines in clinical studies have shown therapeutic effects in association with increased levels of MLN, including GI motility regulation and symptom improvement. Herbal medicines have also shown anti-stress, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory effects . Various biochemical markers may correlate with MLN levels. Markers may have a positive correlation with plasma MLN levels included ghrelin, acetylcholine, and secretin, whereas a negative correlation included triglycerides and prostaglandin E. Markers, such as gastrin and somatostatin, did not show any correlation with plasma MLN levels. Based on the FP growth algorithm, and were the most frequently used species. Herbal medicine may have therapeutic effects mainly on GI symptoms with involvement of MLN regulation and may be considered as an alternative option for the treatment of GI diseases. Further studies with more solid evidence are needed to confirm the efficacy and mechanisms of action of herbal medicines. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=443244, identifier CRD42023443244.
PubMed: 38161695
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1286333 -
The Chinese Journal of Physiology 2023Electroacupuncture (EA) or acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) plays a therapeutic role in functional dyspepsia (FD). Herein, we aimed to elucidate the influences of EA...
Electroacupuncture (EA) or acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) plays a therapeutic role in functional dyspepsia (FD). Herein, we aimed to elucidate the influences of EA combined with ACE on gastrointestinal motility and gastrointestinal hormones in rats with FD. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into the control group, model group, EA group, ACE group, and EA + ACE group (n = 10). Except for the control group, the rats in all groups were modeled by combining neonatal iodoacetamide gastrogavage and modified tail-clamping stimulation. The rats were treated with different treatments according to their groups. The rats were observed for changes in general behavior, body weight, food intake, and paw mechanical pain threshold. Gastric emptying rate (GER) and intestinal propulsive ratio (IPR) were measured in each group, and serum gastrointestinal hormone (motilin [MTL], leptin, gastrin [GAS], vasoactive intestinal peptide [VIP], calcitonin gene-related peptide [CGRP], and somatostatin [SS]) levels, oxidative stress factors (superoxide dismutase [SOD] and malondialdehyde [MDA]) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels were also measured. Decreased mean body weight, paw mechanical pain thresholds, food intake, and GER and IPR were found in rats of the model group in comparison to the control group. Serum MTL, GAS, SS, and SOD levels were reduced, and serum leptin, VIP, CGRP, MDA, and 5-HT levels were increased in rats of the model group in comparison to the control group. Elevated mean body weight, paw mechanical pain threshold, food intake, GER and IPR, and serum MTL, GAS, SS, and SOD levels, and reduced serum leptin, VIP, CGRP, MDA, and 5-HT levels were observed in rats of the EA, ACE, and EA + ACE groups relative to the model group. EA combined with ACE treatment was more effective than the EA or ACE treatment alone. EA combined with ACE treatment improves gastrointestinal motility and gastrointestinal hormone levels, promotes food intake, and reduces visceral hypersensitivity in FD rats.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Dyspepsia; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Gastrointestinal Hormones; Leptin; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Electroacupuncture; Acupuncture Points; Catgut; Serotonin; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; Gastrointestinal Motility; Body Weight; Superoxide Dismutase
PubMed: 38149565
DOI: 10.4103/cjop.CJOP-D-23-00059 -
Endocrine Reviews May 2024Carcinoid syndrome (CS) is a debilitating disease that affects approximately 20% of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). Due to the increasing incidence and... (Review)
Review
Carcinoid syndrome (CS) is a debilitating disease that affects approximately 20% of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN). Due to the increasing incidence and improved overall survival of patients with NEN over recent decades, patients are increasingly suffering from chronic and refractory CS symptoms. At present, symptom control is hampered by an incomplete understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome. This systematic review is the first to critically appraise the available evidence for the various hormonal mediators considered to play a causative role in CS. Overall, evidence for the putative mediators of CS was scarce and often of poor quality. Based on the available literature, data are only sufficient to agree on the role of serotonin as a mediator of CS-associated diarrhea and fibrosis. A direct role for tachykinins and an indirect role of catecholamines in the pathogenesis of CS is suggested by several studies. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to link histamine, bradykinin, kallikrein, prostaglandins, or motilin to CS. To summarize, available literature only sufficiently appoints serotonin and suggests a role for tachykinins and catecholamines as mediators of CS, with insufficient evidence for other putative mediators. Descriptions of CS should be revised to focus on these proven hormonal associations to be more accurate, and further research is needed into other potential mediators.
Topics: Humans; Malignant Carcinoid Syndrome; Serotonin; Catecholamines; Tachykinins
PubMed: 38038364
DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad035 -
Journal of Dairy Science Apr 2024Constipation is directly related to the intestinal microenvironment, in which the promotion of gastrointestinal (GI) motility and improvement of gut microbiota...
The probiotic fermented milk of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei JY062 and Lactobacillus gasseri JM1 alleviates constipation via improving gastrointestinal motility and gut microbiota.
