Treatment Of Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases Research Articles

Phytochemical and Pharmacological Potential ofFerula asafetida“Hing”

Abstract:Asafoetida, also known as Hing, is a resinous gum derived from the roots of Ferula species, specifically Ferula asafetida. From ancient times, it has been employed both in the kitchen as a seasoning and in the practice of traditional medicine. In terms of pharmacognosy, asafoetida is comprised of a number of active chemicals, the most notable of which are coumarins, volatile oils (17%), and ferulic acid (60%). Ferulic acid and coumarins (40%) are two of the components that contribute to the medicinal value of this plant. The volatile oils are responsible for the strong odour and flavour of this plant. It is used for a variety of applications in the medical field. It is not only used as spices and condiments for the goal of imparting taste in curries, but it is also utilised in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases, asthma, whooping cough, hypertension, and a variety of other conditions. The herb has been used to extract a variety of phytochemical components, including sesquiterpene coumarins, coumarins, diterpene coumarins, and chemicals containing sulphur. This manuscript provides a synopsis of the facts concerning the pharmacological activities and bioactive components of Ferula asafetida.

Clinical Applications and Review of Acupoint GV-1

The Governing Vessel (GV)-1 acupoint is known as Hou-hai in veterinary medicine and Chang-qiang in humans. Due to the perineum location, the clinical applications for GV-1 are very limited in humans and clinical research studies have also been insufficient compared to other acupoints. In contrast, the GV-1 acupoint in animals is convenient to locate and the results are significant for treating many digestive disorders which include diarrhea and constipation, as well as perianal diseases. Acupuncture at GV-1 can affect the function of many Zang-fu organs and according to both clinical studies and research has important diverse effects. Clinical benefits include treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease, perianal/perineal diseases, retained placenta, childbirth/labor/delivery, anesthesia recovery, epilepsy and behavior/cognition. In the present article, the varied clinical applications and research into the effects of GV-1 will be discussed both in veterinary medicine and human medicine.

Preparation of Berberine Chloride Nanoparticles by Ball Milling Method

Berberine is a quaternary benzylisoquinoline alkaloid that has been used for the local treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases. Recently, several pharmacological effects of berberine have been reported, which include anti-hypertension, antitumor, anti-hypercholesterolemia, and neuroprotective effects. However, berberine has exhibited poor aqueous solubility and low oral bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, this study aims to develop and investigate nano berberine. Nano berberine fabricated by ball milling method is a simple process and easily applied in the production scale. The characterization of nano berberine was evaluated, including appearance, particle size, potential zeta, dissolution in vitro in a phosphate buffer media (pH 6.8), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis, fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Results from this study showed that spray-dried nano berberine powder was almost uniform in size, particle size average of 570.7 nm, and potential zeta of -28.6 mV. The dissolution in vitro study revealed that nano berberine was about 2 times more soluble than raw berberine for 60 minutes. No incompatibility between drug and excipients can be observed through FTIR and DSC analysis. XRD analysis suggested that raw berberine and nano berberine might exist in a crystal form. Thus, findings from this study indicate that the physicochemical properties of spray-dried nano berberine may increase the bioavailability of oral berberine.

Effects of probenecid and brilliant blue G on rat enteric glial cells following intestinal ischemia and reperfusion

The P2X7 receptor participates in several intracellular events and acts with the pannexin-1 channel. This study examined the effects of probenecid (PB) and brilliant blue G (BBG), which are antagonists of the pannexin-1 channel and P2X7 receptor, respectively, on rat ileum enteric glial cells after on ischemia and reperfusion. The ileal vessels were occluded for 45 min with nontraumatic vascular tweezers, and reperfusion was performed for periods of 24 h and 14 and 28 days. After ischemia (IR groups), the animals were treated with BBG (BG group) or PB (PB group). The double-labeling results demonstrated the following: the P2X7 receptor was present in enteric glial cells (S100β) and enteric neurons positive for HuC/D; enteric glial cells exhibited different phenotypes; some enteric glial cells were immunoreactive to only S100β or GFAP; and the pannexin-1 channel was present in enteric glial cells (GFAP). Density (in cells/cm2) analyses showed that the IR group exhibited a decrease in the number of cells immunoreactive for the P2X7 receptor, pannexin-1, and HuC/D and that treatment with BBG or PB resulted in the recovery of the numbers of these cells. The number of glial cells (S100β and GFAP) was higher in the IR group, and the treatments decreased the number of these cells to the normal value. However, the PB group did not exhibit recovery of S100β-positive glia. The cell profile area (μm2) of S100β-positive enteric glial cells decreased to the normal value after BBG treatment, whereas no recovery was observed in the PB group. The ileum contractile activity was decreased in the IR group and returned to baseline in the BG and PB groups. BBG and PB can effectively induce the recovery of neurons and glia cells and are thus potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases.

