Scutellariae Radix and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Mixture Regulate PPARγ/RXR Signaling in Reflux Esophagitis

Abstract

Objective. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a gastrointestinal disorder in which stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, causing complications such as mucosal damage. GERD is a very common disease and is on the rise worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a Scutellariae Radix and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium mixture (SC) on esophageal mucosal injury in rats with chronic acid reflux esophagitis (CARE). Methods. After inducing reflux esophagitis through surgery, the group was separated and the drug was administered for 2 weeks: normal rats (Normal, n = 8), CARE-induced rats were treated with distilled water (Control, n = 8), CARE-induced rats were treated with vitamin E 30 mg/kg body weight (VitE, n = 8), CARE-induced rats were treated with SC 100 mg/kg body weight (SC100, n = 8), and CARE-induced rats were treated with SC 200 mg/kg body weight (SC200, n = 8). Results. SC treatment significantly reduced the degree of esophageal mucosal damage, significantly reduced levels of MDA and MPO, and inhibited the activation of the NF-κB inflammatory pathway by activating the PPARγ/RXR pathway. In addition, SC treatment significantly regulated the expression of arachidonic acid-related proteins (COX-1, COX-2, and PGE2) and modulated the MMP/TIMP proteins in reflux esophagitis. Conclusion. Consequently, SC improved the damage to the esophageal mucosa. Also, the anti-inflammatory effects of the SC suggested the inhibition of NF-κB pathway through the activation of the PPARγ/RXR pathway, thereby reducing the expression of inflammation-related cytokines.

Mechanism of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium as an Anticancer Agent from the Perspective of Flavonoids: A Review

“…Pharmacological studies have found that when applied to the digestive system, the efficacy of CRP is to ameliorate gastrointestinal smooth muscle activity, accelerate gastric emptying and intestinal push, alter gut microbiota, protect the esophagus and gastrointestinal mucosa and resist peptic ulcer [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. To date, CRP has proven effects in the respiratory system, including but not limited to inhibiting airway inflammation, fighting acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”