Curative Effect and Mechanism of Guiren Runchang Granules on Morphine‐Induced Slow Transit Constipation in Mice

Abstract

Recent studies have identified the curative effects of traditional Chinese medicine for constipation. The mechanism of action of Guiren Runchang granules (GRGs) in the treatment of slow transit constipation (STC) was evaluated in this study. Here, we assessed the efficacy of GRG by comparing the differences in fecal characteristics, stool weight, and intestinal transit rate (ITR) among 6 groups (n = 12/group), which were administered three concentrations of GRG, mosapride, and saline. The influence of GRG on the SCF/c-kit pathway, AQP4, and serum motilin of mice was assessed through ELISA, western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. The dry weight of mouse feces at 24 hr and ITR in the MD (medium-dose GRG; 9.44 g/kg/d) and HD (high-dose GRG; 18.88 g/kg/d) groups was higher than that in the MC (model control) group. The serum motilin of morphine-induced mice level was lower in the MC group than in the NC (normal control) group, and this condition was improved in the HD group. The HD group expressed significantly higher levels of SCF and c-kit protein but lower levels of AQP4 and simultaneously presented more SCF-positive and c-kit-positive cells. However, no differences in the serum SCF level were found among the six groups. Certain concentrations of GRG are effective in STC mice, the potential mechanism of which may be associated with repairing the SCF/c-kit pathway and reducing the expression of AQP4 in the colon. GRG improved the serum motilin level but had no influence on the serum SCF level.

Therapeutic effects ofBombax ceibaflower aqueous extracts against loperamide-induced constipation in mice

“… 2018 ), but it has lower serum MTL levels in constipation children (Sun et al. 2020 ). As an excitatory neurotransmitter of intestinal nerve network, SP strongly promotes smooth muscle contraction, promotes gastrointestinal peristalsis and stimulates intestinal water and electrolyte secretion (Li et al.…”

“…Aquaporins are mainly expressed in the intestinal canal (Sun et al. 2020 ), which mediate the passive transport of free water across biofilm, thereby maintaining the homeostasis of the intracellular and extracellular environment (Matsuzaki et al. 2004 ).…”

“…As an alternative treatment for constipation, traditional Chinese medicine is universally applied, safe and effective (Sun et al. 2020 ). Moreover, some studies suggest that multiple plant extracts could be applied to control constipation and there is hardly any side effect (Gilani et al.…”

The mechanism of intestinal flora dysregulation mediated by intestinal bacterial biofilm to induce constipation

“…ELISA experiments were performed with reference to previous literature [ 20 ]. After weighing, part of the mouse colon tissue was fully ground and transferred to an EP tube with PBS.…”

The Potential Application of Aloe Barbadensis Mill. as Chinese Medicine for Constipation: Mini-Review

“… 41 The expression of the C-kit gene serves as a specific marker for the identification of ICC, and the signaling pathway that is initiated by the binding of its ligand stem cell factor (SCF) regulates the proliferation and differentiation of ICC, thereby enhancing the contractile and relaxation functions of gastrointestinal smooth muscle and controlling the motility of the gastrointestinal system. 42 …”