Microencapsulating Alginate-Based Polymers for Probiotics Delivery Systems and Their Application.

Probiotics exhibit many health benefits and a great potential for broad applications in pharmaceutical fields, such as prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases (irritable bowel syndrome), prevention and therapy of allergies, certain anticancer effects, and immunomodulation. However, their applications are limited by the low viability and metabolic activity of the probiotics during processing, storage, and delivery in the digestive tract. To overcome the mentioned limitations, probiotic delivery systems have attracted much attention. This review focuses on alginate as a preferred polymer and presents recent advances in alginate-based polymers for probiotic delivery systems. We highlight several alginate-based delivery systems containing various types of probiotics and the physical and chemical modifications with chitosan, cellulose, starch, protein, fish gel, and many other materials to enhance their performance, of which the viability and protective mechanisms are discussed. Withal, various challenges in alginate-based polymers for probiotics delivery systems are traced out, and future directions, specifically on the use of nanomaterials as well as prebiotics, are delineated to further facilitate subsequent researchers in selecting more favorable materials and technology for probiotic delivery.

Nano/Microrobots Line Up for Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases: Targeted Delivery, Therapy, and Prevention

Nano/microrobots (NMRs) are tiny devices that can convert energy into motion and operate at nano/microscales.54 Especially in biomedical research, NMRs have received much attention over the past twenty years because of their excellent capabilities and great potential in various applications, including on-demand drug delivery, gene and cell transport, and precise microsurgery. Reports published in recent years show that synthetic nano/microrobots have promising potential to function in the gastrointestinal (GI) region, particularly in terms of drug delivery. These tiny robots were able to be designed in such a way that they propel in their surroundings (biological media) with high speed, load cargo (drug) efficiently, transport it safely, and release upon request successfully. Their propulsion, retention, distribution, and toxicity in the GI tract of mice has been evaluated. The results envisage that such nano/microrobots can be further modified and developed as a new-generation treatment of GI tract diseases. In this minireview, we focus on the functionality of micro/nanorobots as a biomedical treatment system for stomach/intestinal diseases. We review the research progress from the first in vivo report in December 2014 to the latest in August 2021. Then, we discuss the treatment difficulties and challenges in vivo application (in general) and possible future development routes.

Antidiarrheal and Antibacterial Activities of Monterey Cypress Phytochemicals: In Vivo and In Vitro Approach.

Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) is a decorative plant; however, it possesses various pharmacological activities. Therefore, we explored the phytochemical profile of C. macrocarpa root methanol extract (CRME) for the first time. Moreover, we investigated its antidiarrheal (in vivo), antibacterial, and antibiofilm (in vitro) activities against Salmonella enterica clinical isolates. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of CRME detected the presence of 39 compounds, besides isolation of 2,3,2″,3″-tetrahydro-4′-O-methyl amentoflavone, amentoflavone, and dihydrokaempferol-3-O-α-l-rhamnoside for the first time. Dihydrokaempferol-3-O-α-l-rhamnoside presented the highest antimicrobial activity and the range of values of MICs against S. enterica isolates was from 64 to 256 µg/mL. The antidiarrheal activity of CRME was investigated by induction of diarrhea using castor oil, and exhibited a significant reduction in diarrhea and defecation frequency at all doses, enteropooling (at 400 mg/kg), and gastrointestinal motility (at 200, 400 mg/kg) in mice. The antidiarrheal index of CRME increased in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of CRME on various membrane characters of S. enterica was studied after typing the isolates by ERIC-PCR. Its impact on efflux and its antibiofilm activity were inspected. The biofilm morphology was observed using light and scanning electron microscopes. The effect on efflux activity and biofilm formation was further elucidated using qRT-PCR. A significant increase in inner and outer membrane permeability and a significant decrease in integrity and depolarization (using flow cytometry) were detected with variable percentages. Furthermore, a significant reduction in efflux and biofilm formation was observed. Therefore, CRME could be a promising source for treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases.

