1
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yao J, Yan X, Li Y, Chen Y, Xiao X, Zhou S, Zhang W, Wang L, Chen M, Zeng F, Li Y. Altered gut microbial profile is associated with differentially expressed fecal microRNAs in patients with functional constipation. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1323877. [PMID: 38274754 PMCID: PMC10808787 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1323877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
While dysbiosis within the intestinal ecosystem has been associated with functional constipation (FC), the mechanisms underlying the interactions between FC and the microbiome remain poorly elucidated. Recent investigations suggested that host microRNAs (miRNAs) can modulate bacterial growth and influence the composition of the gut microbiome. To explore the connection between gut microbiota and fecal miRNAs in FC patients, we initially employed 16S rRNA sequencing to assess the gut microbial landscape in 30 FC patients and 30 healthy controls (HCs). The α-diversity within the FC group exhibited some alterations, and the β-diversity significantly differed, signifying distinctive variations in gut microbiota composition between FC patients and HCs. Subsequently, we identified 44 differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs in feces from FC patients and HCs. Through correlation analysis between DE miRNAs and FC-associated microbiota, we detected an interaction involving nine DE miRNAs (miR-205-5p, miR-493-5p, miR-215-5p, miR-184, miR-378c, miR-335-5p, miR-514a-3p, miR-141-3p, and miR-34c-5p) with seven bacterial genera (Oscillibacter, Escherichia.Shigella, UCG.002, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Lachnospiraceae_UCG.010, Eubacterium_ruminantium_group and Megamonas), as evidenced by a co-occurrence network. Further, a comprehensive panel of seven diagnostic biomarkers (Oscillibacter, Escherichia.Shigella, UCG.002, miR-205-5p, miR-493-5p, miR-215-5p, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group) demonstrated robust discriminatory capacity in predicting FC status when integrated into a random forest model (AUC = 0.832, 95% CI: 65.73-98.88). Microbiomes correlating with DE miRNAs exhibited enrichment in distinct predicted metabolic categories. Moreover, miRNAs correlated with FC-associated bacteria were found to be enriched in signaling pathways linked to colonic contractility, including Axon guidance, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and Hippo signaling pathway. Our study offers a comprehensive insight into the global relationship between microbiota and fecal miRNAs in the context of FC, presenting potential targets for further experimental validation and therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Yao
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiangyun Yan
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanqiu Li
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yaoyao Chen
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianjun Xiao
- School of Health Preservation and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Siyuan Zhou
- Teaching Affairs Office, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Colorectal Disease, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Zeng
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Li
- Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Choi EL, Taheri N, Tan E, Matsumoto K, Hayashi Y. The Crucial Role of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal in Neurointestinal Diseases. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1358. [PMID: 37759758 PMCID: PMC10526372 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurointestinal diseases result from dysregulated interactions between the nervous system and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to conditions such as Hirschsprung's disease and irritable bowel syndrome. These disorders affect many people, significantly diminishing their quality of life and overall health. Central to GI motility are the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), which play a key role in muscle contractions and neuromuscular transmission. This review highlights the role of ICC in neurointestinal diseases, revealing their association with various GI ailments. Understanding the functions of the ICC could lead to innovative perspectives on the modulation of GI motility and introduce new therapeutic paradigms. These insights have the potential to enhance efforts to combat neurointestinal diseases and may lead to interventions that could alleviate or even reverse these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Egan L. Choi
- Enteric Neuroscience Program and Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Guggenheim 10, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (E.L.C.); (N.T.)
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Negar Taheri
- Enteric Neuroscience Program and Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Guggenheim 10, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (E.L.C.); (N.T.)
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Elijah Tan
- Enteric Neuroscience Program and Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Guggenheim 10, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (E.L.C.); (N.T.)
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Kenjiro Matsumoto
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyoto 610-0395, Japan;
| | - Yujiro Hayashi
- Enteric Neuroscience Program and Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Guggenheim 10, 200 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA; (E.L.C.); (N.T.)
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Electroacupuncture Improves Intestinal Motility through Exosomal miR-34c-5p Targeting SCF/c-Kit Signaling Pathway in Slow Transit Constipation Model Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:8043841. [PMID: 36133788 PMCID: PMC9484875 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8043841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. The pathogenesis of slow transit constipation (STC) is associated with exosomal miR-34c-5p. Electroacupuncture (EA) improves gastrointestinal motility in gastrointestinal disorders, especially STC. Our study aimed to explore the mechanism by which EA improves intestinal motility by modulating the release of exosomes and the transmission of exosomal miR-34c-5p. Methods. Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups. STC model rats were induced, and GW4869, the exosome release inhibitor, was used to inhibit the release of exosome. The serum exosomes were authenticated under a transmission electron microscope and nanoparticle tracking analysis. RT-qPCR detected the expression of miR-34c-5p in serum exosomes and colonic tissues. The fecal number in 24 hours, Bristol scores, and intestinal transit rates were used to assess intestinal motility. Subsequently, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to examine the colonic mucosal histology. Finally, the expression of stem cell factor (SCF) and receptor tyrosine kinase (c-Kit) protein was measured using immunohistochemistry staining. Results. We found that EA upregulated exosomal miR-34c-5p in serum and downregulated miR-34c-5p in colonic tissues (
). EA improved fecal numbers in 24 hours, Bristol scores, and intestinal transit rates in STC rats (
). EA recovered the colonic histological structure and enhanced the expression of SCF and c-Kit protein (
). The therapeutic effect of EA was attenuated after inhibiting the release of the exosome. Conclusion. Our results indicated that EA improves intestinal motility in STC rats by transporting of exosomal miR-34c-5p targeting the SCF/c-Kit signaling pathway.
Collapse
|