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Biomedical Chromatography : BMC Apr 2024To optimize the extraction process of crude polysaccharides from Atractylodes and elaborate the mechanism of Atractylodes polysaccharides in treating diarrhea owing to...
To optimize the extraction process of crude polysaccharides from Atractylodes and elaborate the mechanism of Atractylodes polysaccharides in treating diarrhea owing to spleen deficiency, so as to lay a foundation for further development and utilization of Atractylodes lancea, we used an orthogonal test to optimize the extraction process and established a model of spleen deficiency. It was further combined with histopathology and intestinal flora to elaborate the mechanism of Atractylodes polysaccharides in the treatment of spleen-deficiency diarrhea. The optimized extraction conditions were as follows: the ratio of material to liquid was 1:25; the rotational speed was 150 rpm; the extraction temperature was 60°C; the extraction time was 2 h; and the extraction rate was about 23%. The therapeutic effect of Atractylodes polysaccharides on a spleen-deficiency diarrhea model in mice showed that the water content of stools and diarrhea grade in the treatment group were alleviated, and the levels of gastrin, motilin and d-xylose were improved. The analysis results based on gut microbiota showed that the model group had a higher diversity of gut microbiota than the normal group and treatment group, and the treatment group could correct the diversity of gut microbiota in model mice. Analysis based on the level of phylum and genus showed that the treatment group could inhibit the abundance of Helicobacter pylori genus and increase beneficial bacteria genera. The conclusion was that the optimized extraction process of Atractylodes polysaccharides was reasonable and feasible, and had a good therapeutic effect on spleen deficiency diarrhea.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Spleen; Atractylodes; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Rhizome; Polysaccharides; Diarrhea
PubMed: 38230827
DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5818 -
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 -
Molecular Biotechnology May 2024Obestatin is derived from the same gene as that of ghrelin and their functions were perceived to be antagonistic. Recent developments have shown that although they are... (Review)
Review
Obestatin is derived from the same gene as that of ghrelin and their functions were perceived to be antagonistic. Recent developments have shown that although they are known to have contradictory functions, effect of obestatin on skeletal muscle regeneration is similar to that of ghrelin. Obestatin works through a receptor called GPR39, a ghrelin and motilin family receptor and transduces signals in skeletal muscle similar to that of ghrelin. Not only there is a similarity in the receptor family, but also obestatin targets similar proteins and transcription factors as that of ghrelin (for example, FoxO family members) for salvaging skeletal muscle atrophy. Moreover, like ghrelin, obestatin also works by inducing the transcription of Pax7 which is required for muscle stem cell mobilisation. Hence, there are quite some evidences which points to the fact that obestatin can be purposed as a peptide intervention to prevent skeletal muscle wasting and induce myogenesis. This review elaborates these aspects of obestatin which can be further exploited and addressed to bring obestatin as a clinical intervention towards preventing skeletal muscle atrophy and sarcopenia.
Topics: Humans; Muscle, Skeletal; Regeneration; Animals; Muscular Atrophy; Ghrelin; Signal Transduction; Muscle Development; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; PAX7 Transcription Factor
PubMed: 38198052
DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-01011-7 -
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 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Mar 2024Constipation is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal tract diseases that seriously affects health-related quality of human life and requires effective treatments...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Constipation is one of the most prevalent gastrointestinal tract diseases that seriously affects health-related quality of human life and requires effective treatments without side effect. The rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (Compositae), called Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (AMR), a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to relieve the clinical symptoms of patients with constipation.
AIM OF THE STUDY
To reveal the dose-dependent laxative effect and potential mechanism of AMR on loperamide-induced slow transit constipation (STC) rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Loperamide-induced constipation rat model was established and the dose-dependent laxative effect of AMR was investigated. Untargeted metabolomics based on an UPLC-Q/TOF-MS technique combined with western blot analysis was used to explain the potential mechanism of AMR relieve loperamide-induced constipation in rats.
RESULTS
The results showed that medium dose of AMR (AMR-M, 4.32 g raw herb/kg) and high dose of AMR (AMR-H, 8.64 g raw herb/kg) treatments significantly increased the fecal water content, Bristol score, gastrointestinal transit rate, and recovered the damaged colon tissues of constipated rats, but low dose of AMR (AMR-L, 2.16 g raw herb/kg) did not show laxative effect. Both AMR-M and AMR-H treatments also remarkably reduced the serum levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SS) and dopamine (DA), and increased the levels of motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Urine metabolomics revealed that constipation development was mainly ascribed to the perturbed tryptophan metabolism, and AMR-M and AMR-H markedly corrected the abnormal levels of five urine tryptophan metabolites, namely 4,6-dihydroxyquinoline, indole, 4,8-dihydroxyquinoline, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and kynurenic acid. Additionally, western blot analysis confirmed that the abnormal expression of rate-limiting enzyme involving in tryptophan metabolism, including tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), monoamine oxidase (MAO) and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in the colon of constipated rats, were mediated by AMR-M and AMR-H.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings provide insight into the mechanisms of STC and AMR could be developed as new therapeutic agent for prevention or healing of constipation.
Topics: Rats; Humans; Animals; Loperamide; Laxatives; Atractylodes; Tryptophan; Rhizome; Serotonin; Constipation
PubMed: 38135226
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117637 -
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu = Chinese Acupuncture... Dec 2023To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) on the gastric emptying rate, the level of serotonin (5-HT) and the protein...
OBJECTIVES
To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) on the gastric emptying rate, the level of serotonin (5-HT) and the protein expression of motilin (MTL), ghrelin, substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the antral tissue of the rats with functional dyspepsia (FD) and explore the effect mechanism of EA in treatment of FD.