Trends of Stem Cell-Based Clinical Trials in Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases

Stem cells have great potential to be applied as a treatment for various types of disorders. These cells exert therapeutic effects by modulating the immune system with the capability to secrete cytokines and chemokines. Previous studies have indicated that stem cells could be used as a therapeutic agent for different complaints, such as gastrointestinal diseases. For a long time now, researchers have moved toward stem cells' clinical application in this context. With the increasing number of trials in stem cell therapy of gastrointestinal disease, it is now time to evaluate these clinical trials' status. This paper reviews clinical trials that have used stem cells for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases.

Studies on factors affecting the establishment of Gentiana davidii var. formosana (Hayata) T. N. Ho cell suspension cultures

Gentiana davidii var. formosana (Hayata) T. N. Ho (Gentianaceae), commonly known as long-dan in Chinese, is a perennial herb indigenous to Taiwan. It is distributed throughout the island, ranging from low to high elevations. The roots, which contain bitter-tasting secoiridoid glucosides, are used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is mainly used in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases. Continuous collection of plant material from natural habitat has led to the depletion of Gentiana population. The purpose of this study was to establish the cell suspension cultures of Gentiana, which could be used for large-scale production of active principles such as gentiopicroside and swertiamarin. Callus was initiated by culturing stem explants of G. davidii var. formosana on Murashige and Skoog's (1962) basal medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L 6-furfurylaminopurine (kinetin) and 1.0 mg/L α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Fast-growing suspension cell cultures were established by subculturing the callus in MS basal medium (pH 4.2-5.2) supplemented with 0.2 mg/L kinetin and 3% sucrose. The cultures were incubated on an orbital shaker (80-100 rev/min) at 25 ± 1°C and low light intensity (2.33 μE·m-2·s-1).

Quality assessment and differentiation of Aucklandiae Radix and Vladimiriae Radix based on GC-MS fingerprint and chemometrics analysis: basis for clinical application.

Vladimiriae Radix, a geo-authentic medicinal herb found in Sichuan Province in China, is highly similar in chemical composition and pharmacological activity to Aucklandiae Radix. It is often used in local practice and as a substitute for Aucklandiae Radix in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases. However, Vladimiriae Radix is preferred to Aucklandiae Radix in traditional Chinese medicine in Sichuan. In order to compare the difference in quality between the two species and differentiate them according to their chemical profiles, and further to explain the rationality of using Vladimiriae Radix as a substitute and explore the reason for the medication preference in Sichuan, similarity was evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) fingerprinting and chemometric analysis. Volatile compounds were identified by comparing mass spectra with spectral data from the National Institute of Standards and Technology library 14.L (NIST 14.L) and the linear retention indices (RI) with those previously reported. The results showed that the similarity between the samples from Aucklandiae Radix (>96%) was greater than that of Vladimiriae Radix (>80%). In addition, 41 and 38 compounds were identified in 10 batches of Vladimiriae Radix and Aucklandiae Radix, respectively, and 21 compounds were common to both species, of which dehydrocostus lactone and aplotaxene were abundant in both. However, γ-patchoulene, longicyclene, β-gurjunene, humulene1,2-epoxide, and β-patchoulene were unique to Vladimiriae Radix, while 4-terpineol, α-ionone, trans-α-bergamotene, γ-selinene, and camphene were characteristic compounds of Aucklandiae Radix. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) suggested that the two species were well differentiated with regard to the level of essential oils. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) further showed that compounds including costol, aplotaxene, caryophyllene, humulene, and β-eudesmol, together with the characteristic compounds of the two species, could be regarded as potential markers for differentiation, among which β-eudesmol, which is richer in Vladimiriae Radix, and β-patchoulene, which is unique to Vladimiriae Radix, have potential therapeutic effects on gastrointestinal diseases. The results obtained in this study distinguished Vladimiriae Radix and Aucklandiae Radix on a chemical level, and the similarity in chemical constituents may provide a basis for the rationality of Vladimiriae Radix as a substitute, while β-patchoulene and β-eudesmol existing in Vladimiriae Radix provide a theoretical basis for its preferential use in Sichuan. The analysis method established here has important implications for the quality control and differentiation of Vladimiriae Radix and Aucklandiae Radix, which can also serve as a reference for the identification of similar species. Graphical abstract.

