evaluating the therapeutic effects of desmodium caudatum decoction on gastric ailments in rats

&lt;i&gt;Desmodium caudatum &lt;/i&gt; Decoction&#039;s Impact on Intestinal Microbiota of Rats

Chronic gastritis (CG), one of the most common clinical diseases, is characterized by chronic and persistent inflammatory changes in the gastric mucosa epithelium, which is frequently and repeatedly attacked by various pathogenic factors1. The incidence rate of CG ranks first among all types of stomach diseases, accounting for 40% to 60% of the outpatient service rate in the Department of Gastroenterology2. Moreover, the incidence rate generally increases with age, especially in individuals who are middle-aged and older3. Undoubtedly, CG significantly reduces people&#39;s quality of life, emphasizing the critical need to discover new therapeutic agents.
Numerous studies have reported that the occurrence and development of CG are linked to the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones, such as gastrin (GAS)4,5. GAS, a common gastrointestinal peptide hormone in the digestive tract, stimulates cells to secrete gastric acid by promoting the release of histamine from eosinophils. Additionally, it improves the nutrition and blood supply of the gastric mucosa, promoting the proliferation of gastric mucosa and parietal cells6. Therefore, gastrin can be utilized as an indicator to evaluate the development level of CG. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation products triggered by reactive oxides can activate inflammatory cells, leading to CG. Malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation marker, is a commonly used indicator to measure the degree of oxidative stress. It reflects the level of free radicals in the gastric mucosa to a certain extent. The MDA level can indicate the attack of unsaturated fatty acids in the local gastric mucosa caused by free radicals7,8.
Intestinal microecology consists of millions of microorganisms residing in the host gut, playing a vital role in maintaining host health and regulating host immunity. A healthy intestinal flora, characterized by high richness, diversity, and stable microbiota function, acts as a protective barrier against the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms by participating in metabolism. Disturbances in the intestinal flora make individuals more susceptible to acute and chronic gastrointestinal diseases9,10. In recent years, microbiota therapy for gastrointestinal diseases has progressed rapidly and demonstrated significant efficacy11. In summary, the consideration of intestinal flora is crucial in understanding and addressing gastrointestinal diseases.
As an indispensable component of the treasure trove of traditional Chinese medicine, folk medicinal materials hold great significance for clinical practice and the modernization of national medicine. The roots and the entire parts of Desmodium caudatum (Thunb.) DC. has been widely used for relieving stomach discomfort in the Beichuan Qiang area of Mianyang City for an extended period. Some articles indicate the scientific basis for treating gastrointestinal diseases with D. caudatum, citing its effects such as hemostasis, anti-oxidation, and gastrointestinal protection12,13,14. However, due to the lack of in-depth research, no clinical pharmacodynamics mechanism has been established. This article aims to study the effects of D. caudatum in treating gastritis based on gastrointestinal hormones and intestinal flora, providing a basis for its rational clinical application.

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Mysteries of Sichuan&#039;s Herbal Medicine in Chinese Medicine Research

Effects of Desmodium caudatum on Gastrointestinal Hormones and Intestinal Flora in Rats with Gastritis

As an indispensable component of the treasure trove of traditional Chinese medicine, folk medical materials hold great significance for clinical practice and modernization of national medicine. This article aims to study the effects of D.caudatum in treating gastritis based on gastrointestinal hormones and intestinal flora, providing a basis for its addition in clinical application. Numerous studies have reported that the occurrence and development of chronic gastric are linked to the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones, such as gastrin.It can be optimized as an indicator to evaluate the developmental level of chronic gastric. Furthermore, repeat peroxidation products triggered by reactive oxides can activate inflammatory cells, leading to chronic gastral. In 16S rRNA high throughput gene sequencing, low resolution may make it challenging to distinguish strains and genera with highly similar sequences, leading to difficulties in classification at higher taxonomic levels such as genus, family, and phylum.For the ELISA kit method, sample pretreatment steps like dilution and washing are usually required, introducing potential errors and variabilities.

Evaluating the Therapeutic Effects of Desmodium caudatum Decoction on Gastric Ailments in Rats

evaluating-therapeutic-effects-desmodium-caudatum-decoction-on

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

In order to preliminarily explore the effects of Desmodium caudatum on gastritis and intestinal flora in rats, a chronic gastritis rat model was established using the classic sodium salicylate method. Eighteen SPF rats were divided into three groups: the control group (Group C), the model group (Group M), and the treatment group (Group T). Pathological sections of the gastric wall were taken from rats in each group. Furthermore, the concentrations of gastrin and malondialdehyde in the serum of rats in each group were determined by ELISA. Additionally, the effects of D. caudatum on the intestinal flora of rats with gastritis were explored through a detailed comparison of gut bacterial communities in the three groups, employing Illumina-based 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The results indicated that D. caudatum decoction could reduce the malondialdehyde content and increase the gastrin content. Moreover, D. caudatum decoction was found to enhance the diversity and abundance of intestinal flora, exerting a positive impact on the treatment of gastritis by regulating and restoring the intestinal flora.

The present protocol describes the method for analyzing intestinal flora using Illumina-based 16S rRNA gene sequencing and provides a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of herbal decoctions.