Treatment Of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Articles

Acute Oral Toxicity and Antispasmodic Effects of Two Extracts of Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. Ex A. DC. (Ebenaceae) Immature Fruits on the Isolated Rat Duodenum

Aims: Our study aimed to evaluate the chemical profile, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, the spasmolytic effects, and the safety of use of hydroethanolic extract (HE_FDM) and aqueous macerate extract (AM_FDM) of Diospyros mespiliformis immature fruits.
 Place and Duration of Study: Immature fruits of Diospyros mespiliformis were collected in August 2022 in Goundi, in the Sanguié Province of Burkina Faso. The experiments were conducted in September - December 2022 at Laboratoire de Recherche-Développement de Phytomédicaments et Médicaments/IRSS/CNRST, Ouagadougou. 
 Methodology: Phytochemical screening by HPTLC and determining total polyphenols and flavonoids were carried out. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and LPO methods. The inhibitory activity of 15-lipoxygenase and Phospholipase A2 was evaluated. The ex vivo antispasmodic effect of extracts was tested on isolated rat duodenum using ACh and BaCl2 as contracting agents. Finally, acute oral toxicity was carried out on female mice (NMRI).
 Results: At the end of these tests, the extracts contain tannins, flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes, and saponosides. HE_FDM gave the highest levels of total phenolics (71.32±2.26 mg TAE/g and flavonoids (16.37±0.24 mg QE/g). Of the two extracts, HE_FDM gave the best antioxidant activity. However, these activities were lower than the reference substances (p<0.05). The extracts have a moderate inhibitory effect on phospholipase A2 and 15-Lipoxygenase. In addition, the most active HE_FDM caused a spasmolytic effect with Emax of 98.87±5.14% and 81.61±7.56%, respectively, during contractions induced by BaCl2 and ACh. Finally, the extracts are practically non-toxic.
 Conclusion: This work provided scientific data and could justify the use of D. mespiliformis immature fruits in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Chemical characteristics and biological activity screening of Pistacia lentiscus mastic gum and leaves from Türkiye.

Mastic gum is a resin that is produced by Pistacia lentiscus. It has many traditional uses, dating from ancient times, such as the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and as a food additive. In this study, the leaves and mastic gum of trees of different ages from Karaburun and the Cesme peninsula in Türkiye were examined chemically and biologically. Flavonoids, and phenolic and fatty acid components were evaluated by a liquid chromatography system coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). Cytotoxicity was screened against several cancer and healthy cell lines using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition was determined on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage cell line(RAW264.7) cells. Antiviral activity was measured against avian coronavirus using an in ovo virucidal antiviral activity assay. The main phenolic constituents of the gum were found to be salicylic, rosmarinic, and caffeic acids whereas the most abundant compounds detected were flavonoids in the leaf extracts. The most abundant fatty acids in hexane extracts were palmitic and oleic acids. All gum extracts except 3-year-old gum had significant cytotoxic activity on HeLa (IC50 1.74 ± 0.03-4.76 ± 0.95) and PC-3 (0.64 ± 0.25-6.22 ± 1.40) cells. Moreover, reducing virus activity by fivefold or sixfold logarithmically between the range of 5-10 μg g-1 of 30-year-old gum extracts underscored the biological activity. In ovo antiviral activity studies on the P. lentiscus were conducted for the first time. The mastic gum and leaves obtained from P. lentiscus may have strong potential in terms of their chemical content and antiviral and cytotoxic activity. As a consequence of these properties, it is a sustainable, renewable natural resource that can be used as an additive and flavoring in the food and pharmaceutical industries. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Results of preclinical testing of experimental phytopreparation for acute gastrointestinal disorders in calves

