Intestinal Flora Imbalance Research Articles

Effect of Qiwei Baizhu Powder on the Intestinal Flora of the Splenoasthenic Diarrhea Mice

To explore the effect of Qiwei Baizhu Powder on the intestinal flora of splenoasthenic diarrhea mice and its mechanism. The splenoasthenic diarrhea mouse model established by different modeling methods (antibiotics and traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription) was used as the experimental group, and a blank control group was set up at the same time. Qiwei Baizhu Powder was used to treat the splenoasthenic diarrhea model mice. The splenoasthenic diarrhea mouse model established by taking Dachenqi Tang (Traditional Chinese medicine Group) had the most severe splenoasthenic diarrhea and poor mental state, while without significant effect on intestinal flora (p>0.05). The splenoasthenic diarrhea mouse model constructed by gentamicin sulfate and cefradine (Antibiotic combination group) had the best effect. The results of the antimicrobial spectrum showed that the gentamicin sulfate and cefradine could form the maximum complementary effect and the effect was long-lasting. After the intragastric administration of Qiwei Baizhu Powder, the mice in the Traditional Chinese medicine Group were quickly cured and the syndrome of splenoasthenic diarrhea disappeared. The number of intestinal lactic acid bacteria and fungi in the antibiotic combination group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (p<0.01). In Qiwei Baizhu Powder, there are probiotics that promote the growth of lactic acid bacteria and fungi, which can cure the imbalance of intestinal flora.

The regulatory effects of phytosterol esters (PSEs) on gut flora and faecal metabolites in rats with NAFLD.

Recent studies have shown that the occurrence and progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can be aggravated by dysregulation of intestinal flora. We previously found that phytosterol esters (PSEs) could effectively prevent the progression of NAFLD. Here, we further investigated the regulatory effect that PSEs have on gut flora and faecal metabolites in rats with NAFLD. Adult SD (Sprague Dawley) rats were randomized into four groups: the normal chow diet (NC), high-fat diet (HFD), low-dose PSE (0.05 g per 100 g BW, PSEL) and high-dose PSE (0.10 g per 100 g BW, PSEH) groups. PSEs were intragastrically administered once a day for 12 consecutive weeks. Our work indicated that high-dose PSE treatment effectively inhibited the increase in liver and abdominal fat indexes (P < 0.01) and hepatic lipids (P < 0.01); a high dose PSE treatment effectively corrected the HFD-induced intestinal flora imbalance by changing the diversity. The relative abundances of the four phyla (Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia) and partial bacteria at the genus level (Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia, etc.) in the PSEH group were closer to those in the NC group. High-dose PSE intervention significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Anaerostipes. Compared with the HFD, PSEH treatment significantly decreased the ionic strengths of bile acid metabolism products (P < 0.05), which were positively correlated with hepatic steatosis. In conclusion, PSE treatment exerts a beneficial effect on NAFLD that is associated with its regulatory action on intestinal flora and faecal metabolites, which might present a new opportunity to develop effective and safe preventive strategies against NAFLD.

Electroacupuncture Inhibits Atherosclerosis through Regulating Intestinal Flora and Host Metabolites in Rabbit.

Methods In this study, general rabbit conditions, vascular histology, metabolites, and intestinal flora structures were analyzed. Integrated analysis of metabolomics and 16S rRNA sequencing were performed. All the rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. The rabbit model of atherosclerosis was established. The histopathological change in the common carotid artery was assessed by HE staining and the structural change in the flora by 16S rRNA sequencing. HPLC-TOF-MS and Agilent MPP 12.1 were integrated to identify and screen out differential metabolites. Correlational analyses of every differential metabolite with intestinal flora were integrated on Omicshare platform. Results Atherosclerotic rabbits showed obvious changes in general conditions, significant fibrous cap and necrotic center on carotid artery, abnormal intestinal bacteria structure, and metabolites levels. Electroacupuncture improved the conditions, reduced lipid deposition on the carotid artery wall, diversified intestinal flora, and normalized host metabolism. Integrated analysis showed that 149 altered metabolites were related to 22 intestinal flora, among which eight intestinal floras and 21 metabolites have relationships with atherosclerosis. Conclusion Electroacupuncture can effectively reverse atherosclerosis through manipulating the structural feature of intestinal flora to influence the host metabolites. The possible mechanisms involved activating signal pathways through host metabolites or affecting the activity of cardiovascular-related enzymes, or regulating host lipid metabolism directly.

