Differential requirements for Rhubarb in constipation-induced
inflammation, disorder of gut microbiome and metabolism
Abstract
Background: Although constipation is a common syndrome and a worldwide
health problem, the mechanism of underlying remission remains poorly
understood. Patients with constipation are becoming younger with a
29.6% overall prevalence in the children, which has captured great
attention of scientists because of its epigenetic rejuvenation and
recurrent episodes. Despite the usage of rhubarb torelieveconstipation,
novel targets and genes involved in target-relevant pathways with
remarkable functionalities should still be sought after. Materials and
methods: We established a reliable constipation model in C57B/6N male
mice using intragastric administration diphenoxylate and the eligible
subjects received rhubarb extraction at a dose of 600mg/25g for three
days to ameliorate constipation. Resultant constipation was
morphological and genetically compared to the different group’s
specimen. Results: The constipation mice exhibited thicker muscle
layers, improved content of cytokines, including IL-17 and IL-23, and
lower content of IL-22. Afterward, the bacterial abundance and diversity
varied tremendously. Additionally, SCFA and MLCFA were significantly
influenced by the constipation condition accompanied by the enhanced
expressions of SCFA receptors, GPR41 and GPR43. Nevertheless, the
alterations were reversed to the normal level when constipation mice
were treated with rhubarb. Conclusion: This thesis has provided a deeper
insight into the confirmation that rhubarb promoted the flexibility of
collagen fiber, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced
anti-inflammatory cytokines to relieve inflammation, improved intestinal
barrier function and maintained intestinal microflora balance, with
potential effects on intestinal microenvironment such as affecting the
metabolism of fatty acids and polyamines.