The results of approbation of a phytopreparation for prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in calves are presented. The methodology of preclinical testing of the phytopreparation prototype was in accordance with GOST R 53434-2009 and guidelines for preclinical testing of medicines. Two groups of laboratory animals (mongrel white mice) with 10 rodents in each group aged 2-5 months were formed for preclinical study of the experimental drug according to the principle of analogs. The developed preparation (aqueous extracts of rosehip fruit – surrexit coxis, cherry fruit – cerasis fructus, chamomile flowers – pyrethri flores, amarantus rootstock – amaranthus rhizomatis) was administered to the animals in the experimental group. The dose was 3 ml/day per laboratory animal for 10 days. The feeding ration remained unchanged (grain, vegetables, hay). Positive data on physiological indices (temperature, pulse, respiration, urination, fecal condition, motor activity of animals) were obtained, which corresponded to physiological norms for white mice. The preparation has no toxicity for animal organism (absence of toxic dystrophy in animal organs); radiation level was within the normative value for cesium 137 (440 Bq/kg) and strontium 90 (110 Bq/kg), respectively; Ph was 6.7 units. The phytopreparation is a favorable environment for the gastrointestinal tract of animals and has an antibacterial effect, significantly increases the number of lymphocytes by 23.8%, hematocrit by 8.6%, hemoglobin by 40% (p < 0.01) in the blood of the experimental animals. According to the classification currently adopted by the World Health Organization, the phytopreparation can be attributed to the group of low-toxic substances and according to the degree of toxicity – to the IV class of hazard (substances of low hazard). The drug is recommended for clinical trials on young cattle.

Celastrol as an intestinal FXR inhibitor triggers tripolide-induced intestinal bleeding: Underlying mechanism of gastrointestinal injury induced by Tripterygium wilfordii

BackgroundTripterygium wilfordii has been widely used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which is frequently accompanied by severe gastrointestinal damage. The molecular mechanism underlying the gastrointestinal injury of Tripterygium wilfordii are yet to be elucidated. MethodsTransmission electron microscopy, and pathological and biochemical analyses were applied to assess intestinal bleeding. Metabolic changes in the serum and intestine were determined by metabolomics. In vivo (time-dependent effect and dose-response) and in vitro (double luciferase reporter gene system, DRATs, molecular docking, HepG2 cells and small intestinal organoids) studies were used to identify the inhibitory role of celastrol on intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling. Fxr-knockout mice and FXR inhibitors and agonists were used to evaluate the role of FXR in the intestinal bleeding induced by Tripterygium wilfordii. ResultsCo-treatment with triptolide + celastrol (from Tripterygium wilfordii) induced intestinal bleeding in mice. Metabolomic analysis indicated that celastrol suppressed intestinal FXR signaling, and further molecular studies revealed that celastrol was a novel intestinal FXR antagonist. In Fxr-knockout mice or the wild-type mice pre-treated with pharmacological inhibitors of FXR, triptolide alone could activate the duodenal JNK pathway and induce intestinal bleeding, which recapitulated the pathogenic features obtained by co-treatment with triptolide and celastrol. Lastly, intestinal bleeding induced by co-treatment with triptolide and celastrol could be effectively attenuated by the FXR or gut-restricted FXR agonist through downregulation of the duodenal JNK pathway. ConclusionsThe synergistic effect between triptolide and celastrol contributed to the gastrointestinal injury induced by Tripterygium wilfordii via dysregulation of the FXR-JNK axis, suggesting that celastrol should be included in the quality standards system for evaluation of Tripterygium wilfordii preparations. Determining the mechanism of the FXR-JNK axis in intestinal bleeding could aid in the identification of additional therapeutic targets for the treatment of gastrointestinal hemorrhage diseases. This study also provides a new standard for the quality assessment of Tripterygium wilfordii used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Bioactivity of Eriocephalus africanus essential oil against concanavalin A-induced hepatitis via suppressing immune cell infiltration, inhibiting TNF-α/NF-κB and IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEriocephalus africanus infusion is used as a diuretic and a diaphoretic and is also used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and gynaecological conditions, inflammation and dermal disorders, asthma, coughs, fevers, and painful ailments. The plant has been used traditionally as a medication to cure inflammation and skin problems. Aim of the studyStudying E. africanus essential oil (EAEO) as a potential hepatoprotective measure against concanavalin (Con) A-induced hepatitis in mice and investigating its underlying mechanism. Materials and methodsHydro-distilled oil of the fresh plant aerial shoots is subjected to GC/MS analysis. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was induced in mice by intravenous injection of Con A (15 mg/kg). EAEO was administered orally before Con A injection to test its hepatoprotective activity. ResultsGC/MS analysis revealed the presence of 22 compounds representing 99.43% of the oil components. The monoterpene artemisia ketone (41.02%) and the sesquiterpene juniper camphor (14.17%) are the major components. The in vivo study showed that the oil suppressed Con A-induced neutrophil and CD4+T cell infiltration into the liver, restored hepatic redox balance, inhibited Con A-induced elevation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-6), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) hepatic levels which were correlated with its ability to suppress nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT1) activation in the liver. ConclusionEAEO showed hepatoprotective potential against Con A-induced hepatitis in mice collectively through selective anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-necrotic effects.