肠道菌群失调与皮肤科常见结缔组织病相关性概述

肠道菌群失调与皮肤科常见结缔组织病相关性概述

Berberine ameliorates colonic damage accompanied with the modulation of dysfunctional bacteria and functions in ulcerative colitis rats.

Intestinal flora imbalance is one of the potential pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases, and the study aims to discover the effect of berberine on the composition and function of gut microbiota in ulcerative colitis (UC) rats. UC rats were induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and administrated with berberine. Colonic morphological changes and claudin-1 protein of colon tissues were primarily examined to validate the protective effects brought by berberine treatment. Then the composition and function of gut microbiota were analyzed, accompanied with quantitative analysis of serum amino acids. The results showed that berberine could not only ameliorate the colonic damages in DSS-induced UC rats but also regulate the gut microbiota by increasing lactic acid-producing bacteria and carbohydrate hydrolysis bacteria as well as decreasing conditional pathogenic bacteria. Accordingly, the relevant functions of above bacteria were improved, including the metabolism and biosynthesis of amino acids, capability of DNA replication and repair, carbohydrate digestion and absorption and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, the serum amino acids were regulated and showed high correlation with the gut microbiota after berberine treatment. In conclusion, the study confirms the effect of berberine on ameliorating the colonic damage and highlights some specific bacteria and relevant functions linked with berberine treatment, exploring the potential of gut microbiota as a diagnostic biomarker or a therapeutic target in UC treatment.

Jinzhi protects lipopolysaccharide-treated mice against mortality by repairing intestinal mucosal barrier damage and intestinal microecology

ObjectiveIntestinal mucosal barrier damage is an important mechanism for the development of sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. At present, there are no satisfactory and effective methods for the protection of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Jinzhi, the first fecal microbiota transplantation worldwide, is often used to treat critically ill patients; however, the specific mechanism involved in this process remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Jinzhi intervention on mice with sepsis induced through treatment with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MethodsMice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS to simulate intestinal mucosal barrier function damage in sepsis; intervention was performed through the oral administration of Jinzhi. The effect of Jinzhi on LPS-induced sepsis was analyzed by comparing the vital signs and survival rate of mice under different treatments. Pathological staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to identify the effects of LPS or treatment with Jinzhi on the intestinal mucosal barrier in mice. The effect of LPS or treatment with Jinzhi on the intestinal flora was analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing of ileal contents. ResultsImmunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed that treatment with LPS increased levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin-1α, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α), caspase-3, and caspase-8 in the serum and ileum, and destroyed the tight junction between epithelial cells. Intervention with Jinzhi reduced levels of serum LPS and tumor necrosis factor-α, and repaired the tight junction between epithelial cells. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis showed that treatment with Jinzhi improved the diversity and physiological function of the intestinal flora. ConclusionsThese results suggest that Jinzhi may be a promising option for the treatment of sepsis caused by LPS, and emphasize that Jinzhi exerts a recovery effect on the imbalance of intestinal flora.

