OBJECTIVETo study whether Modified Sijunzi Decoction (MSD) has protective effects on the intestinal mucosal barrier function of giant colon children.

METHODSThirty-two giant colon children patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in the treatment group (16 cases) took MDS after cleaning edema, while cleaning enema was given to those in the control group 10 days before operation. The affected colon tissues were cut out during the radical correction and made into slices. The secreted immunoglobulin A (SIgA) level of colonic mucosal lamina propria plasma cells ws detected using immunohistochemical assay. The colonic mucosal gland density was detected under the light microscope. The tight junction between the colon epitheliums, the epithelium microvilli, the morphologies of organelles such as mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum, etc. were observed under the electron microscope.

RESULTSThe average number of colonic mucosal glands and the SigA value of submucosal lamina propria plasma cells were higher in the treatment group than in the control group under the high power field. Compared with the control group, more intact morphologies of organelles were observed under the electron microscope.

CONCLUSIONMSD could strengthen the intestinal mucosal barrier function of giant colon children and play certain roles in protecting its functions through improving the proliferation of the intestinal mucosa cells and maintaining the integrity of the bowel mucosa, as well as enhancing the local intestinal immunity.