Recent research on the application of defoamers in children undergoing digestive endoscopy

Endoscopy is a common tool for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in children. The presence of bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract is one of the important factors affecting the clarity of endoscopic visual field, and the application of defoamers can significantly reduce bubbles in the gastrointestinal tract, improve the quality of gastrointestinal preparation, and further increase disease detection rate. Various studies have been conducted on gastrointestinal preparation before endoscopy in children, but there still lacks a uniform protocol for the application of defoamers. This article summarizes the use of defoamers in children before digestive endoscopy and related research advances and points out that existing studies on defoamers have a small sample size and that there are still controversies over the selection and timing of administration, so as to provide a reference for in-depth research on defoamers in the future.

Q-ABSORBANCE RATIO AND VIERODT’S SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF FAMOTIDINE AND OMEPRAZOLE

Famotidine and omeprazole are the drugs used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. The current work is an analytical method for the simultaneous determination of famotidine and omeprazole and is based on the Q-absorption method and Vierodt’s method. These two methods depend on the isosbestic point and the ?max of one of the two components. The isosbestic point was found to be 295 nm in ethanol. 287nm and 301nm are the ?max of famotidine and omeprazole respectively. The method is validated as per ICH guidelines.

Homoeopathy in Treatment of Gastro Intestinal Disorders - A Retrospective Study

Introduction: Acid peptic disorder (APD) is a condition which includes peptic ulcer and gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The highest prevalence rate of gastric disorders had been found out between ages 45-50. Dyspepsia is a term used for reduced digestion or indigestion. GERD is referred to as condition where there is regurgitation of stomach contents to the esophagus. Around 58.7% of peoples are having acid regurgitation or heart burn yearly once and 19.8% weekly once. Worldwide functional gastrointestinal disorder are commonest now a days, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is also one among them having frequent pain abdomen and altered bowel habits without any structural gut abnormalities. Homoeopathy is a system which is based on individualization, and has principles of “Like cures like” and law of nature. 
 Materials and methods: A retrospective study had been conducted with those patients who had attended the gastroenterology OPD of NHRIMH, Kottayam, Kerala, for a period of 1 year (from January 2022 to December 2022). Data had been collected from the case records and it had been found that around 899 patients had visited for the symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, altered bowel movements (diarrhea and constipation), bleeding per rectum, dysuria and hesitancy in urination,etc for the past 1 year. Aim of the study is to find out the most frequent age group, diseases affected and to know the frequently indicated remedies in treating gastroenterology disorders. 
 Results: 899 patients visited in the defined period with a highest number of patients (212) were from 
 the age group of 51-60, female patients were more than male patients, 758 old patients and 141 new patients. 214 pateints had diagnosed as gastritis which is the highest frequency noted. The most frequently indicated remedies were Nuxvomica in 161 patients and Suphur in 118 patients. 
 Conclusion:It is concluded from the study that gastritis is the most common condition among patients visiting the above OPD in the defined period and Nux vomica, Sulphur and Lycopodium were the most common indicated and prescribed remedies.