Intestinal Flora Disruption and Novel Biomarkers Associated With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant nasopharyngeal disease with a complicated etiology that occurs mostly in southern China. Intestinal flora imbalance is believed to be associated with a variety of organ malignancies. Current studies revealed that the destruction of intestinal flora is associated with NPC, and many studies have shown that intestinal flora can be used as a biomarker for many cancers and to predict cancer.Methods: To compare the differences in intestinal flora compositions and biological functions among 8 patients with familial NPC (NPC_F), 24 patients with sporadic NPC (NPC_S), and 27 healthy controls (NOR), we compared the intestinal flora DNA sequencing and hematological testing results between every two groups using bioinformatic methods.Results: Compared to the NOR group, the intestinal flora structures of the patients in the NPC_F and NPC_S groups showed significant changes. In NPC_F, Clostridium ramosum, Citrobacter spp., Veillonella spp., and Prevotella spp. were significantly increased, and Akkermansia muciniphila and Roseburia spp. were significantly reduced. In NPC_S, C. ramosum, Veillonella parvula, Veillonella dispar, and Klebsiella spp. were significantly increased, and Bifidobacterium adolescentis was significantly reduced. A beta diversity analysis showed significant difference compared NPC_F with NOR based on Bray Curtis (P = 0.012) and Unweighted UniFrac (P = 0.0045) index, respectively. The areas under the ROC curves plotted were all 1. Additionally, the concentrations of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in NPC_F and NPC_S were significantly higher than those of NOR. C. ramosum was positively correlated with 5-HT (rcm: 0.85, P < 0.001). A functional analysis of the intestinal flora showed that NPC_F was associated with Neurodegenerative Diseases (P = 0.023) and that NPC_S was associated with Neurodegenerative Diseases (P = 0.045) as well.Conclusion: We found that NPC was associated with structural imbalances in the intestinal flora, with C. ramosum that promoted the elevation of 5-HT and opportunistic pathogens being significantly increased, while probiotics significantly decreased. C. ramosum can be used as a novel biomarker and disease prediction models should be established for NPC. The new biomarkers and disease prediction models may be used for disease risk prediction and the screening of high-risk populations, as well as for the early noninvasive diagnosis of NPC.

Effect of cinnamon essential oil on gut microbiota in the mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis.

Increasing evidence has confirmed that the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) contribute to protection against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model was established to investigate the correlation between the protective effects of CEO and the regulation of intestinal microflora. The symptoms of IBD were assessed by measuring the hemoglobin content, myeloperoxidase activity, histopathological observation, cytokines, and toll-like receptor (TLR4) expression. The alteration of the fecal microbiome composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results indicated that the oral administration of CEO enriched with cinnamaldehyde effectively alleviated the development of DSS-induced colitis. In contrast to the inability of antibiotics to regulate flora imbalance, the mice fed with CEO had an improved diversity and richness of intestinal microbiota, and a modified community composition with a decrease in Helicobacter and Bacteroides and an increase in Bacteroidales_S24-7 family and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA)-producing bacteria (Alloprevotella and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group). Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that TLR4 and tumor necrosis factor-α was positively correlated with Helicobacter, but inversely correlated with SCFA-producing bacteria. These findings indicated from a new perspective that the inhibitory effect of CEO on IBD was closely related to improving the intestinal flora imbalance.

Short-term dietary restriction in old mice rejuvenates the aging-induced structural imbalance of gut microbiota

The world’s aging population is growing rapidly. Incidences of multiple pathologies, such as abdominal obesity, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and malignant neoplasms, increase sharply with age. Aged individuals possess a significantly shifted composition of gut microbiota, which is suggested to play important roles in aging associated pathologies. Whether the existing shifted structural composition of microbiota in aged populations can be reverted non-pharmacologically has not been studied so far. Here, we show an intestinal flora imbalance in old C57BL/6J mice with a remarkable dominant proportion of microbes promoting lipid metabolism and inflammation. Intriguingly, short-term (2 months) dietary restriction was enough to significantly revert the imbalance of intestinal flora in aged mice toward a more balanced structural composition as shown in young mice. Our study provides the first evidence that short-term dietary restriction in old mice can restore the already dysfunctional aged gut microbiota. Our study provides the first evidence that short-term dietary restriction in old mice can restore the already dysfunctional aged gut microbiota, which may help ameliorate aging-related disorders plaguing the vast elderly population.

