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Published on: July 25, 2017
[Correlation study of rhubarb and expression changes of antimicrobial peptides in the small intestine of mice]
Zhao-ping Yan1, Xiao-li Chen, Zheng Zhang
1Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College, Guizhou 563003.
Objective:
To study the correlation between rhubarb and expressions of antimicrobial peptides (AP) in the small intestine of mice by observing the effect of rhubarb on it.
Methods:
Thirty healthy ICR mice were randomly divided into the test group and the control group, fifteen in each. Ten percent rhubarb decoction and equal volume of normal saline solution was respectively given to mice of the two groups by gastrogavage. Mice were sacrificed 24 h later. The small intestines from the ligament of Treitz to the ileocecal junction were removed by ventrotomy. The lumen of each resected intestine was rinsed with 10% acetic acid solution and the perfusate was collected. The small intestine homogenate was prepared using 30% acetic acid solution. The equivalent samples were electrophoresed on 12.5% AU-PAGE and Tricine-16.5% SDS-PAGE, and peptide bands were visualized with Coomassie brilliant blue R-250 or ammoniacal silver-stained respectively. And then analysis of gel imaging and gel overlay assay were performed. The bactericidal activity and expressions of AP in the small intestine of samples in the two groups were compared. The molecular weight of AP in the small intestine was measured.
Results:
After gastrogavaged with rhubarb decoction, changes of AP contents in the small intestine homogenate of mice were not obvious, but the molecular weights of AP were different. But the AP contents in the small intestine perfusate obviously increased, with the molecular weights being 14.3 to 18.4 kDa. But its bactericidal capacity showed no statistical difference when compared with that of the control group (P>0.05).
Conclusion:
Rhubarb enhanced the expressions of partial APs in the small intestine, which might possibly be one of its mechanisms of protecting and strengthening the intestinal barrier.
Insights
Rhubarb consumption increased antimicrobial peptides (AP) in mouse small intestine perfusate, suggesting a role in intestinal barrier function. Further research is needed to confirm its protective mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Context:
- Rhubarb is a traditional medicinal herb with known biological activities.
- Antimicrobial peptides (AP) play a crucial role in innate immunity and maintaining gut barrier integrity.
- Understanding the interaction between herbal compounds and host defense mechanisms is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effect of rhubarb on the expression and activity of antimicrobial peptides (AP) in the small intestine of mice.
- To determine if rhubarb influences the molecular weight and bactericidal capacity of APs.
- To explore the potential role of rhubarb in modulating intestinal barrier function through AP expression.
Summary:
- Rhubarb decoction administration to mice led to an increase in AP content within the small intestine perfusate, with specific molecular weight ranges observed (14.3-18.4 kDa).
- While AP content in the homogenate did not significantly change, the perfusate levels indicated enhanced AP presence in the intestinal lumen.
- No significant difference in overall bactericidal capacity was detected between the rhubarb-treated and control groups.
Impact:
- Rhubarb may enhance the expression of certain antimicrobial peptides in the small intestine.
- This effect could contribute to rhubarb's known benefits in protecting and strengthening the intestinal barrier.
- The findings provide insights into the pharmacological mechanisms of rhubarb in gastrointestinal health.