Location-aware ingestible microdevices for wireless monitoring of gastrointestinal dynamics.

Localization and tracking of ingestible microdevices in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is valuable for the diagnosis and treatment of GI disorders. Such systems require a large field-of-view of tracking, high spatiotemporal resolution, wirelessly operated microdevices and a non-obstructive field generator that is safe to use in practical settings. However, the capabilities of current systems remain limited. Here, we report three dimensional (3D) localization and tracking of wireless ingestible microdevices in the GI tract of large animals in real time and with millimetre-scale resolution. This is achieved by generating 3D magnetic field gradients in the GI field-of-view using high-efficiency planar electromagnetic coils that encode each spatial point with a distinct magnetic field magnitude. The field magnitude is measured and transmitted by the miniaturized, low-power and wireless microdevices to decode their location as they travel through the GI tract. This system could be useful for quantitative assessment of the GI transit-time, precision targeting of therapeutic interventions and minimally invasive procedures.

Paediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a very useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Gastrointestinal endoscopy in paediatric practice is still evolving in Nigeria. Objective: To determine the common indications for paediatric endoscopy in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Method: This was a retrospective study of all gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed for children aged 0 -18 years between January 2021 and March 2022. The hospital records of the children were retrieved, and data were extracted for analysis. Results: Thirty-seven endoscopic procedures were performed on 32 children with two subjects having repeated procedures while one had both upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopic studies. The mean age of the children was 11 ± 5.4 years with those aged between 10 and 14 years constituting the majority (40.6%). Most indications were diagnostic and the commonest indication for endoscopy was upper abdominal pain (40.6%) which was followed by upper gastrointestinal bleeding (37.6%). The endoscopic findings were mainly gastritis (56.8%), hiatus hernia (32.4%) and duodenitis (18.9%). The commonest therapeutic indication for gastrointestinal endoscopy was variceal banding. Conclusion: Paediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric gastrointestinal disorders. Upper abdominal pain and upper gastrointestinal bleeding are the leading indications for paediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy in Nigeria.

Challenge in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of burning mouth sensation: A retrospective cohort study

BackgroundBurning mouth sensation is a common symptom with varying etiologies that can affect patient quality of life. The authors aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, differentiate the underlying causes, and evaluate the impact on quality of life of patients with burning mouth sensation. Case DescriptionA retrospective cohort study of 583 patients with burning mouth sensation symptoms was conducted. Demographic features, clinical characteristics, and associated systemic comorbidities of patients were collected. The 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire score and posttreatment follow-up were evaluated and analyzed among patients. In total, 583 patients with burning mouth sensation symptoms were enrolled; perimenopausal women were most affected; mean (SD) age was 57.04 (12.03) years, and the female to male ratio was 7:1. Patients were stratified into 178 patients (30.53%) with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and 405 patients (69.47%) without BMS. No significant differences were found for age, sex, clinical characteristics, and 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile Questionnaire scores between BMS and no BMS groups. Notably, 72 of 119 patients without BMS who participated in follow-up had received referrals and treatment for systemic diseases, of which 76.39% achieved complete (45.83%) or partial (30.56%) remission. Among these patients, treatment for gastrointestinal disorders (92.59%), oral candidiasis (78.57%), thyroid diseases (66.67%), and avoidance of local irritants (62.50%) were most effective, and they were perpetuated as the common underlying causes. Practical ImplicationsThe study results implied significance of adopting multidisciplinary management of burning mouth sensation. It is imperative for dentists and physicians to strengthen their collaborative relationships and focus on both systemic and oral conditions in these patients.