Research progress on the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and intestinal flora disorders

Human intestinal flora is a complex microecosystem, which plays an important role in human nutrition metabolism and immune regulation. With the development of microbiological detection technology, more and more attention has been paid to the species, quantity, distribution and metabolic characteristics of intestinal flora. As a more and more common liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is regarded as the liver manifestations of human metabolic syndrome. The imbalance of intestinal flora in human body can affect liver function through the gut-liver axis. This article reviews research progress of the relationship between intestinal flora imbalance and NAFLD. Key words: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease; Gut microbiota disorder; Insulin resistance

Modification effects of SanWei GanJiang Powder on liver and intestinal damage through reversing bile acid homeostasis

BackgroundSanwei Ganjiang Powder (SWGJ), derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has long demonstrated its effectiveness in long-term liver damage therapy. Recent studies indicated that it can also regulate the intestinal tract, although the underlying molecular mechanisms of this remain mysterious. The aim of the study is to investigate the mechanisms of SWGJ against dysbacteriosis and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced gut-liver axis damage underlying bile acid enterohepatic circulation. MethodsTo observe the regulatory effects of SWGJ on Liver and Intestinal Damage, we explored two animal models. In model 1, sixty BALB/c mice were subjected to oral gavage with 12 g/kg of ceftriaxone sodium for 10d; during this time, SWGJ, bifendate and bifico were sequentially administered over 7d. In model 2, the model of chronic liver injury was induced by subcutaneous injection of 40% CCl4 oil solution twice per week for 8 weeks. From the 3rd week, SWGJ, bifendate and bifico were sequentially administered for 6 weeks. Intestinal flora (16S rDNA analysis), histology (H&E staining), tight connections (Immunohistochemistry, IHC), ultrastructure (Transmission electron microscopy, TEM), inflammatory cytokines and LPS (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA) of the intestines were assessed, and liver function was also evaluated by methods including ALT, AST and H&E staining. The levels of protein associated with bile acid metabolism were assessed by western blot. ResultsIn model 1, SWGJ significantly decreased the activity of inflammatory cytokines and LPS compared with the ceftriaxone sodium group. In addition, SWGJ improved symptoms of intestinal flora imbalance; further, ZO-1 and occludin in the cytoplasm of intestinal villus epithelial cells was increased, and the histopathology of the ileum was improved. Notably, the expression of ALT and AST was significant increased, and disordered hepatic lobule structures were clearly observed in liver histopathology in model group; SWGJ can significantly improve these changes. Furthermore, the levels of proteins related to bile acid synthesis, such as CYP7A1, were significantly upregulated in the SWGJ group compared with the model, and proteins related to excretion and reabsorption, such as NTCP, Mrp2 and BESP, were also upregulated. Importantly, SWGJ increased the nuclear expression of nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). Similar results appeared in model 2. ConclusionThis study suggests that SWGJ may elicit significant effects on the treatment of gut-liver axis damage, potential mechanisms at least partially involve bile acid enterohepatic, and increasing of the nuclear Nrf2 levels.

Metabolites of stable fly reduce diarrhea in mice by modulating the immune system, antioxidants, and composition of gut microbiota

Escherichia coli (E. coli) O1-induced diarrhea is associated with intestinal microbial imbalance, however, the results of using oral antibiotics still remain poor. To overcome such problem, our study investigates the role of metabolites from stable flies (MSF) in the occurrence of diarrhea. The amino acid composition and molecular weight analysis of MSF by RP-HPLC and GPC, respectively. Besides the normal control group, SPF mice in other group were inoculated with E. coli O1 received treatment as follows over a period of 7 days saline solution (E. coli control), ciprofloxacin (0.13 g/kg; positive control) and MSF (2, 4 and 8 mg/kg) dosage. Throughout the experiment, defecation and body weights were examined and recorded. On the eighth day, after administering anesthesia, blood, tissue of small intestine samples were obtained for immunological and anti-oxidant. Small intestinal tissues and cecum contents samples were used for histopathological and 16S rDNA sequencing analysis. Our showed that MSF was rich in isoleucine, and its molecular weight less than 400 Da is 60.03%. MSF (4 and 8 mg/kg) and ciprofloxacin, significantly decreased IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α levels, whereas, increased IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, INF-γ, IgA and IgG levels in mice having diarrhea. These treatments also reversed intestinal flora imbalance as indicated by the increased in Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and Clostridium levels (P < 0.05) and improved 5-HT, CAT and SOD levels. MSF favored diarrhea management as compared to ciprofloxacin, suggesting that MSF can be used in the management of E. coli O1-induced diarrhea, in normal gut microbiota and normal intestinal antioxidant function.

