Increased NOX1 and DUOX2 expression in the colonic mucosa of patients with chronic functional constipation

Pharmacokinetic analysis on compatibility of Atractylodes macrocephala and Paeoniae radix herb pair ameliorates functional constipation model rats using microdialysis with ultra-performance liquid chromatography

BACKGROUND

In a previous study, we found that Atractylodes macrocephala and Paeoniae radix (AM-PR) was useful for the alleviation of functional constipation (FC). However, the precise mechanism underlying the compatibility between AM and PR in the treatment of FC remains uncertain. This study aims to analyze the pharmacokinetic differences in the active ingredients in the blood of rat models with FC when applied individually and in combination with AM-PR. It also seeks to compare the changes in the content of the active ingredient when applied individually and in combination with in vitro AM-PR, further in-depth investigation into its material foundation in terms of pharmacokinetics, as well as the composition of the substance.

METHODS

Blood microdialysis samples were collected using microdialysis technology. These samples from rats with FC were compared after administration of AM, PR, and AM-PR. The concentration of the main active ingredients was determined using the Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tunable Ultraviolet (UPLC-TUV) method. The concentration of the main active ingredients of the decoction compatibility before and after combining AM-PR was also determined using the UPLC-TUV method.

RESULTS

Our findings reveal that upon combination, the time to maximum concentration (Tmax) of isochlorogenic acid A (ICA-A) and ataridolide II (ATR-II) Tmax was prolonged, terminal elimination half-life (T1/2) was reduced, and maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) increased. The Tmax of ataridolide III (ATR-III) remained consistent, whereas its T1/2 and Cmax were significantly reduced. Conversely, for peoniflorin (PAE), Tmax occurred sooner, T1/2 was shortened, and Cmax increased. The Tmax for albiflorin (ALB) remained consistent, whereas T1/2 and Cmax witnessed significant increases. The area under the moment curve (AUMC) (0-t) and AUMC (0-∞) of PAE, ALB, ICA-A, ATR-II experienced an increase after AM-PR administration in rats, attributable to the heightened Cmax. In comparison to individual herb administration, the Tmax of ALB was advanced in combination, the Tmax of PAE remained unchanged, and the Tmax of ICA-A and ART-II was delayed, with an increased area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) (0-t), indicating enhanced Cmax and bioavailability. Furthermore, the dissolution rates of PAE, ICA-A, and ATR-II significantly improved after compatibility.

CONCLUSIONS

This study partially clarifies the rationale and compatibility of AM-PR in treating FC and offers a new perspective on the pharmacokinetic interactions of AM-PR in FC treatment.

The association between oxidative balance score with constipation and diarrhea in US adults: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2007-2010

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is associated with functional bowel disorders. The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) is used to represent the overall level of oxidative stress experienced by an individual. Sex differences are exhibited in the occurrence of constipation and diarrhea. This population-based study aimed to examine the association between the OBS, constipation, and diarrhea, among adults in the United States (US), stratified by sex.

METHODS

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database spanning from 2007 to 2010, a cross-sectional study including 4,462 participants (2,386 males and 2,076 females) was performed to assess the relationship between the OBS, constipation, and diarrhea, among adult men and women in the US. Constipation and diarrhea were identified according to bowel frequency and stool type, as outlined in the Bowel Health Questionnaire. The independent variable was the OBS based on 20 types of dietary and lifestyle components. We conducted a binary logistic regression subgroup analysis by sex, and a univariate subgroup analysis; and used a restricted cubic spline (RCS) to illustrate the relationship between the OBS and abnormal bowel health.

RESULTS

After adjusting for all covariates, a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the OBS was negatively correlated with constipation in males [odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence intervals (CI)): 0.937 (0.888, 0.988), P = 0.017], and diarrhea in females [OR (95%CI): 0.951 (0.916, 0.987), P = 0.009]. RCS analysis identified a negative linear trend between OBS and constipation in males (P for non-linearity = 0.63), as well as between OBS and diarrhea in females (P for non-linearity > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The current study found a negative correlation between the OBS and the risk of constipation in males, along with diarrhea in females. Oxidative stress, gut microbiota, and sex differences may be associated with intestinal dysfunction. These findings suggest that antioxidant-rich dietary modifications may be an effective strategy for preventing constipation in males and diarrhea in females.

Associations between the oxidative balance score and constipation: a cross-sectional study of the NHANES, 2005-2010

OBJECTIVE

The oxidative balance score (OBS) reflects the overall burden of oxidative stress in an individual, with a higher OBS indicating greater antioxidant exposure. This study aimed to explore the association between constipation and OBS.

METHODS

Variables were extracted from participants who completed a constipation questionnaire as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2010. The OBS was developed based on dietary and lifestyle factors, encompassing 16 nutrients and 4 lifestyle variables. Weighted logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were employed to evaluate the association between OBS and constipation.