Cichorium intybus bio-callus synthesized silver nanoparticles: A promising antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer compound

Cichorium intybus, commonly called chicory, has been widely used as a coffee substitute. It display a wide range of natural compounds and medicinally uses in treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. This study synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ci-AgNPs) using C. intybus leaf-derived callus extract to evaluate phytochemical content, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB231). The optimal shape, size and stability of Ci-AgNPs was confirmed using UV–visible spectrophotometry, FESEM, EDX, XRD, DLS, Zeta potential, FTIR and sp-ICP-MS studies. The antibacterial activity of Ci-AgNPs was assessed using disk diffusion method against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and they displayed distinct zones of inhibition. Colorimetric phytochemical analysis of Ci-AgNPs revealed their higher total phenolic (TP) and total flavonoid (TF) content. Ci-AgNPs also indicated a high level of antioxidant activity using FRAP and DPPH assays. The Ci-AgNPs were investigated for their anticancer activities on the cancerous MDA-MB231 cells viability and apoptosis using MTT and flow cytometry, respectively. Ci-AgNPs showed dose dependent cytotoxicity against MDA-MB231 cells with IC50 value of 187.6 μg/mL at 48 h through induction of apoptosis. The biocompatibility test showed that Ci-AgNPs induced neglectable cytotoxicity (lower than 3 %) toward human erythrocytes. This is the first study that reports the bio-callus mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticle using C. intybus callus extract which provided a promising anticancer activity against human breast cancer MDA-MB231 cells and therefore could be used as an alternative and interesting benign strategy for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles useful in cancer therapy.

Pediatric endoscopy across multiple clinical settings: Efficiency and adverse events.

BACKGROUNDEndoscopic procedures are becoming increasingly important for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders during childhood, and have evolved from a more infrequent inpatient procedure in the operating room to a routine outpatient procedure conducted in multiple care settings. Demand for these procedures is rapidly increasing and thus there is a need to perform them in an efficient manner. However, there are little data comparing the efficiency of pediatric endoscopic procedures in diverse clinical environments. We hypothesized that there are significant differences in efficiency between settings.AIMTo compare the efficiency and examine adverse effects of pediatric endoscopic procedures across three clinical settings.METHODSA retrospective chart review was conducted on 1623 cases of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or combined EGD and colonoscopy performed between January 1, 2014 and May 31, 2018 by 6 experienced pediatric gastroenterologists in three different clinical settings, including a tertiary care hospital operating room, community hospital operating room, and free-standing pediatric ambulatory endoscopy center at a community hospital. The following strict guidelines were used to schedule patients at all three locations: age greater than 6 mo; American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1 or 2; normal craniofacial anatomy; no anticipated therapeutic intervention (e.g., foreign body retrieval, stricture dilation); and, no planned or anticipated hospitalization post-procedure. Data on demographics, times, admission rates, and adverse events were collected. Endoscopist time (elapsed time from the endoscopist entering the operating room or endoscopy suite to the next patient entering) and patient time (elapsed time from patient registration to that patient exiting the operating room or endoscopy suite) were calculated to assess efficiency.RESULTSIn total, 58% of the cases were performed in the tertiary care operating room. The median age of patients was 12 years and the male-to-female ratio was nearly equal across all locations. Endoscopist time at the tertiary care operating room was 12 min longer compared to the community operating room (63.3 ± 21.5 min vs 51.4 ± 18.9 min, P < 0.001) and 7 min longer compared to the endoscopy center (vs 56.6 ± 19.3 min, P < 0.001). Patient time at the tertiary care operating room was 11 min longer compared to the community operating room (133.2 ± 39.9 min vs 122.3 ± 39.5 min, P < 0.001) and 9 min longer compared to the endoscopy center (vs 124.9 ± 37.9 min; P < 0.001). When comparing endoscopist and patient times for EGD and EGD/colonoscopies among the three locations, endoscopist, and patient times were again shorter in the community hospital and endoscopy center compared to the tertiary care operating room. Adverse events from procedures occurred in 0.1% (n = 2) of cases performed in the tertiary care operating room, with 2.2% (n = 35) of cases from all locations having required an unplanned admission after the endoscopy for management of a primary GI disorder.CONCLUSIONPediatric endoscopic procedures can be conducted more efficiently in select patients in a community operating room and endoscopy center compared to a tertiary care operating room.

