Study on the expression of Runx3 and TGF-β₁ protein in the colonic tissue from rats with irritable bowel syndrome

To investigate the expression of Runx3 and TGF-β(1) protein in the colon from rats with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Rat model for IBS was established by intracolonic instillation with acetic acid and restraint stress methods, which was confirmed by determinating the visceral sensitivity of the animals, including abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) score and the electronic behavior of the abdomen wall. The rats were randomly assigned into three groups: IBS(1) group (restraint stress, n = 25); IBS(2) group (both instillation with acetic acid and restraint stress, n = 25) and Control group (n=16). The colonic tissue samples were collected for histological study and the expression of Runx3 and TGF-β(1) proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. Meanwhile, the relationship of these two proteins was calculated.

Visceral hypersensitivity (AWR and abdominal electrical activity) was significantly enhanced in IBS(1) and IBS(2) groups than other groups. The colon tissue in all groups did not show any signs of inflammation. Furthermore, the expression of Runx3 and TGF-β(1) protein in the colon from all groups show no significant difference (P>0.05), with no remarkable relevancy between each other (P>0.05).

The rat model for IBS was successfully established. We did not find any significant changes in the expression of Runx3 and TGF-β(1) protein in the colon tissue from IBS rats, suggesting that the quantitative changes may be not the way by which Runx3 and TGF-β(1) protein play their roles in IBS. The accurate roles of Runx3 and TGF-β(1) proteins in the pathogenesis of IBS remains to be further studied.