Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide (HCP) is extracted from Houttuynia cordata, a key traditional Chinese medicine. The study was to investigate the effects of HCP on intestinal barrier and microbiota in H1N1 virus infected mice. Mice were infected with H1N1 virus and orally administrated HCP at a dosage of 40 mg(kg(d. H1N1 infection caused pulmonary and intestinal injury and gut microbiota imbalance. HCP significantly suppressed the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and decreased mucosubstances in goblet cells, but restored the level of zonula occludens-1 in intestine. HCP also reversed the composition change of intestinal microbiota caused by H1N1 infection, with significantly reduced relative abundances of Vibrio and Bacillus, the pathogenic bacterial genera. Furthermore, HCP rebalanced the gut microbiota and restored the intestinal homeostasis to some degree. The inhibition of inflammation was associated with the reduced level of Toll-like receptors and interleukin-1β in intestine, as well as the increased production of interleukin-10. Oral administration of HCP alleviated lung injury and intestinal dysfunction caused by H1N1 infection. HCP may gain systemic treatment by local acting on intestine and microbiota. This study proved the high-value application of HCP.
Animals ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; drug effects ; Houttuynia ; chemistry ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; metabolism ; Inflammation ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; pathogenicity ; Intestinal Mucosa ; drug effects ; metabolism ; microbiology ; pathology ; Lung ; drug effects ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Orthomyxoviridae Infections ; drug therapy ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; Polysaccharides ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Toll-Like Receptors ; metabolism ; Zonula Occludens-1 Protein ; metabolism

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is a non-specific and chronic recurrent autoimmune disease that involves the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical symptoms of intestinal bleeding, diarrhea, and weight loss threat to human health and induce colorectal cancer. The pathogenesis included living environment, genetic factors, immune cell infiltration and immune stress, weakened mucosal barrier defense and intestinal flora imbalance. At present, clinical treatment drugs mainly include aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biological agents, etc., in view of the disadvantages of poor therapeutic effect and expensive price. The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in the treatment IBD have various biological activities and multiple targets such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-tumor and immune regulation. This article summarized the application and the research progress in protecting intestinal epithelial barrier, maintaining intestinal microbial homeostasis, inhibiting causative factors, and regulating Th1/Th17/Treg balance about TCM in the treatment of IBD. The review provided new ideas for further development of the new drugs on the mechanism based on active ingredients of TCM in IBD treatment.
Humans ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ; therapy ; Intestinal Mucosa ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Diabetes is a widespread, rapidly increasing metabolic disease that is driven by hyperglycemia. Early glycemic control is of primary importance to avoid vascular complications including development of retinal disorders leading to blindness, end-stage renal disease, and accelerated atherosclerosis with a higher risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and limb amputations. Even after hyperglycemia has been brought under control, "metabolic memory," a cluster of irreversible metabolic changes that allow diabetes to progress, may persist depending on the duration of hyperglycemia. Manipulation of bile acid (BA) receptors and the BA pool have been shown to be useful in establishing glycemic control in diabetes due to their ability to regulate energy metabolism by binding and activating nuclear transcription factors such as farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in liver and intestine as well as the G-protein coupled receptor, TGR5, in enteroendocrine cells and pancreatic β-cells. The downstream targets of BA activated FXR, FGF15/21, are also important for glucose/insulin homeostasis. In this review we will discuss the effect of BAs on glucose and lipid metabolism and explore recent research on establishing glycemic control in diabetes through the manipulation of BAs and their receptors in the liver, intestine and pancreas, alteration of the enterohepatic circulation, bariatric surgery and alignment of circadian rhythms.
Animals ; Bile Acids and Salts ; blood ; metabolism ; Blood Glucose ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Circadian Rhythm ; Diabetes Mellitus ; blood ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Energy Metabolism ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Hyperglycemia ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; therapeutic use ; Intestinal Mucosa ; metabolism ; Intestines ; drug effects ; Lipid Metabolism ; Liver ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear ; metabolism ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction

Liver transplantation is a conventional treatment for terminal stage liver diseases. However, several complications still hinder the survival rate. Intestinal barrier destruction is widely observed among patients receiving liver transplant and suffering from ischemia-reperfusion or rejection injuries because of the relationship between the intestine and the liver, both in anatomy and function. Importantly, the resulting alteration of gut microbiota aggravates graft dysfunctions during the process. This article reviews the research progress for gut microbial alterations and liver transplantation. Especially, this work also evaluates research on the management of gut microbial alteration and the prediction of possible injuries utilizing microbial alteration during liver transplantation. In addition, we propose possible directions for research on gut microbial alteration during liver transplantation and offer a hypothesis on the utilization of microbial alteration in liver transplantation. The aim is not only to predict perioperative injuries but also to function as a method of treatment or even inhibit the rejection of liver transplantation.
Animals ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Graft Rejection ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Intestinal Mucosa ; physiopathology ; ultrastructure ; Liver Transplantation ; Rats ; Reperfusion Injury ; prevention & control