METHODS
A total of 21 SPF male SD rat pups were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and an EA group, with 7 rats in each group. In the model group and the EA group, FD model was prepared by the gavage with 0.1% sucrose iodoacetamide solution combined with the modified small platform method. After the successful modeling, EA was applied to "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) in the rats of the EA group, with disperse-dense wave, 20 Hz/100 Hz in frequency, stimulated for 30 min, once daily, for 7 days consecutively. Before and after intervention, the general condition of the rats was observed in each group. After the completion of intervention, the gastric emptying rate was measured, the morphological changes of gastric antral tissue were observed using HE staining, the level of 5-HT was detected with ELISA method, and the protein expression of MTL, ghrelin, SP, and VIP was determined with Western blot method in the antral tissue of rats.
RESULTS
In the normal group, the rats were in a good mental state, with lustrous fur, flexible movement and the increase of food intake and body mass. In the model group, the rats were poor in mental state, lack of lustre in fur, preference for the body curled up, reduced activity and response; and a part of rats had loose stool, obviously enlarged gastric body and gastric food retention. In the EA group, the general condition of rats, e.g. the mental state, food intake and activity, were improved, the gastric body got smaller obviously and the gastric food retention was reduced when compared with the model group. The antral structure was intact, the glands were rich and no injury of the gastric mucosa was found, e.g. inflammatory reaction and edema in the rats of each group. Compared with the normal group, the gastric emptying rate was decreased (<0.01), 5-HT level was increased (0.01), the protein expression of MTL and ghrelin was reduced (<0.01) and that of VIP was elevated (0.01) in the rats of the model group. The gastric emptying rate was increased (<0.01), 5-HT level was decreased (0.01), and the protein expression of MTL and ghrelin was elevated (<0.05, 0.01) in the rats of the EA group when compared with those in the model group.
CONCLUSIONS
Electroacupuncture at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli"(ST 36) may effectively relieve gastric dysfunction, strengthen gastric motility and promote gastric emptying so as to alleviate the symptoms of dyspepsia in FD rats, and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones in the antral tissue.
Topics: Rats; Male; Animals; Electroacupuncture; Dyspepsia; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Ghrelin; Gastrointestinal Hormones; Serotonin; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; Acupuncture Points
PubMed: 38092545
DOI: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20230809-0007 -
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 -
Histology and Histopathology Jun 2024Our paper aimed to elucidate the mechanism of Weiwei granules in the treatment of (Hp)-positive chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) based on the TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
Our paper aimed to elucidate the mechanism of Weiwei granules in the treatment of (Hp)-positive chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) based on the TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 inflammatory signaling pathway.
METHODS
Hp-positive CAG patients were randomized into the control group (treated with quadruple therapy) or the observation group (treated with Weiwei granules based on the control group). The clinical efficacy, Hp clearance rate, and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms were compared between the two groups after six months of treatment. The scores of various histopathology variables, serum levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-6 [IL-6], interleukin-8 [IL-8], and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), gastrin-17 (G-17) and motilin (MTL), pepsinogen (PG) I and PG II, as well as serum levels of gastrointestinal hormone endothelin (ET), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. TLR4, NF-κB, and COX-2 mRNA levels were compared in gastric mucosal tissues before and after treatment in the two groups.
RESULTS
After treatment, the clinical efficacy, Hp clearance rate, and efficacy of TCM symptoms of patients in the observation group were higher than those in the control group. After treatment, the scores of various histopathology variables, serum levels of inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α), gastrointestinal hormones (ET and EGF), and the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB, and COX-2 mRNA in the gastric mucosal tissues were lower and G-17, MTL, CGRP, and PG I levels were higher in the observation group than in the control group.
CONCLUSION
Weiwei granules can effectively improve Hp-positive CAG patients and reduce the expression levels of TLR4, NF-κB, and COX-2.
Topics: Humans; Toll-Like Receptor 4; Male; Cyclooxygenase 2; Female; NF-kappa B; Middle Aged; Helicobacter Infections; Helicobacter pylori; Signal Transduction; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Adult; Gastritis, Atrophic; Chronic Disease; Aged; Gastric Mucosa
PubMed: 38031901
DOI: 10.14670/HH-18-679 -
Chemical Biology & Drug Design Jan 2024We sought to explore the protective effect of the combination of fenchone (FE) and sodium hyaluronate (SH) on ice water-induced IBS-C rats and the potential mechanism....
We sought to explore the protective effect of the combination of fenchone (FE) and sodium hyaluronate (SH) on ice water-induced IBS-C rats and the potential mechanism. The neurotransmitter levels, including substance P (SP), motilin (MTL), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), were determined by ELISA methods. The stem cell factors (SCF)/c-Kit signaling pathway-related protein and mRNA levels were determined by western blot and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyses, respectively. The expressions of tight ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-1 were also measured by western blot assay and immunofluorescence staining. The 16S rRNA gene sequence was used to measure the composition of gut microbiota. The co-administration of FE and SH improved the body weight, number of fecal pellets, fecal moisture, abdominal with drawal reflex score, and gastrointestinal transit rate in IBS-C rats. The unique efficacy of combination depended on the regulation of balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, enhancement of intestinal barrier function, and activation of SCF/c-Kit pathway. The gut microbiota structure was also restored. The ability of FE combined with SH to regulate SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway, enhance intestinal barrier function, and modulate gut microbiota contributes to their efficacy in managing IBS-C in rats.
Topics: Rats; Animals; Irritable Bowel Syndrome; Hyaluronic Acid; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Constipation; Camphanes; Norbornanes
PubMed: 38030381
DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14397