Constipation is directly related to the intestinal microenvironment, in which the promotion of gastrointestinal (GI) motility and improvement of gut microbiota distribution are important for alleviating symptoms. Herein, after the intervention of probiotic fermented milk (FMMIX) containing Lacticaseibacillus paracasei JY062 and Lactobacillus gasseri JM1 for 14 d in Kunming mice with loperamide-induced constipation, the results indicated that FMMIX significantly increased the secretion of serum motilin, gastrin and 5-hydroxytryptamine, as well as decreased the secretion of peptide YY, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and nitric oxide in mice. As determined by immunohistochemical analysis, FMMIX promoted an augmentation in the quantity of Cajal interstitial cells. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of c-kit and stem cell factor (SCF) were upregulated to facilitate intestinal motility. High-throughput sequencing and gas chromatography techniques revealed that FMMIX led to an increase in the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Oscillospira, Ruminococcus, Coprococcus, and Akkermansia), reduced the presence of harmful bacteria (Prevotella), and resulted in elevated levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) with a superior improvement compared with unfermented milk. Untargeted metabolomics revealed significant upregulation of functional metabolites such as l-pipecolinic acid, dl-phenylalanine, and naringenin in FMMIX, presumably playing a potential role in constipation relief. Overall, our results showed that FMMIX had the potential to alleviate constipation symptoms in mice by improving the secretion of serum GI regulatory peptides and neurotransmitters, increasing the expression of c-kit and SCF proteins, and modulating the gut microbiota structure and SCFA levels, and may be associated with an increase in these functional metabolites. This suggested that FMMIX could be a promising adjunctive strategy for managing constipation symptoms and could contribute to the development of functional foods aimed at improving gut health.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Milk; Lacticaseibacillus paracasei; Lactobacillus gasseri; Constipation; Gastrointestinal Motility; Probiotics
PubMed: 37923200
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24154 -
Food & Nutrition Research 2023To explore the risk factors of duodenogastric reflux (DGR) in relation to different dietary habits.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the risk factors of duodenogastric reflux (DGR) in relation to different dietary habits.
METHODS
A total of 106 patients with symptoms of DGR who underwent electronic gastroscopy from June 2019 to June 2020 were selected and divided into the DGR group ( = 33) and the non-DGR group ( = 73) according to the diagnosis of bile reflux. Questionnaires were used to collect the basic information and dietary habits of the patients, including age, gender, body mass index, place of residence, comorbidities, dietary composition, salt intake, smoking and drinking consumption. The total bile acid (TBA) and cholesterol (CHO) of the gastric juice were measured using a fully automated biochemical analyser, with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay used for the serum cholecystokinin, gastrin and gastrin levels. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to predict the attendant DGR risk factors.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference in age or gender between the DGR and the non-DGR groups ( > 0.05). The proportion of patients living in the Bashang region was significantly higher in the DGR group (78.79%) than in the non-DGR group (38.36%) ( < 0.05). The levels of TBA and CHO in the gastric juice and the cholecystokinin and gastrin levels in the serum of the DGR group were higher than those in the non-DGR group, while the serum motilin levels were significantly lower in the DGR group than in the non-DGR group ( < 0.05). The univariate analysis indicated that the proportion of patients with daily consumption of dairy products and fried foods, a high salt intake and smoking and drinking consumption were significantly higher in the DGR than in the non-DGR group ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The daily consumption of dairy products and a preference for fried food are independent risk factors for the occurrence of DGR (odds ratio ≥ 1, < 0.05).
PubMed: 37920676
DOI: 10.29219/fnr.v67.9385 -
Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi =... Oct 2023To explore the effects of somatostatin on the levels of gastrointestinal hormones and clinical outcomes in critically ill infants after gastrointestinal surgery. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
[Effect of somatostatin on gastrointestinal hormone levels and clinical outcomes in critically ill infants after gastrointestinal surgery: a prospective randomized controlled study].
OBJECTIVES
To explore the effects of somatostatin on the levels of gastrointestinal hormones and clinical outcomes in critically ill infants after gastrointestinal surgery.
METHODS
Using a random number table method, critically ill infants after gastrointestinal surgery who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Xuzhou Children's Hospital from June 2019 to June 2021 were randomly divided into an observation group (29 cases) and a control group (30 cases). The control group received routine treatment such as anti-infection and hemostasis after surgery, while the observation group received somatostatin in addition to the routine treatment [3.5 μg/(kg·h) infusion for 7 days]. The levels of serum gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), insulin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) before surgery, on the 3rd day after surgery, and on the 7th day after surgery were compared between the two groups. The recovery progress and incidence of complications after surgery were also compared between the two groups.
RESULTS
There was no significant difference in the levels of serum GAS, MTL, insulin, and GLP-1 between the two groups before surgery (>0.05). On the 3rd and 7th day after surgery, the levels of serum GAS, MTL, insulin, and GLP-1 in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (<0.05). In the observation group, the levels of GAS, MTL, insulin, and GLP-1 on the 7th day after surgery were higher than those before surgery and on the 3rd day after surgery (<0.05), and the levels on the 3rd day after surgery were higher than those before surgery (<0.05). There was no significant difference in the levels of serum GAS, MTL, and insulin before surgery, on the 3rd day after surgery, and on the 7th day after surgery in the control group (>0.05). The level of GLP-1 on the 7th day after surgery was higher than that before surgery and on the 3rd day after surgery (<0.05), and the level on the 3rd day after surgery was higher than that before surgery (<0.05) in the control group. The observation group had shorter first time of anal exhaust, recovery time of bowel sounds, and first time of defecation after surgery compared to the control group (<0.05). The incidence of complications after surgery in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (10% vs 33%, <0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Somatostatin can increase the levels of serum GAS, MTL, insulin, and GLP-1 in critically ill infants after gastrointestinal surgery, promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function, and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.