The ideal treatment and recovery of osteoarticular injury remain to be resolved. Small intestinal submucosa (SIS), a naturally-occurring decellularized extracellular matrix, has been recognized as an ideal scaffold for tissue engineering and widely used in repairing various tissues and organs. Nowadays its application has also been gradually increased in the field of orthopedics. We reviewed laboratorial studies and clinical trails about the application of SIS in bone and joint repair, aiming to evaluate its effects on the repair of bone, cartilage, meniscus, ligament and tendon. SIS has showed promising results in repairing bone, meniscus, ligament or tendon. However, additional studies will be required to further evaluate its effects on articular cartilage and tendon-bone healing. How to optimize SIS material,is also a focused problem concerned with making SIS a potential therapeutic option with high value for orthopedic tissue repair.
Animals ; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy ; Humans ; Intestinal Mucosa ; cytology ; Intestine, Small ; cytology ; Joint Diseases ; physiopathology ; surgery ; therapy ; Tissue Engineering ; instrumentation ; methods ; Tissue Scaffolds ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of sacral nerve root electrostimulation (SNS) on the colon function and its mechanisms in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODSOne hundred and four Wistar rats were divided into three groups: A, B and C. A group ( n = 24) was divided into three subgroups (n = 8) for studying the bioelectricity: Normal group (NG), SCI group (SCI) and SCI group with SNS(SNS); B group( n = 24) was divided into three subgroups( n = 8) for studying the colon motility: NG, SCI and SNS. C group( n = 56) were divided into three groups for studying the change of morphology and neurotransmitters(SP and VIP): NG (n = 8), SCI (n = 24), and SNS (n = 24) . In SCI and SNS, included of three subgroups: 24, 48, 72 h after spinal cord injury (n = 8).

RESULTSIn SCI group, the activity of bioelectricity in proximal and distal colon was reduced; the colon motility was lessened, and colon mucosa appeared different degree of damage; cell-cell connections between intestinal epithelial cells were destroyed. The expressions of substance P(SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in colon were decreased obviously. SNS was found to activate the bioelectricity, promote the colon motility, improve the intestinal mucosal, and increase the expressions of SP and VIP. Conclusion: SNS can activate the peristalsis, rehabilitate the motility of denervated colon, protection of the intestinal mechanical barrier between intestinal epithelial cells and tight junction, rebuild the colon function through activating the bioelectricity and increase the expressions of SP and VIP.

Animals ; Colon ; physiopathology ; Electric Stimulation Therapy ; Epithelial Cells ; drug effects ; Intestinal Mucosa ; drug effects ; Lumbosacral Region ; innervation ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; therapy ; Substance P ; metabolism ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide ; metabolism

To observe the effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on the metabolism of intestinal fluid and cyclic AMP protein kinase A signaling pathway (cAMP-PKA) and water channel protein 3 (AQP3) in rats with constipation, and to explore the mechanism of VIP in the treatment of constipation.
 Methods: A total of 45 healthy adult rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a model +VIP group. After 4 weeks of VIP treatment, the first black stool time were examined with the ink gastric method; the water content in feces was calculated; the morphological changes in colonic tissues were observed by HE staining. The expression of VIP and AQP3 protein levels in colon tissues were detected by Western blot; and the cAMP, PKA, AQP3 mRNA expression levels were detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). 
 Results: Compared with the control group, the first black stool time was prolonged, the water content of fecal decreased significantly (both P<0.01); part of the colon mucosa epithelial cells were destructed; the goblet cell volume decreased and quantity was reduced; the contents of AQP3 and VIP in colon tissues were significantly decreased, and the cAMP, PKA and AQP3 mRNA levels were decreased in the model group (all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the first black stool time in the model +VIP group was shortened, the fecal water content increased significantly (both P<0.05); the mucosal epithelium integrity improved, the number of goblet cells increased; the content of AQP3 and VIP in colon tissues was increased, and the cAMP, PKA, and AQP3 mRNA levels were elevated (all P<0.05).
 Conclusion: Intravenous injection of VIP can regulate intestinal fluid metabolism and improve the symptoms of constipation in rats, which might be related to the regulation of VIP-cAMP-PKA-AQP3 signaling pathway.
Animals ; Aquaporin 3 ; physiology ; Aquaporins ; Blotting, Western ; Colon ; chemistry ; pathology ; Constipation ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Cyclic AMP ; physiology ; Defecation ; Epithelial Cells ; pathology ; Feces ; chemistry ; Goblet Cells ; pathology ; Intestinal Mucosa ; metabolism ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide ; administration & dosage ; physiology ; therapeutic use

OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and moxibustion therapies on patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (D-IBS).