RESULTS

After adjusting for all covariates, weighted multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a 4% reduction in the incidence of constipation for each additional unit of OBS (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.97, p < 0.001). In the OBS subgroup, the risk of constipation significantly decreased compared to that in the lowest quartile (Q2: 0.72, P = 0.024; Q3: 0.59, P < 0.001; Q4: 0.54, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated a significant association between constipation and the oxidative balance score (OBS), particularly dietary OBS, and that an increase in OBS may reduce the risk of developing constipation, in which oxidative stress may play an important role. This finding suggested that dietary modification could be an important approach for preventing constipation.

The relationship between oxidative balance scores and chronic diarrhea and constipation: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is closely related to gut health. Exposures to oxidative stress in one's diet and lifestyle can be evaluated by the oxidative balance score (OBS). However, the relationship between OBS and intestinal habits is unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between OBS and intestinal habits (chronic diarrhea and chronic constipation) and the underlying mechanisms involved.

METHODS

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2005 to 2010, we included a total of 8065 participants. Twenty dietary and lifestyle factors were selected for the OBS calculates. Chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea were defined using the Bristol stool form scale (BSFS) types 1 and 2 and the BSFS 6 and 7, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis were used to evaluate the relationship between OBS and defecation habits. Finally, we used mediation analysis to explore the indirect effects of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers on these associations.

RESULTS

After adjusting for all the covariates, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that OBS was negatively correlated with diarrhea (OR = 0.57; 95%CI = 0.39-0.83; P = 0.008)and positively correlated with constipation (OR = 1.75; 95%CI = 1.19-2.25; P = 0.008). The RCS showed a nonlinear relationship between OBS and diarrhea (P for nonlinearity = 0.02) and a linear relationship between OBS and constipation (P for nonlinearity = 0.19). Mediation analysis showed that the C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration and white blood cell (WBC) count mediated the correlation between OBS and diarrhea by 6.28% and 6.53%, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

OBS is closely related to changes in patients' defecation habits. Oxidative stress and inflammation may play a role in the relationship between the two. This result emphasizes the importance of the public adjusting their lifestyle and dietary habits according to their own situation. However, further prospective studies are needed to analyze the relationship between oxidative stress and changes in defecation habits.

Integrated genomic network analysis revealed potential of a druggable target for hemorrhoid treatment

Hemorrhoids are a prevalent medical condition that necessitates effective treatment options. The current options for treatment consist of oral medications, topical applications, or surgery, yet a scarcity of highly effective drugs still exists. Genetic markers provide promising avenues for investigating the treatment of hemorrhoids, as they may reveal intricate biological mechanisms and targeted drug therapies, ultimately enhancing more precise treatment tailored to the patient. This study aims to identify new drug candidates for treating hemorrhoids through a meticulous bioinformatics approach and integrated with genomic network analysis. After extracting 21 druggable target genes using DrugBank from 293 genes connected to hemorrhoids, 87 possible drugs were selected. Three of these drugs (ketamine, methylene blue, and fulvestrant) hold potential in addressing issues associated with hemorrhoids and have been supported by clinical or preclinical studies. Eighty-four compounds present new therapeutic possibilities for managing hemorrhoids. We highlight that our findings indicate that NOX1 and NOS3 genes are promising biomarkers, with NOS3 gaining significance owing to its robust systemic functional annotations. Sapropterin, an existing drug, is closely associated with NOS3, providing a clear target for biomarker-driven interventions. This study illustrates the potential of combining genomic network analysis with bioinformatics to repurpose drugs for treating hemorrhoids. Subsequent research will explore the mechanisms for utilizing NOS3 targeting in the treatment of hemorrhoids.

Association between Depression, Anxiety Symptoms and Gut Microbiota in Chinese Elderly with Functional Constipation

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between anxiety, depression, and gut microbiota in elderly patients with FC.

METHODS

in this cross-sectional study, a total of 198 elderly participants (85 male and 113 female) aged over 60 years were recruited. The study was conducted in Changsha city, China. The participants completed an online questionnaire, including The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), The Patient Assessment of Symptoms (PAC-SYM), and The Patient Assessment of Quality of Life (PAC-QoL). We selected the 16S rDNA V3 + V4 region as the amplification region and sequenced the gut microbiota using the Illumina Novaseq PE250 high-throughput sequencing platform.

RESULTS

in total, 30.3% of patients with constipation had depression, while 21.3% had anxiety. The relative abundance of intestinal microbiota in the normal group was higher than that in the anxiety and depression group. According to LEfSe analysis, the relative abundance of g_Peptoniphilus and g_Geobacter in the people without depression and anxiety was higher. The relative abundance of g_Pseudoramibacter-Eubacterium and g_Candidatus-Solibacter in the depression group was lower, and the relative abundance of g_Bacteroides and g_Paraprevotella, g_Cc_115 in the anxiety group was higher. In addition, according to the correlation analysis, g_Aquicella and g_Limnohabitans were negatively correlated with constipation symptoms, anxiety, and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

this study found that gut microbiota composition may be associated with a higher incidence of anxiety and depression in patients with FC, thus providing insight into the mechanisms that ameliorate mood disorders in patients with FC.