Zhujie Hewei Granules Ameliorated Reflux Esophagitis in Rats

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent chronic digestive disorder.
• Reflux esophagitis (RE), a complication of GERD, significantly impairs patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Zhujie Hewei granules (ZHG) on reflux esophagitis (RE) in a rat model.
• To elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying ZHG's effects on RE.

Main Methods:

• An RE rat model was induced via pylorus ligation, cardiotomy, and acid perfusion.
• Rats received daily oral administration of ZHG (1.30, 2.60, or 5.20 g/kg) for 28 days.
• Esophageal histopathology, gastric juice pH, and serum levels of gastrin (GAS), motilin (MTL), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were assessed.

Main Results:

• ZHG treatment significantly improved body weight and reduced esophageal mucosal injury scores in RE rats (P < 0.05).
• Gastric pH increased, while serum MTL and VIP levels decreased significantly with ZHG administration (P < 0.05).
• High-dose ZHG reduced serum GAS levels, and both high and middle doses lowered esophageal inflammation scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• ZHG demonstrates significant therapeutic effects in treating RE in a rat model.
• ZHG's mechanism involves enhancing gastric content pH, reducing specific gastrointestinal hormones (GAS, MTL, VIP), and mitigating esophageal inflammatory damage.