Regulation Effect of a Chinese Herbal Formula on Flora and Mucosal Immune Secretory Immunoglobulin A in Rats.

Tian-Hao Liu,Xiao-Ya Li,Xiao-Mei Zhang,Yue-Ying Wu,Ni-Ping Han,Jia-Li Yuan,Yang Liu,Zhong-Shan Yang

doi:10.1155/2018/4821821

Abstract

Flora and mucosal immunity are considered to be the barrier, which is associated with multiple respiratory diseases, including recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI). Fei-Xi-Tiao-Zhi-Fang (FTF) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used in the treatment of RRTI. However, the mechanism is little known. This study aims to identify the function of FTF in flora and mucosal immune secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in the model of RRTI rats. The samples of intestine and lung were collected to detect sIgA, short chain fatty acids (SCFAS), and flora with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), gas chromatography, and 16S rDNA sequencing. The body weight and viscera index were increased dynamically in RRTI rats after the administration of FTF. Furthermore, the types and proportions of aboriginal flora were significantly changed in the model group, whereas the altered flora was rescued in the FTF administration group. Desulfovibrio increased in the intestinal microflora and Ralstonia and Blautia decreased in the pulmonary microflora at the genus level, similar to that in the normal group. In addition, the expressions of sIgA in pulmonary and intestinal tissues were significantly upregulated and the level of SCFAS was increased in FTF group compared to the RRTI model group. Our study suggests that FTF can alleviate the symptoms of RRTI by increasing sIgA and SCFAS, recovering flora, and improving the immunity.

Highlights

Recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) is considered to be a chronic respiratory disease, which is characterized by flora infection and immune dysregulation
Many diseases have been cured with Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) nowadays in China, but many unknown mechanisms have restricted its widespread transmission in the world
Traditional Chinese medicine theories such as “lung intestine axis” and “the corresponding relationship between lung and large intestine” show that the respiratory tract is closely related to the intestinal tract

Summary

Introduction

Recurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) is considered to be a chronic respiratory disease, which is characterized by flora infection and immune dysregulation. The disease is manifested in the respiratory tract and intestine and the changes of intestinal flora can affect respiratory diseases [1,2,3]. We can prevent respiratory diseases by changing the intestinal microenvironment, adjusting the respiratory environment, and affecting intestinal functions. According to the famous ancient Chinese medicine decoction “Yupingfengsan” and “Cangerzisan” (both are important decoction for treating respiratory diseases), Chinese medicine experts created FTF, which could change the intestinal microenvironment and adjust the respiratory tract infection [7,8,9]. When FTF is used in clinic, it has an obvious curative effect and can alleviate the respiratory tract infection and intestinal symptoms

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion