Abstract
Postoperative ileus (POI), a gastrointestinal function disorder, is a complication that arises from surgery. Shenhuang plaster (SHP) application to the Shenque acupoint (CV8) to promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function has achieved definite curative effects in clinical settings; however, the underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the effects of SHP using a Sprague Dawley rat POI model. Then, gastrointestinal transit in different rat groups was evaluated by the movement of fluorescein-labelled dextran. Ghrelin, obestatin, motilin (MTL), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) plasma concentrations were measured via a radioimmunoassay. The expression of the ghrelin and obestatin receptors (GHS-R1α and GPR39) in the intestinal muscularis of rats in different groups was comparatively identified via western blotting. The results indicated that SHP application improved gastrointestinal motility in POI model rats. SHP application significantly increased ghrelin concentration and the expression of its receptor and inhibited obestatin concentration and the expression of its receptor in blood. Further, ghrelin concentration and the capability of gastrointestinal transit were positively correlated. Simultaneously, SHP application also promoted the secretion of other gastrointestinal motility hormones, such as MTL and VIP. Hence, these results provide evidence that SHP can promote the recovery of gastrointestinal transmission in POI rat models through regulation of ghrelin and other intestinal hormones.
Highlights
Postoperative ileus (POI) is a complication arising from abdominal or even non-abdominal surgery, generally manifested by varying degrees of abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, weakened or missing bowel sounds, and even anastomotic leakage and infection [1]
POI is often considered the main reason for prolonged hospitalization and increased hospitalization costs [2], but its pathogenesis remains unknown. e influence of ghrelin on gastrointestinal motility has been investigated, and results from previous studies have indicated that the expression of ghrelin and its receptor (GHS-R1a, growth hormone secretagogue receptor) are repressed in POI [3]. is suggested that ghrelin may be a key regulator in POI
Based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, it is the obstruction of “Qi” in the intestinal tract, or the dysfunction of “Qi” [9, 10]. e Shenhuang plaster (SHP) is a “Qi”-promoting herbal formula consisting of Renshen (Ginseng Radix Et Rhizoma), Raw Dahuang (Rhei Radix Et Rhizoma), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), Dingxiang (Caryophylli Flos), and Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus) [11, 12]. e Shenque acupoint, CV8, is located in the “Ren” meridian, and it is the intersection point of the “Ren,” “Du,” and “Sanjiao” meridians, according to TCM literature [13]. erefore, a Chinese doctor has suggested that treatment at the Shenque point will stimulate the “Qi” circulating throughout the body [14]
Summary
Postoperative ileus (POI) is a complication arising from abdominal or even non-abdominal surgery, generally manifested by varying degrees of abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, weakened or missing bowel sounds, and even anastomotic leakage and infection [1]. E influence of ghrelin on gastrointestinal motility has been investigated, and results from previous studies have indicated that the expression of ghrelin and its receptor (GHS-R1a, growth hormone secretagogue receptor) are repressed in POI [3]. TCM plaster application on acupoints is a therapeutic method that has been practiced for over a thousand years [5, 6], and the effectiveness of acupuncture practices on gastrointestinal motility improvement has been well documented [7, 8]. Erefore, a Chinese doctor has suggested that treatment at the Shenque point will stimulate the “Qi” circulating throughout the body [14]. We hypothesized that SHP can influence the expression of ghrelin as well as other intestinal hormones. We hypothesized that SHP can influence the expression of ghrelin as well as other intestinal hormones. erefore, in this study, we elucidate our hypothesis using a POI rat model
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