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Li J, Fu Y, Wang Y, Zheng Y, Zhang K, Li Y. Qi Lang formula relieves constipation via targeting SCF/c-kit signaling pathway: An integrated study of network pharmacology and experimental validation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31860. [PMID: 38841509 PMCID: PMC11152960 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Constipation is one of the chronic gastrointestinal functional diseases that affects the quality of life. While Qi Lang Formula (QLF) has demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating constipation symptoms, its precise mechanism remains elusive. Methods QLF was analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. Targets for QLF were collected from SwissADME, Herb, ITCM databases, and constipation-related targets from scRNA-seq and Genecards databases. Overlapping targets suggested potential QLF therapy targets for constipation. Enrichment analysis used the KOBAS database. A "drug-ingredient-target" network was constructed with Cytoscape, and AutoDock verified active ingredient binding. H&E staining assessed colonic mucosa changes, TEM examined ICC structural changes. ELISA measured neurotransmitter levels, and Western blot verified QLF's effect on target proteins. ICC proliferation was observed through immunofluorescence. Results We identified 89 targets of QLF associated with ICC-related constipation, with c-Kit emerging as the pivotal target. Molecular docking studies revealed that Atractylenolide Ⅲ, Apigenin, Formononetin, Isorhamnetin, Naringenin, and Ononin exhibited strong binding affinities for the c-Kit structural domain. QLF significantly enhanced first stool passage time, fecal frequency, fecal moisture content, and intestinal propulsion rate. Further analysis unveiled that QLF not only restored neurotransmitter levels but also mitigated colon muscular fiber ruptures. ICC ultrastructure exhibited partial recovery, while Western blot confirmed upregulated c-Kit expression and downstream targets. Immunofluorescence results indicated ICC proliferation post QLF treatment in rat colon. Conclusion Our findings suggest that QLF may promote ICC proliferation by targeting SCF/c-Kit and its downstream signaling pathway, thereby regulating intestinal motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Li
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Yugang Fu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Yiyuan Zheng
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Kehui Zhang
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
| | - Yong Li
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200071, China
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Yin H, Gao X, Yang H, Xu Z, Wang X, Wang X, Gao Y, Shi Z, Chen X, Cao L, Zhang C, Wang Z, Hu H, Xiao W. Total alditols from Cistanche deserticola attenuate functional constipation by regulating bile acid metabolism. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 320:117420. [PMID: 37967778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
HEADINGS ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Functional constipation (FC), characterized by chronic constipation, significantly impacts physiological function and induces psychological stress in patients. However, current clinical treatment options for FC are currently limited. Cistanche deserticola, a traditional Chinese medicine that promotes intestinal moisture and bowel relaxation, contains cistanche total alditol extract (CTAE) as its primary active extract. However, the production of CTAE, its overall efficacy, and potential mechanisms for treating FC have yet to been investigated. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to reveal the overall efficacy and potential mechanism of action of CTAE in rats with FC using a combination of stable preparation, pharmacodynamics, non-targeted metabolomics, bile acid metabolomics, and western blotting. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fourteen batches of CTAE underwent quality testing. A rat model of FC was developed using diphenoxylate tablets. The comprehensive pharmacodynamic effects of CTAE on FC were evaluated using fecal characteristics (wet weight, dry weight, and water content), intestinal transmission (colonic EMG amplitude, colonic EMG frequency, propulsion length, and propulsion rate), serum and colon biochemical indicators, distribution of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and pathological examination. Non-targeted metabolomics was performed to assess the changes in endogenous metabolite profiles induced by CTAE. Bile acid metabolomics and western blotting analyses were employed to validate the potential mechanisms of action of CTAE. RESULTS CTAE, with a total content of betaine, mannitol, D-fructose, glucose, and sucrose of (75.67 ± 3.73) %, significantly enhanced intestinal transit, regulated neurotransmitters, increased the expression of c-kit in ICC, and alleviated intestinal inflammation in rats with FC. Non-targeted metabolomics revealed that CTAE significantly alleviated FC-induced metabolic disorders, mainly the biosynthesis of primary bile acids. Targeted metabolomic analysis confirmed that CTAE regulated FC-induced bile acid disorders. Western-blotting results confirmed that CTAE increased the expression of CYP8B1, FGF15, TGR5, and FXR, thereby modulating bile acid synthesis and enterohepatic circulation. CONCLUSION CTAE demonstrates significant therapeutic effects on FC, primarily through the regulation of bile acid synthesis and enterohepatic circulation. These findings provide a promising foundation for the development and clinical application of novel CATE-based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Yin
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; National Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, 222001, China; Jiangsu Kanion Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; National Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, 222001, China; Jiangsu Kanion Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Hao Yang
- National Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, 222001, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Zhongkun Xu
- National Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, 222001, China; Jiangsu Kanion Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Xuening Wang
- National Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, 222001, China; Jiangsu Kanion Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Xuesong Wang
- National Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, 222001, China; Jiangsu Kanion Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Yunjia Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ziyi Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xialin Chen
- National Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, 222001, China; Jiangsu Kanion Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Liang Cao