Relationship between intestinal flora and psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent inflammatory skin disease, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. At present, it is believed that immune, genetic and environmental factors play important roles in the occurrence of psoriasis. More and more studies have indicated that the imbalance of intestinal flora is associated with immune diseases, especially inflammatory bowel disease. The pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of psoriasis are similar to those of inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis is proved to be associated with changes in intestinal microbial flora. This review discusses the association between the imbalance of intestinal flora and psoriasis. Key words: Psoriasis; Imbalance of intestinal flora

Effects of preoperative oral administration of glucose solution combined with postoperative probiotics on inflammation and intestinal barrier function in patients after colorectal cancer surgery.

The effects of preoperative oral administration of glucose solution combined with postoperative probiotics on inflammation and intestinal barrier function in patients after colorectal cancer surgery were observed. Sixty patients treated and scheduled to undergo radical resection of colorectal cancer in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from March 2017 to December 2017 were selected and randomly divided into the glucose solution group (n=30) and combined probiotics group (n=30). Patients in both groups took orally 12.5% glucose solution before surgery, and those in the combined probiotics group received bifidus-triple viable preparation every day for 7 consecutive days. Changes in endotoxin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentration, white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), D-lactic acid and urinary lactulose/mannitol (L/M) were detected before surgery and at 1, 3 and 7 days after surgery. The general condition was observed and changes in intestinal florae were compared between the two groups. The body temperature was measured every 4 h with an electronic thermometer, and the duration of fever was recorded (from the first day after operation to the time with normal body temperature after operation, axillary temperature <37.4°C), and the average heart rate was recorded by the ECG monitor. In addition, the time of the first anal exsufflation (the time from the beginning of the operation to the first anal exsufflation) was recorded. In the combined probiotics group, the plasma endotoxin, IGF-I concentration, D-lactic acid and urinary L/M levels were significantly lower than those in the glucose solution group (P<0.05). Moreover, the duration of postoperative fever, average heart rate at 7 days after surgery as well as WBC and CRP clinical indexes were obviously shorter and lower in the combined probiotics group than those in the glucose solution group (P<0.05). Therefore, the combined application of probiotics after surgery can effectively improve the imbalance of intestinal flora. In conclusion, preoperative oral administration of glucose solution combined with postoperative probiotics can improve the intestinal barrier function after colorectal cancer surgery, and benefit the recovery of early inflammatory response after surgery.

Alterations of intestinal flora and the effects of probiotics in children with recurrent respiratory tract infection

BackgroundRecurrent respiratory tract infection (RRTI) is a disease occurred frequently in preschool children.MethodsA total of 120 RRTI children were randomly divided into active group, remission group, intervention group and control group, meanwhile 30 healthy children were selected as the healthy group. Children in the intervention group were given oral Bifidobaeterium tetravaccine tablets (Live) for 2 months, while the control group received routine treatment. Stool sample were detected to analyze the bacterial strains. The occurrence of respiratory tract infection (RTI) was compared between different groups during 1 year follow-up.ResultsCompared with the healthy group, the number of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in the active group, remission group, intervention group and control group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The number of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli in the intervention group was significantly higher compared to other RRTI groups (P < 0.05). During the follow-up period, the average annual frequency of different acute RTI and use of antibiotics were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), the average duration of cough, fever and use of antibiotics at each episode were also significantly shortened (P < 0.05) in the intervention group compared to the control group.ConclusionsChildren with RRTI are susceptible to intestinal flora imbalance. Oral probiotics can effectively improve the RRTI intestinal microecological balance in children and reduce the frequency of RTI.

The gut microbiota promotes the pathogenesis of schizophrenia via multiple pathways

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder with unknown etiology. Many mechanisms, including dysregulation of neurotransmitters, immune disturbance, and abnormal neurodevelopment, are proposed for the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. The significance of communication between intestinal flora and the central nervous system through the gut-brain axis is increasingly being recognized. The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in regulating neurotransmission, immune homeostasis, and brain development. We hypothesize that an imbalance in intestinal flora causes immune activation and dysfunction in the gut-brain axis, contributing to schizophrenia. In this review, we examine recent studies that explore the intestinal flora and immune-mediated neurodevelopment of schizophrenia. We conclude that an imbalance in intestinal flora may reduce protectants and increase neurotoxin and inflammatory mediators, causing neuronal and synaptic damage, which induces schizophrenia.

