Ganjiang granule regulates cecal microflora and serum biochemical components in a rat model of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Objective To investigate the effects of Ganjiang granule (GG) on cecal microflora and serum biochemical components in rats with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS–C). Methods Twenty-four Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control, model, GG, and probiotics. Rats in the model, GG, and probiotics groups received 3 °C tap water intragastrically; rats in the GG group were treated with GG; rats in the probiotics group were treated with probiotics. For all rats, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetry were used to assess serum biochemical components related to gastrointestinal function; 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the cecal microflora. Results The serum level of 5-hydroxytryptamine (HT) was higher in the model group than in the control group (Z = −2.082, P = .037). The model group exhibited changes in cecal microflora: the relative abundances of Lactobacillus decreased (Z = −2.882, P = .004) and Dorea increased (t = −3.030, P = .023), compared with the control group. The GG and probiotics groups exhibited normal serum levels of 5-HT. The GG and probiotics groups exhibited improved serum levels of gastrin; the probiotics group exhibited an improved serum level of vasoactive intestinal peptide. Compared with the model group, The GG group exhibited greater relative abundance of Ruminococcus (Z = −2.402, P = .016); the probiotics group exhibited greater relative abundance of SMB53 (Z = −2.823, P = .005) and lower relative abundances of Desulfovibrio (Z = −2.823, P = .005) and Facklamia (Z = −2.608, P = .009). Conclusion The effects of GG on IBS-C may be related to regulation of the serum level of 5-HT, as well as elevated relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in cecal microflora.