Omeprazole treatment manifests anxiolytic effects in a cysteamine hydrochloride induced mouse model of gastrointestinal disorder

Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), has widely been used to treat various gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Notably, many clinical symptoms of GI disorders have been known to be associated with anxiety. In recent years, an exponentially increased number of subjects with abnormal ageing, neurological deficits, and psychiatric problems simultaneously exhibit GI dysfunctions as well as anxiety. Considering the fact, drugs that are used to treat GI disorders can be speculated to mitigate anxiety-related symptoms, and vice versa. Although, omeprazole treatment has been reported to result in development of anxiety and neurocognitive decline, ample reports suggest that omeprazole treatment is beneficial for the positive regulation of neuroplasticity. While underlying mechanisms of omeprazole-mediated neurological alterations remain obscure, the available scientific data on the omeprazole induced adverse effects in the brain appear to be inadequate, uncertain, and controversial. Hence, this study revisited the effect of omeprazole treatment on the degree of anxiety-like behaviours in a cysteamine hydrochloride (HCl) induced mouse model of GI disorder using open field test (OFT), light-dark box (LDB) test and elevated plus maze (EPM). Results revealed that omeprazole treatment mitigates anxiety-related behaviours in the cysteamine HCl induced animal model of GI disorder. Thus, this study assuredly supports and validates the anxiolytic properties of omeprazole. However, the adverse effects associated with inappropriate intake of omeprazole may not completely be excluded. Therefore, this study advocates the future direction in determining the long-term effects of omeprazole on the brain functions.

Tandem high resolution mass spectrometry based phytochemical composition of Sauromatum guttatum tubers and its enzyme inhibitory potential with molecular docking

Sauromatum guttatum has been traditionally used in the treatment of snakebite and tumors in India, Pakistan, and China. However, it lacks detailed phytochemical composition like other members of the family Araceae. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the phytochemical composition of crude methanolic extract and subsequent fractions from S. guttatum tubers and to determine their enzyme inhibitory potentials. The phytochemical profile was studied through tandem high-resolution mass-based phytochemical analysis and Global Natural Product Social (GNPS) molecular networking. Similarly, crude extract and fractions were also investigated for enzyme inhibitory activity against urease and α-glucosidase. Twenty-six compounds were dereplicated belonging to flavone C-glycosides, flavone O-glycosides, phenolic acids, phenolic acid glycosides, and iridoid glycosides. The n-butanol fraction was particularly found rich in flavone di-C-glycosides including schaftoside, isoschaftoside, neoschaftoside, and vicenin-2. The n-butanol fraction exhibited the highest in vitro inhibition against urease and α-glucosidase with IC50 values of 113.7 µg/mL and 155.3 µg/mL, respectively. The results of enzyme inhibition potential were also supported by in silico molecular docking studies against the above-mentioned enzymes. This is the first report on the detailed phytochemical profile of S. guttatum tubers, and these results will contribute to the chemosystematic knowledge of the Araceae family. The results of this study also suggest that S. guttatum may find possible applications in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and diabetes.

Association Between Sex Hormone Levels and Gut Microbiota Composition and Diversity-A Systematic Review.

