Wei Chang An pill regulates gastrointestinal motility in a bidirectional manner. (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jia, Sitong; Chai, Lijuan; Zhang, Jing; Zhang, Min; Li, Lin; Qi, Yaxin; Pang, Yafen; Chen, Xi; Fan, Nana; Wang, Lin; Wang, Yujing; Song, Jixiang; Sun, Yingjie; Wang, Yi; Miao, Lin; Zhang, Han
• Is Part Of: Pharmaceutical biology. Volume 59:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 1452
• Page End: 1463
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: Diarrhoea -- constipation -- Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase-1 (ROCK-1) -- myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) -- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Materia medica, Vegetable -- Periodicals; 615.321
• DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1991383
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1388-0209

Abstract

Abstract: Context: Wei Chang An (WCA) is a commercial prescription developed for the coordination of gastrointestinal movement. Objective: To investigate the role of WCA in the regulation of diarrhoea and constipation in rats. Material and methods: The diarrhoea and constipation models were prepared by gavage of Folium senna and diphenoxylate hydrochloride. Rats were randomized equally ( n = 6) into the normal group given saline daily, the positive group given Pinaverium Bromide (13.5 mg/kg) or Sennoside A (0.1 mg/kg) and three WCA-treated groups (22, 44, and 88 mg/kg) by gavage daily for 7 consecutive days. The effects of WCA were assessed by a series of faecal symptoms and histopathology. Gastrointestinal parameters were determined by ELISA. The effect of WCA on gastrointestinal tissues was evaluated by strip assay. Expression of ROCK-1 and MLCK was measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Results: Data from Bristol stool form scale, diarrhoea index, visceral sensitivity, defaecation time, and intestinal propulsive rate showed that WCA protected rats against diarrhoea and constipation ( p < 0.01). The up-regulation of Substance P and 5-hydroxytryptamine in diarrhoea rats and down-regulation of Substance P and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in constipation rats were inhibited by WCA ( p < 0.05). WCA stimulated the gastrointestinal strip contractions but inhibited ACh-induced contractions ( p < 0.01). The decreased ROCK-1 and MLCK expression in diarrhoea rats and increased in constipation rats were suppressed by WCA ( p < 0.01). Conclusions: WCA has both antidiarrhea and anti-constipation effects, suggesting its bidirectional role in gastrointestinal modulation, and providing evidence of WCA for irritable bowel syndrome treatment.