Image Based High-Level Control System Design for Steering and Controlling of an Active Capsule Endoscope

Using wireless capsule endoscopes for diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease has been increased in recent years. Due to the anatomical shape of the stomach, one of the most important challenges in capsule endoscopy is steering and controlling of the capsule inside the stomach to obtain the high-quality imaging. Another challenge is improving the accuracy of steering and controlling of the capsule, which is already highly dependent upon the operator’s knowledge and skill who acts as a high-level controller. To address these challenges, in this paper, a novel image based High-Level Control system (H-LC) is proposed for real-time autonomous control of an active capsule endoscope. In the proposed system, first, a new desired path planning method based on detecting the stomach folds is implemented using the acquired images. Then, various maneuvers are presented for following the desired path and adjusting the orientation of the capsule. The core of these maneuvers is based on geometric analysis and computer vision techniques. The results for path planning method show the averages of Sensitivity 94%, Specificity 88% and Accuracy 92% on 82 endoscopic images of the stomach. For evaluating the proposed maneuver planning method, simulation in MATLAB is used. Based on the results, the suggested H-LC system can be used accurately for planning and following the desired path to achieve a more accurate control and steering of a capsule endoscope in a stomach with an unknown size.

Intestinal dysbiosis is a risk factor or a cause of miscarriage?

The number of spontaneous abortions continues to increase despite the new methods of diagnosis and treatment. A total of 15%–23% of confirmed pregnancies end in spontaneous miscarriages. Of the causes of reproductive losses, approximately 7% are chromosomal abnormalities, and the remaining are conditionally preventable.
 This article discusses the role of intestinal dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of miscarriage. Focus on this issue and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases may be a primary way to prevent early reproductive losses.

METHOD OF GRAVITATIONAL THERAPY IN TREATMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT DISORDERS

Aim - to increase the efficiency of treatment of patients with gastrointestinal tract disorders by including the method of gravitational therapy into the treatment complex. Methods. The method of gravitational therapy was used to achieve beneficial impact on the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Results. The paper presents the relevance of the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases and the search for new treatment options that have fewer side effects and reduce the cost of treatment. It also explores the influence of gravitational therapy on diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, and further introduction of this method in the treatment regimens. It specifies the importance of complementing medical treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases with the physiotherapy methods. We present indications for diseases of the digestive system and contraindications for gravitational therapy. Conclusion.Positive influence of gravitational therapy in cases of gastrointestinal tract disorders was revealed.

Socioeconomic impact of traditional Korean medicine, Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) as an anti-allergic inflammatory drug

The prevalence of allergic disease has been increasing over the past few decades in the majority of Western industrialized nations. There are some socioeconomic disparities regarding allergic disease status and management. Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) is Korean medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease. It is known that KMP6 has an improving effect on the spleen and stomach functions in traditional Korean medical theory. Here, we hypothesized that KMP6 could be used to regulate the inflammatory reaction. We show the molecular mechanisms of Pyeongwee-San (KMP6) on inflammatory reactions. A molecular docking simulation showed that hesperidin, component of KMP6, regulate the enzymatic activity by interaction in the active site of caspase-1. KMP6 control the activity of caspase-1 in activated human mast cell line (HMC-1 cells). KMP6 reduced the expression of receptor interacting protein (RIP)-2 in HMC-1 cells. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin protein production and mRNA expression were inhibited by KMP6. In the activated HMC-1 cells, KMP6 suppressed the activation of mitogen-ativated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB. In addition, KMP6 significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Our findings indicate that KMP6 may attenuate allergic reactions via the regulation of caspase-1/RIP-2 signaling pathway. These studies will help advance the social welfare system.

Synergic Effect of Trimebutine Combined with Mosapride on Gastrointestinal Dysfunction and Visceral Pain Induced in Stress Models