Animal studies have highlighted how the microbiota acts in a sex-specific manner with sex hormones demonstrating an association with the composition and diversity of the microbiota. This systematic review aimed to gather the available scientific evidence to explore the association between sex hormones and gut microbiota composition and diversity, in humans. Four bibliographic databases were searched in July 2020 using terms related to "microbiota," "microflora," "sex hormones," "testosterone," and "estrogen." Human studies that investigated the correlation between sex hormones and the microbiota composition or diversity using next-generation sequencing were included. A total of 10,468 records were screened with 13 studies included in this review. In healthy women, higher estrogen levels were found to be associated with a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, a lower abundance of Firmicutes, the Ruminococcaceae family and increased diversity. In healthy men, raised testosterone levels positively correlated with Ruminococcus, Acinetobacter, and an increased microbial diversity. Escherichia and Shigella spp. were correlated with raised testosterone in healthy women whereas Ruminococcus spp. was negatively associated with elevated testosterone levels. Women with altered testosterone/estrogen profiles (such as in polycystic ovary syndrome), had a differing gut microbiota compared with healthy women. The findings gathered highlight an association between sex hormones and the gut microbiota composition/diversity and may contribute to the sex-based variations observed in disease pathogenesis. Factors such as age and medical conditions are implicated in the associations observed and should be accounted for in future studies. As the understanding of the complex symbiotic relationship between humans and their gut microbiota increases, microbiota modulation could be an attractive option for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Rupandehi District, Western Nepal

Medicinal plants used for the cure of various diseases since time immemorial. The majority of population of developing countries also used traditional medicine because of poverty and no side effect. Ethnobotany survey was undertaken to collect information from traditional healers on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion, lack of hunger, stomach pain, dysentery, diarrhea, constipation, and piles in western Nepal during different season of March 2020 to November 2020. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers having practical knowledge of plants in medicine was interviewed in 10 villages of Rupandehi district of western Nepal and native plants used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during fieldtrips. A total of 34 plant species belonging to 33 genera, and 27 families are documented in this study. The medicinal plants used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders by people are listed with botanical name (in binomial form), family, local names, habits, and parts used. This study showed that many people in the studied areas of Rupandehi district still continue to depend on the medicinal plants at least for the treatment of primary healthcare.

Herbal remedies through cactus nutrients

The main constituent of Opuntiaficus-indica cladodes is water (80-95%), followed by small amounts of carbohydrates (3-7%), fiber (1-2%), and protein (0. 5-1%); other compounds are only partly known and have not been quantitatively determined. The sugar moiety includes mucilaginous components containing polymers, such as chains of (1-4)-linked β-D-galacturonic acid and R (1-2)-linked L-rhamnose residues. Beneficial effects of herbal remedies can be obtained from active constituents present in the whole plant, parts of the plant (e. g., flowers, fruits, roots or leaves), or plant materials or combinations thereof, whether in crude or processed state. Cactus (Opuntiaficus-indica) commonly known as prickly pear belongs to the family Cactaceae. Opuntiaficus-indica produces sweet, nutritionally rich edible fruits; its tender cladodes are used as fresh green vegetable and salad. In South Africa, Mediterranean areas and South American this species is also cultivated for its edible fruit (prickly pear), although in some countries different parts of the plant are utilized in the food and cosmetic industry. Opuntiaficus-indica, fruits and stems, have been traditionally used in folk medicine in several countries for several medicinal purposes. Cactus dietary fiber is composed of several chemical components that are resistant to digestive enzymes such as cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectin, lignin, gums, etc. The benefits associated with fiber content are well known, especially for the prevention of illnesses such as diabetes, treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, illnesses associated with low dietary fiber intake, reduction of glucose values in the blood, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic effects. Throughout history, the benefits of consuming dietary fiber have been recognized. Soluble fibers, including pectins, gums, and mucilages, increase the viscosity of food in the gut, slowing or reducing sugar absorption. The effect of soluble fiber in reducing serum glucose concentrations is a proposed mechanism of action for the herbal hypoglycemic cactus. It has been reported that Opuntiaficus-indica contain phenolic compounds like ferulic acid, feruloyl-sucrose and sinapoyl-diglucoside, fatty acids like palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, vaccenic acid and linoleic acid (seeds, peel and juicy pulp). It has been observed that Opuntiaficus-indica oil extract with these components’ present antioxidant and anti-free radical activity, having a potential as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic activities. Cactus fiber tablet contains 500 mg standardized cactus fiber; as well as common tableting excipients were used. Cactus fiber showed an increased fecal fat excretion compared with placebo. No adverse events were reported throughout the study period. The fruit peel contains large amounts of isorhamnetin. Isorhamnetin (3'-methoxy-3,4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) exerts anticancer action by inhibition of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced neoplastic cell transformation through a direct lowering of MAP (mitogen-activated protein)/ERK (extracellular signal regulated kinase) kinase1 and phosphoinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways. Isorhamnetin exhibits cardio protective effects by improving viability of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes under invitro ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) via inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and prevention of apoptosis. Isorhamnetin improves skin barrier function through activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR)-αand suppression of inflammatory cytokines production. It also inhibits a dipocyte differentiation of murine 3T3 fibroblasts via a decrease of adiponectine expression and secretion, and down regulation of mRNAs of PPAR-γand C/EBP-α, the major adipogenic nuclear receptors. In contrast, isorhamnetin significantly increases the expression of PPAR-γin tumor tissues obtained from xenograft model of gastric cancer cells and, in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs, causes strong antiproliferative effects and cytotoxicity. The linoleic acid content in cactus cladode (34. 87%) is thus close to the percentage (29% to 40. 41%) found in argan oil. It is however lower than in extracts from barely (51. 26%) and soybean (53. 0%), respectively. Cactus pear (O. boldinghii) cladodes having high fiber content and potential health benefits bakery products have been produced and evaluated from composite flours of wheat (WF) and cactus pear stems (SF). Orange-yellow cactus pear fruit pulp has been used to produce a dehydrated cactus pulp sheet and pasteurized cactus pear fruit juices.

