ABSTRACT
Constipation is a common gastrointestinal disease that seriously affects human physical and mental health. Studies have reported that hemp seeds can improve constipation, however the specific mechanism is still unclear. This study investigates that hemp seed (HS) and its water-ethanol extract (HSE) attenuates loperamide-induced constipation in mice. The research results show that: the fecal water content and small intestinal transit rate of mice in the hemp seed group and hemp seed hydroalcoholic extract group were significantly increased compared with MC group, and the first red feces defecation time was significantly shortened; HS and HSE significantly influence serum levels of Gastrin (Gas), motilin (MTL), substance P (SP), and endothelin (ET), potentially mediating their effects on gastrointestinal motility. HS and HSE can improve colon inflammation in constipated mice with H&E staining. Compared with the model of constipation group, the content of short-chain fatty acids in the HS group and HSE group increased significantly. Gut microbiome studies have shown that the structure and abundance of intestinal flora are altered. HS and HSE changed the abundance of Odoribacter, Bacteroide, Lactobacillus and Prevotella. Together, these results suggest that HS have the potential to stimulate the proliferation of beneficial gut microbes and promote intestinal motility, thereby improving gut health and relieving symptoms of constipation.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To study the modulation of Jianjining Recipe (JJNR), a traditional Chinese compound herbal medicine for invigorating spleen and kidney on differential protein expression in spleen of rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG). METHODS: EAMG rats were randomly divided into four groups: untreated group, JJNR-treated group, Qiangji Jianli capsule (QJJLC, a traditional Chinese compound herbal medicine)-treated group and prednisolone acetate (PA)-treated group. After therapeutic intervention with the above drugs for four consecutive weeks, the level of differential protein expression was analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Twelve differential proteins were identified by comparing EAMG rats and normal rats. The levels of allograft inflammatory factor-1, peroxiredoxin I and actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 5 were significantly regulated by JJNR (P<0.01). These proteins were closely associated with immune response and cell movement. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that there are differential protein expressions between EAMG rats and normal rats. Furthermore, as a Chinese medicine prescription with effect of invigorating spleen and kidney, JJNR can effectively regulate the levels of some EAMG-related protein expression.