- National Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, 222001, China; Jiangsu Kanion Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Chenfeng Zhang
- National Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, 222001, China; Jiangsu Kanion Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Zhenzhong Wang
- National Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, 222001, China; Jiangsu Kanion Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Hanfei Hu
- National Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, 222001, China; Jiangsu Kanion Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; National Key Laboratory on Technologies for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process Control and Intelligent Manufacture, Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Lianyungang, 222001, China; Jiangsu Kanion Modern Chinese Medicine Institute, Nanjing, 211100, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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Lin L, Jiang Y, Lin P, Ge L, Wan H, Dai S, Zhang R, Yao J, Zeng X, Peng Y. Classical famous prescription of Jichuan decoction improved loperamide-induced slow transit constipation in rats through the cAMP/PKA/AQPs signaling pathway and maintained inflammatory/intestinal flora homeostasis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e21870. [PMID: 38192758 PMCID: PMC10771987 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Jichuan decoction (JCD) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal formula that moistens the intestines and is widely used for the treatment of constipation in China. However, its effects and mechanisms in alleviating slow transit constipation (STC) in vivo remain unclear. We attempted to demonstrate the effect of JCD, with and without essential oil (VO), on intestinal transit and its underlying molecular mechanisms in rats with loperamide-induced STC. Materials and methods Water consumption, body weight, fecal water content, time to first melena excretion, and intestinal transit ratio of the animals were measured. 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the sera of rats were evaluated using ELISA. Hematoxylin and eosin and Periodic Acid-Schiff staining were used to determine intestinal tissue histology, while quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical analysis were used to assess the relative expression levels of cAMP/PKA/AQPs pathway- and inflammation-related proteins. 16 S rDNA sequence analysis of rat feces was used to determine the diversity and abundance of the intestinal flora. Results The JCD groups showed reduced time to first melena excretion and expression of VIP and IL-6. The JCD groups, specifically JCD + VO groups, showed increased fecal water content, intestinal transit rate, and SP expression. Further, these groups showed improved histological characteristics of the colon, with no significant change in the index of immune organs or morphological characteristics of other organs. In addition, a significant decrease in the activation of the cAMP/PKA/AQPs signaling pathway in the colon tissue was observed in these groups, specifically the JCD + VO groups. Moreover, treatment with JCD, with or without VO, downregulated the expression of inflammatory factors and enriched the diversity of intestinal flora as evidenced by polymorphism analysis and the contents of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, and Erysipelas, with the JCD + VO groups showing better therapeutic outcomes. Conclusion JCD improved loperamide-induced STC, and co-administration with VO exhibited better activity than sole JCD therapy. JCD may improve STC by inhibiting the cAMP/PKA/AQPs signaling pathway and maintaining inflammatory/intestinal flora homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Lin
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
- China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Pengfei Lin
- China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
- Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Manufacturing Innovation Center Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518110, Guangdong, China
| | - Lanlan Ge
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology (Longhua Branch), Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Haoqiang Wan
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology (Longhua Branch), Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuwen Dai
- China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
| | - Runjing Zhang
- China Resources Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaobin Zeng
- Center Lab of Longhua Branch and Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology (Longhua Branch), Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518037, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Peng
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
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HUANG X, XIA Y, HAN K, QI W, LINGHU Q, ZHANG Q, XUE J. Hetong decoction relieves loperamide-induced constipation in rats by regulating expression of aquaporins. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2023; 43:1160-1167. [PMID: 37946478 PMCID: PMC10623261 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether Hetong decoction (, HTT) alleviates constipation via regulating AQPs expression. METHODS Constipation in rats was induced by loperamide, and rats were randomly assigned into model (saline), HHT-low (95 g/kg), HTT-medium (190 g/kg), HTT-high (380 g/kg) and positive control (mosapride) groups. Then the defecation function, the concentration of serum arginine vasopressin (AVP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and the expression of AQP3 and AQP8 in colon tissues were assessed. NCM460 colon cells with AQP3 and AQP8 knockdown or overexpression were exposed to serum from rats that received low or high dose of HTT, followed by detection of AQP3 and AQP8 expression. RESULTS The model group showed lower fecal weight and water content, weaker intestinal transit, higher serum concentration of AVP and cAMP, increased proximal and distal AQP8 expression, increased proximal but decreased distal AQP3 expression. However, these trends were reversed in both the HTT group (low, medium and high dose) and the positive control group. In NCM460 cells, HTT dose-dependently stabilized AQP3 and AQP8 expression under AQP3/8 plasmid interference or overexpression. CONCLUSIONS HTT relieves constipation in rats through regulating AQP3 and AQP8 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi HUANG
- 1 Department of Anorectal, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Youguang XIA
- 1 Department of Anorectal, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Kai HAN
- 1 Department of Anorectal, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Weiwei QI
- 1 Department of Anorectal, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Qing LINGHU