Modulatory Role of Carbon Monoxide on the Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress Linked to Gastrointestinal Disorders.

Significance: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenous gaseous mediator that plays an important role in maintaining gastrointestinal (GI) tract homeostasis, acting in mucosal defense, and providing negative modulation of pathophysiological markers of clinical conditions. Recent Advances: Preclinical studies using animal models and/or cell culture show that CO can modulate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in GI mucosal injuries and pathological conditions, reducing proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, while increasing antioxidant defense mechanisms. Critical Issues: CO has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The defense mechanisms of the GI tract are subject to aggression by different chemical agents (e.g., drugs and ethanol) as well as complex and multifactorial diseases, with inflammation and oxidative stress as strong triggers for the deleterious effects. Thus, it is possible that CO acts on a variety of molecules involved in the inflammatory and oxidative signaling cascades, as well as reinforcing several defense mechanisms that maintain GI homeostasis. Future Directions: CO-based therapies are promising tools for the treatment of GI disorders, such as gastric and intestinal injuries, inflammatory bowel disease, and pancreatitis. Therefore, it is necessary to develop safe and selective CO-releasing agents and/or donor drugs to facilitate effective treatments and methods for analysis of CO levels that are simple and inexpensive. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 98-114.

Оптимізація терапії гастроінтестинальних розладів при харчовій непереносимості в дітей раннього віку

Визначено доцільність включення поліферментної дієтичної добавки Санзим сироп у комплексне лікування гастроінтестинальних проявів харчової непереносимості в дітей раннього віку. Доведено, що прийом поліферментної дієтичної добавки у 70 дітей раннього віку з недостатністю лактози та гастроінтестинальною харчовою алергією приводить до позитивної динаміки клінічних симптомів у вигляді зменшення проявів абдомінального больового синдрому, кольок, зригувань, метеоризму у 91,1 % дітей та покращення процесів травлення за результатами копрологічного дослідження у вигляді зникнення стеатореї у 43 пацієнтів (95,5 %), креатореї — у 40 дітей (88,9 %), амілореї — у 37 (82,2 %).