Topics: Humans; Infant; Critical Illness; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; Insulin; Prospective Studies; Somatostatin
PubMed: 37905754
DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2305022 -
Nutrients Oct 2023To investigate the role of gastrointestinal (GI) polysaccharide fermentation in alleviating constipation, two polysaccharide fractions were isolated from a soluble fiber...
To investigate the role of gastrointestinal (GI) polysaccharide fermentation in alleviating constipation, two polysaccharide fractions were isolated from a soluble fiber extract with determined anti-constipation activity: a 2.04 kDa neutral fraction (SSP-1) contained 99.29% glucose, and a 41.66 kDa acidic fraction (SSP-2) contained 63.85% uronic acid. After mice were given loperamide for 14 d to induce constipation, the GI transit rate increased significantly in the SSP-1 group ( < 0.05) but not in the SSP-2 group. The stool weight in the SSP-2 group was significantly higher than that in SSP-1 (383.60 mg vs. 226.23 mg) ( < 0.05). Both SSP-1 and SSP-2 groups had significantly increased serum gastrin and motilin levels ( < 0.05) and changes in their fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles, while SSP-1 showed better fermentation properties than SSP-2 in terms of statistically higher fecal contents of acetic acid and total SCFAs ( < 0.05). Bioinformatic analysis indicated that SSP-1 upregulated bacteria such as to improve SCFA metabolism and stimulate GI hormone secretion, while SSP-2 had less influence on the gut microbiota. These results suggest that the neutral polysaccharide with superior GI fermentation properties exerted beneficial effects on constipation, while the less fermentable pectic fraction might act as a stool-bulking agent.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Loperamide; Constipation; Polysaccharides; Fatty Acids, Volatile; Feces
PubMed: 37892439
DOI: 10.3390/nu15204364 -
American Journal of Translational... 2023This study was designed to explore the effects of ulinastatin combined with somatostatin on disease control and serum inflammatory factors in patients with severe...
OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to explore the effects of ulinastatin combined with somatostatin on disease control and serum inflammatory factors in patients with severe pancreatitis.
METHODS
The data of 80 patients with severe pancreatitis treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi Medical College from May 2020 to April 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 36 patients treated with somatostatin alone (3 mg somatostatin added in 50 mL normal saline) on the basis of standard treatment were assigned to a control group, and the other 44 patients treated with both ulinastatin (100,000 U of ulinastatin injection added in 250 mL 5% glucose solution) and somatostatin (3 mg somatostatin added in 50 mL normal saline) were enrolled into a study group. The levels of serum inflammatory factors (interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1)), biochemical indexes (C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and serum amylase) and gastrointestinal function indexes (motilin and gastrin) in the two groups were analyzed and compared before and after treatment. Additionally, the alleviation of clinical symptoms, treatment response and occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. The mortality rate of patients within 1 month after the treatment was evaluated, and the risk factors affecting the prognosis were analyzed through logistics regression.
RESULTS
Before treatment, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and sICAM-1 (P>0.05), while after treatment, the levels of all three factors decreased significantly in both groups (P<0.0001), with more notable decreases in the study group than those in the control group (P<0.0001). Before treatment, the two groups were not significantly different in the levels of C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and serum amylase (P>0.05), while after treatment, all the three levels decreased notably in both groups (P<0.0001), with notably lower levels in the study group than those in the control group (P<0.0001). Before treatment, the levels of motilin and gastrin in the two groups were not significantly different (P>0.05), while after treatment, motilin increased significantly and gastrin decreased significantly in both groups (P<0.0001), and the study group showed a notably higher motilin level and a notably lower gastrin level than the control group (P<0.0001). The study group experienced a significantly earlier disappearance time of abdominal distension and abdominal pain and a significantly shorter hospitalization time than the control group (P<0.0001). Moreover, the study group showed a notably higher overall response rate than the control group (P=0.029), and presented a notably lower incidence of adverse reactions than the control group (P=0.036). According to univariate analysis, age, onset time, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score and therapeutic regimen were the factors impacting the patients' prognosis. According to logistics regression analysis, therapeutic regimen was an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis.
CONCLUSION
Compared with somatostatin alone, ulinastatin combined with somatostatin is more effective in the treatment of severe pancreatitis. The combination can substantially alleviate the inflammatory response and improve the gastrointestinal function and clinical symptoms of patients, without increasing adverse reactions. Therefore, ulinastatin combined with somatostatin is worthy of clinical promotion.
PubMed: 37854214
DOI: No ID Found