Deep-Fried Atractylodis Rhizoma Protects against Spleen Deficiency-Induced Diarrhea through Regulating Intestinal Inflammatory Response and Gut Microbiota.

Kun Shi,Xiong Lin,Linghang Qu,Shuiqing Li,Ying Xie,Yanju Liu,Guosheng Cao,Jiyuan Tu,Zhongshi Zhou,Xianqiong Liu

doi:10.3390/ijms21010124

Kun Shi, Xiong Lin + Show 8 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21010124

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Abstract

According to the theories of traditional Chinese medicine, spleen deficiency often leads to diarrhea, and deep-fried Atractylodis Rhizoma (DAR) is commonly used for the treatment. However, the association between spleen deficiency and diarrhea remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of DAR for the treatment of diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency and analyze the related mechanisms. It was found that a high dose group of an ethanolic extract of deep-fried Atractylodis Rhizoma (EEDAR-H) significantly inhibited weight loss, diarrhea, and pathological changes in colon tissue induced by rhubarb. EEDAR-H was found to significantly reduce the level of intestinal inflammatory cytokines and increase the expression of gastrointestinal motility hormones. In addition, EEDAR-H significantly increased the expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and aquaporin 8 (AQP8) and restored abnormal water metabolism; Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San (SLBZS) induced the same effect as EEDAR-H. Additional tests on the mechanism found that EEDAR-H and SLBZS promoted the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Both significantly increased the expression of the tight junction protein ZO-1 and Occludin, inhibited the phosphorylation of p38MAPK and MLC, and significantly reduced the expression levels of PAR-2. Analysis of the gut microbiota indicated that overall changes in its structure were reversed after treatment with EEDAR-H or SLBZS, in addition to significant modulation of the abundance of different phyla. At the genus level, EEDAR-H or SLBZS significantly reduced the levels of potential pathogens and increased those of beneficial bacteria.

Highlights

Spleen deficiency-induced diarrhea syndrome is a common sub-health status described in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
It is closely related to the occurrence of abdominal pain and diarrhea [33]; 5-HT3R can cause visceral pain stimulation resulting in abdominal pain, contraction of the ileum and colon, enhancement of gastrointestinal motility, and secretion, thereby causing an increase in fecal frequency and fecal water-like appearance [34,35]
The results indicate that extract of deep-fried Atractylodis Rhizoma (EEDAR-H) can simultaneously inhibit the expression of 5-HT and its receptors, alleviating the symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain, suggesting that the mechanism of EEDAR may be related to the reduced secretion of 5-HT

Summary

Introduction

Spleen deficiency-induced diarrhea syndrome is a common sub-health status described in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The main cause of spleen deficiency diarrhea according to TCM is considered to be Qi consumption, spleen deficiency, stomach disharmony, and endophytic dampness, resulting in conductive dysfunction of the intestines [1]. The treatment of spleen deficiency diarrhea is based on the strategy of supplementing Qi and strengthening the spleen. In TCM, the clinical manifestation of spleen deficiency-induced diarrhea syndrome consists of diarrhea (main symptom), weight loss, chills, and fatigue, which are secondary manifestations of multiple symptoms. In China, Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San (SLBZS) is widely used to treat diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency. A number of studies have shown that SLBZS can alleviate diarrhea caused by spleen deficiency in various ways, such as targeting inflammation and flora [2,3,4]

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