The present study was undertaken to determine whether combined treatment with prokinetic trimebutine and mosapride has a synergic effect on gastrointestinal motility and visceral pain associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction. To develop effective gastroprokinetic agents with greater potencies than trimebutine or mosapride for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease, a mixture of trimebutine and mosapride was designed and prepared. In the present study, treatment with trimebutine alone showed a dose-dependent effect on propelling movements of normal small and large intestine in mice, whereas mosapride effected only small intestine motility. Co-administration of trimebutine with mosapride, a well-established prokinetic drug, produced a synergistic infl uence on normal small intestine motility, but demonstrated an unclear effect on large intestine motility, with a slight tendency to reduce the propelling time. In a stress model, the small and large intestine motilities were signifi cantly decreased. The reduction of intestine motility was restored to a normal level and the restoring effect was more pronounced in the combined treatment with trimebutine plus mosapride than treatment with trimebutine or mosapride alone. Furthermore, treatment with trimebutine plus mosapride signifi cantly decreased acute visceral pain which was not controlled by trimebutine or mosapride alone. These data suggest that combination therapy with trimebutine plus mosapride has a synergic effect on small and large intestine motility and visceral pain control in gastrointestinal disorders.

Digestive Endoscopy in Neonates

Since the introduction of flexible fiberoptic endoscopy in the early 1970s, esophagogastro-duodenoscopy and colonoscopy have become established procedures for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal tract disease in the pediatric population. The development of safe fiberoptic endoscopes specially designed for neonates has allowed visualization of lesions occurring in the first days of life. Despite an increased understanding of neonatal digestive disorders deriving from this new diagnostic modality, there is little consensus on the appropriate use of endoscopic procedures in routine care of neonates. It is the feeling of the authors that widening the indications of endoscopy in the neonatal period might lead to diagnosis of discrete clinical abnormalities, which might improve the care of neonates. The techniques for performing neonatal endoscopies, the appropriate indications, the common normal and pathologic findings and the complications of these procedures are reviewed.

New ideas for the dietary management of gastrointestinal tract disease

ABSTRACTDrugs are often given inappropriate precedence in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases. Diet has a marked influence on gastrointestinal tract function and the manipulation of dietary composition provides clinicians with a powerful therapeutic tool. During acute gastroenteritis, a short period of fasting is recommended. ‘Feeding through’ diarrhoea (without a period of fasting) is recommended in human infants but has limited applicability in dogs and cats, primarily because different types of diarrhoea are commonly treated by veterinary surgeons compared to physicians. Following the fast, a change from the animal's regular food to a diet containing novel protein sources is advisable. This minimises the likelihood of acquired food allergies to staple proteins. Allergy avoidance may require special techniques such as rotation diets or protein hydrolysates. Dietary fat is usually kept to a minimum during gastrointestinal dysfunction as malabsorbed fatty acids and bile acids promote secretory diarrhoea in the large bowel. Recommendations to feed high fat rather than high carbohydrate diets to cats with diarrhoea need to be objectively examined. The type of fat fed may also prove to be an important consideration. Incorporation of omega‐3 fatty acids into the diet has been shown to have anti‐inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa. In diseases of the small bowel, it is traditional to use low fibre diets. This recommendation needs re‐examination because the binding and gelling properties of fibre are of potential benefit in the treatment of small bowel diarrhoea. High fibre diets are useful in most large bowel diseases. Soluble (fermentable) fibres (eg, psyllium, oat bran and fibrim) rather than insoluble (non‐fermentable) fibres (eg, wheat bran) give better results in treating colitis. The benefits from soluble fibre probably relates to the binding of irritant bile acids and the generation of volatile fatty acids, such as butyrate, that nourish the colonic epithelium and encourage growth of normal bacterial flora.

Nutritional Management of Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases of Dogs and Cats

Pharmaceutical agents are often given inappropriate precedence in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract diseases. Nutrients have marked influences on the gastrointestinal tract and manipulation of the diet provides clinicians with a powerful therapeutic strategy to be used alone or concurrently with drug therapy. During acute gastroenteritis a change from the animal's regular food to a diet containing novel protein sources minimizes the likelihood of acquired food allergies to the staple protein components of the diet. “Feeding through” diarrhea, a method used in human infants, has limited applicability in dogs and cats. The ideal diet for chronic small bowel-type diarrhea is highly digestible, gluten-free, hypoallergenic, isosmolar, low in fat and low in lactose. Dietary protein requirements increase in protein-losing enteropathy. Dietary fat is kept to a minimum during gastrointestinal dysfunction because malabsorbed fatty acids and bile acids cause secretory diarrhea. In diseases of the small bowel, it is traditional to use low fiber diets. This recommendation needs revision because the binding and gelling properties of fiber are of potential benefit in the treatment of small bowel diarrhea. High fiber diets are useful in most large bowel diseases. The specific fiber type used markedly influences the clinical result.