- 1 Department of Anorectal, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Qing ZHANG
- 2 Department of Pathology, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Jingbo XUE
- 1 Department of Anorectal, Xuzhou Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou 221000, China
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Gong WJ, Li R, Dai QQ, Yu P. METTL3 contributes to slow transit constipation by regulating miR-30b-5p/PIK3R2/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade through DGCR8. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 37:2229-2242. [PMID: 36068012 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent methylation modification of eukaryotic RNA, and methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) plays a vital role in multiple cell functions. This study aimed to investigate the role of m6A methylase METTL3 in slow transit constipation (STC). MATERIAL AND METHOD The expression of METTL3 and DGCR8 was measured in STC tissues and glutamic acid-induced interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). The effects of METTL3, miR-30b-5p, and DGCR8 on the biological characteristics of ICCs were investigated on the basis of loss-of-function analyses. Luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the direct binding sites of miR-30b-5p with PIK3R2. RESULTS The results showed that the METTL3, DGCR8, miR-30b-5p, and the methylation level of m6A were significantly increased in STC tissues and glutamic acid-induced ICCs. Silencing of METTL3 and miR-30b-5p inhibited apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis of glutamic acid-induced ICCs. Moreover, overexpression of miR-30b-5p reversed the cytoprotection of METTL3 knockdown in glutamic acid-induced ICCs. Besides, DGCR8 knockdown could facilitate cell growth and decrease apoptotic glutamic acid-induced ICCs. Mechanically, we illustrated that METTL3 in glutamic acid-induced ICCs significantly accelerated the maturation of pri-miR-30b-5p by m6A methylation modification, resulting in the reduction of PIK3R2, which results in the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and ultimately leads to the cell death of STC. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data demonstrated that METTL3 promoted the apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis of glutamic acid-induced ICCs by interacting with the DGCR8 and successively modulating the miR-30b-5p/PIK3R2 axis in an m6A-dependent manner, and METTL3 may be a potential therapeutic target for STC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Gong
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Zhejiang, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiao-Qiong Dai
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Zhejiang, China
| | - Peng Yu
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Zhejiang, China
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Xu S, Zhai J, Xu K, Zuo X, Wu C, Lin T, Zeng L. M1 macrophages-derived exosomes miR-34c-5p regulates interstitial cells of Cajal through targeting SCF. J Biosci 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-021-00212-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Thein W, Po WW, Choi WS, Sohn UD. Autophagy and Digestive Disorders: Advances in Understanding and Therapeutic Approaches. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2021; 29:353-364. [PMID: 34127572 PMCID: PMC8255139 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2021.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a series of hollow organs that is responsible for the digestion and absorption of ingested foods and the excretion of waste. Any changes in the GI tract can lead to GI disorders. GI disorders are highly prevalent in the population and account for substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization. GI disorders can be functional, or organic with structural changes. Functional GI disorders include functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Organic GI disorders include inflammation of the GI tract due to chronic infection, drugs, trauma, and other causes. Recent studies have highlighted a new explanatory mechanism for GI disorders. It has been suggested that autophagy, an intracellular homeostatic mechanism, also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of GI disorders. Autophagy has three primary forms: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy. It may affect intestinal homeostasis, host defense against intestinal pathogens, regulation of the gut microbiota, and innate and adaptive immunity. Drugs targeting autophagy could, therefore, have therapeutic potential for treating GI disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of current understanding regarding the evidence for autophagy in GI diseases and updates on potential treatments, including drugs and complementary and alternative medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wynn Thein
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Wah Wah Po
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Seok Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Uy Dong Sohn
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
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Interstitial Cells of Cajal: Potential Targets for Functional Dyspepsia Treatment Using Medicinal Natural Products. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9952691. [PMID: 34306162 PMCID: PMC8263244 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9952691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia (FD) remains uncertain, but the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), pacemakers that regulate gastrointestinal motility, are garnering attention as key modulators and therapeutic targets in FD. This review comprehensively discusses the involvement of ICCs in the pharmacologic actions of FD and as therapeutic targets for herbal products for FD. Methods A search of the literature was performed using PubMed by pairing “interstitial cells of Cajal” with “medicinal plant, herbal medicine, phytotherapy, flavonoids, or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).” Results From the 55 articles screened in the initial survey, 34 articles met our study criteria. The search results showed that herbal products can directly depolarize ICCs to generate pacemaker potentials and increase the expression of c-kit and stem cell factors, helping to repair ICCs. Under certain pathological conditions, medicinal plants also protect ICCs from oxidative stress and/or inflammation-induced impairment. Two representative herbal decoctions (Banhasasim-tang, 半夏泻心汤, and Yukgunja-tang, 六君子汤) have been shown to modulate ICC functions by both clinical and preclinical data. Conclusion This review strongly indicates the potential of herbal products to target ICCs and suggests that further ICC-based studies would be promising for the development of FD treatment agents.
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