METHODSA total of 60 D-IBS patients were randomly allocated to the EA group (30 cases) and moxibustion group (30 cases). Before and after treatment, the gastrointestinal symptoms and psychological symptoms were scored by Visual Analogue Scale, Bristol Stool Form Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD); the expressions of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), 5-HT3 receptor (5-HT3R), and 5-HT4 receptor (5-HT4R) in the sigmoid mucosal tissue were measured by immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, the effects on the functional brain areas of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), insular cortex (IC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were observed by functional magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTSCompared with before treatment, both EA and moxibustion groups reported significant improvements in abdominal pain and abdominal bloating after treatment (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The moxibustion group reported greater improvements in defecation emergency, defecation frequency, and stool feature than the EA group (P<0.01). Both HAMA and HAMD scores were significantly decreased in the moxibustion group than in the EA group (P<0.01). Both groups demonstrated significantly reduced expressions of 5-HT, 5-HT3R and 5-HT4R in the colonic mucosa after treatment (P<0.01), with a greater reduction of 5-HT in the moxibustion group (P<0.05). Finally, decreased activated voxel values were observed in the left IC, right IC and PFC brain regions of patients in the moxibustion group under stimulation with 150 mL colorectal distension after treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while in the EA group only PFC area demonstrated a reduction (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONMoxibustion can significantly improve the symptoms of D-IBS, suggesting that moxibustion may be a more effective therapy than EA for D-IBS patients.

Adult ; Anxiety ; Brain ; physiology ; Cerebral Cortex ; physiopathology ; Colon, Sigmoid ; chemistry ; Depression ; Diarrhea ; physiopathology ; Electroacupuncture ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; physiology ; Gyrus Cinguli ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Intestinal Mucosa ; chemistry ; Irritable Bowel Syndrome ; physiopathology ; psychology ; therapy ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Moxibustion ; Pain Measurement ; Prefrontal Cortex ; physiopathology ; Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3 ; analysis ; Serotonin ; analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This animal study aimed to define the underlying cellular mechanisms of intestinal barrier dysfunction. METHODS: Rats were fed 4% with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to induce experimental colitis. We analyzed the sugars in 24-hour urine output by high pressure liquid chromatography. The expression of claudins, mannan-binding lectin (MBL), and MBL-associated serine proteases 2 (MASP-2) were detected in the colonic mucosa by immunohistochemistry; and apoptotic cells in the colonic epithelium were detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling method assay. RESULTS: The lactulose and sucralose excretion levels in the urine of rats with DSS-induced colitis were significantly higher than those in the control rats. Mannitol excretion was lower and lactulose/mannitol ratios and sucralose/mannitol ratios were significantly increased compared with those in the control group (p<0.05). Compared with the controls, the expression of sealing claudins (claudin 3, claudin 5, and claudin 8) was significantly decreased, but that of claudin 1 was increased. The expression of pore-forming claudin 2 was upregulated and claudin 7 was downregulated in DSS-induced colitis. The epithelial apoptotic ratio was 2.8%+/-1.2% in controls and was significantly increased to 7.2%+/-1.2% in DSS-induced colitis. The expression of MBL and MASP-2 in the intestinal mucosa showed intense staining in controls, whereas there was weak staining in the rats with colitis. CONCLUSIONS: There was increased intestinal permeability in DSS-induced colitis. Changes in the expression and distribution of claudins, increased epithelial apoptosis, and the MASP-2-induced immune response impaired the intestinal epithelium and contributed to high intestinal permeability.
Animals ; Apoptosis/*physiology ; Claudins/*metabolism ; Colitis/chemically induced/immunology/*physiopathology ; Colon/immunology/physiopathology ; Dextran Sulfate ; Intestinal Mucosa/*physiopathology ; Lactulose/metabolism ; Mannitol/metabolism ; Mannose-Binding Lectin/*immunology ; Permeability ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Sucrose/analogs & derivatives/metabolism ; Up-Regulation

No abstract available.
Animals ; Apoptosis/*physiology ; Claudins/*metabolism ; Colitis/*physiopathology ; Intestinal Mucosa/*physiopathology ; Mannose-Binding Lectin/*immunology