Abstract
BackgroundThe pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is closely related to intestinal dysbacteriosis and can be controlled by moxibustion treatment. However, the mechanism underlying the therapeutic value of moxibustion in IBS treatment remains unknown.MethodsAn IBS rat model was established by colorectal distention (CRD) stimulus and mustard oil clyster. Sixty-five male rats were randomly divided into six groups: normal, IBS model, moxibustion, electroacupuncture (EA), Bifid-triple Viable Capsule (BTVC) and Pinaverium Bromide (PB) groups. The moxibustion group was treated with mild moxibustion at the bilateral Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) for 10 min/day for 7 days, the EA group was given EA at ST25 and ST37 once daily for 7 days, while the BTVC group and PB groups received Bifid-triple Viable Capsule and Pinaverium Bromide solution (at the proportion of 1:0.018) respectively by gavage once daily for 7 days. After the treatment, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores were determined based on CRD stimulus, gut microbiota profiling was conducted by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing.ResultsIrritable bowel syndrome model rats had significantly increased AWR scores at all intensities (20, 40, 60 and 80 mmHg) compared with the normal group. Moxibustion treatment significantly reduced AWR scores compared with the IBS model group at all intensities. Across all groups the most abundant phyla were Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes followed by Proteobacteria and Candidatus Saccharibacteria. At genus level IBS model rats had a higher abundance of Prevotella, Bacteroides and Clostridium XI and a lower abundance of Lactobacillus and Clostridium XIVa compared with normal rats. These changes in microbiota profiles could however be reversed by moxibustion treatment. Alpha diversity was decreased in IBS model rats compared with normal rats, yet significantly increased in moxibustion- and PB-treated rats compared with IBS rats.ConclusionOur findings suggest that moxibustion treats IBS by modulating the gut microbiota.
Highlights
The pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is closely related to intestinal dysbacteriosis and can be controlled by moxibustion treatment
Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores As shown in Fig. 1, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores were significantly increased in IBS model rats compared with normal rats at all four colorectal distention (CRD) pressures (P < 0.01)
AWR scores were significantly reduced in IBS model rats following treatment with moxibustion at 20 (P < 0.05), 40, 60 and 80 mmHg (P < 0.01)
Summary
The pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is closely related to intestinal dysbacteriosis and can be controlled by moxibustion treatment. IBS has a multifactorial etiology that may include colonic dysmotility [3], visceral hypersensitivity [4], brain–gut interactions [5], genetic factors [6], post-infectious lowgrade inflammation [7] and altered gut microbiota [8]. The human intestinal track, the colon, is equipped with sophisticated regulatory mechanisms that facilitate intestinal balance despite complex interaction with the gut microbiota. IBS is closely linked to alterations in gut microbiota composition [16], which can lead to increased permeability of the intestinal mucosal barrier and modulation of cytokine secretion, playing a significant role in the pathophysiology of IBS
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