Zhibai dihuang pill (ZBDH) exhibits therapeutic effects on idiopathic central sexual precocity in rats by modulating the gut microflora

Abstract

To reveal the role of gut microbiota (GM) in the occurrence and development of idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) using 16S rDNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The Danazol-induced ICPP model was successfully constructed in this study. ZBDH and GnRHa treatments could effectively inhibit ICPP in rats, as manifested by the delayed vaginal opening time, reduced weight, decreased uterine organ coefficient, and decreased uterine wall thickness and corpus luteum number, as well as remarkably reduced serum hormone (LH, FSH, and E2) levels. According to 16S rDNA sequencing analysis results, there was no significant difference in the GM community diversity across different groups; however, the composition of the microbial community and the abundance of the dominant microbial community were dramatically different among groups. ZBDH and GnRHa treatments could effectively reduce the abundance of Muribaculateae and Lactobacillus and promote Prevotella abundance. ZBDH and GnRHa were effective in treating Danazol-induced ICPP model rats. The therapeutic effects of ZBDH and GnRHa could be related to the changes in GM in rats.