Musca domestica Cecropin (Mdc) Alleviates Salmonella typhimurium-Induced Colonic Mucosal Barrier Impairment: Associating With Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Response, Tight Junction as Well as Intestinal Flora.

Salmonella typhimurium, a Gram-negative food-borne pathogen, induces impairment in intestinal mucosal barrier function frequently. The injury is related to many factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, tight junctions and flora changes in the host intestine. Musca domestica cecropin (Mdc), a novel antimicrobial peptide containing 40 amino acids, has potential antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunological functions. It remains unclear exactly whether and how Mdc reduces colonic mucosal barrier damage caused by S. typhimurium. Twenty four 6-week-old male mice were divided into four groups: normal group, control group (S. typhimurium-challenged), Mdc group, and ceftriaxone sodium group (Cs group). HE staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to observe the morphology of the colon tissues. Bacterial load of S. typhimurium in colon, liver and spleen were determined by bacterial plate counting. Inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Oxidative stress levels in the colon tissues were also analyzed. Immunofluorescence analysis, RT-PCR, and Western blot were carried out to examine the levels of tight junction and inflammatory proteins. The intestinal microbiota composition was assessed via 16s rDNA sequencing. We successfully built and evaluated an S. typhimurium-infection model in mice. Morphology and microcosmic change of the colon tissues confirmed the protective qualities of Mdc. Mdc could inhibit colonic inflammation and oxidative stress. Tight junctions were improved significantly after Mdc administration. Interestingly, Mdc ameliorated intestinal flora imbalance, which may be related to the improvement of tight junction. Our results shed a new light on protective effects and mechanism of the antimicrobial peptide Mdc on colonic mucosal barrier damage caused by S. typhimurium infection. Mdc is expected to be an important candidate for S. typhimurium infection treatment.

Application of active components from traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) is a non-specific and chronic recurrent autoimmune disease that involves the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical symptoms of intestinal bleeding, diarrhea, and weight loss threat to human health and induce colorectal cancer. The pathogenesis included living environment, genetic factors, immune cell infiltration and immune stress, weakened mucosal barrier defense and intestinal flora imbalance. At present, clinical treatment drugs mainly include aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biological agents, etc., in view of the disadvantages of poor therapeutic effect and expensive price. The active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in the treatment IBD have various biological activities and multiple targets such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-tumor and immune regulation. This article summarized the application and the research progress in protecting intestinal epithelial barrier, maintaining intestinal microbial homeostasis, inhibiting causative factors, and regulating Th1/Th17/Treg balance about TCM in the treatment of IBD. The review provided new ideas for further development of the new drugs on the mechanism based on active ingredients of TCM in IBD treatment.

Therapeutic effect of microecological preparation plus Rifaximin on diarrhea associated with intestinal flora imbalance in elderly patients

Therapeutic effect of microecological preparation plus Rifaximin on diarrhea associated with intestinal flora imbalance in elderly patients

Effects of Bifidobacteria Use After Gastric Cancer Surgery on Intestinal Flora and Serum Corticotropin-Releasing Factor

We evaluated the effects of bifidobacteria use after gastric cancer surgery on intestinal flora and serum expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). The patients treated with bifidobacteria were significantly less prone to complications such as reflux, vomiting, abdominal distention, diarrhea and constipation than the control group. After treatment, the numbers of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Eubacterium and Peptococcus in the treatment group were significantly higher than in the control group and the numbers of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus and Clostridium were significantly lower. The serum CRF expression levels of treatment and control groups were (265.34 ± 31.78) and (286.25 ± 25.92) ng/mL respectively after treatment, which were both significantly lower than those before treatment, i.e. (310.54 ± 30.75) ng/mL and (309.65 ± 30.87) ng/mL (P &lt; 0.05). Administering patients after gastric cancer surgery with bifidobacteria can effectively restore the intestinal flora imbalance and promote the reduction of serum CRF expression, thereby reducing the incidence of complications and benefiting the prognosis.