Self-assembled aggregations in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction dynamically regulate intestinal tissue permeability through...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Coptidis Rhizoma decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine formulation.
• Self-assembled aggregations (SAA) are components within Coptidis Rhizoma decoction.
• Understanding the mechanism of SAA in modulating intestinal absorption is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how SAA in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction dynamically regulate intestinal permeability.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of SAA-mediated intestinal absorption.
• To explore the role of Peyer's patches (PPs) and T-lymphocyte differentiation in this process.

Main Methods:

• In situ intestinal perfusion and Ussing Chamber models were used to study berberine (Ber) absorption.
• Immunofluorescence and RT-PCR were employed to assess tight junction (TJ) protein expression and T-lymphocyte differentiation markers.
• Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate immune effector secretions, and experiments with immunosuppressed PPs were conducted.

Main Results:

• SAA in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction dose-dependently promoted berberine absorption in the jejunum, involving Peyer's patches (PPs).
• SAA dynamically regulated intestinal permeability and TJ protein expression, correlating with changes in T-lymphocyte differentiation and immune effector secretion in PPs.
• Administration of SAA to immunosuppressed PPs led to dose-dependent PPs activation, increased intestinal permeability, and decreased TJ protein expression.

Conclusions:

• SAA enhance berberine absorption in the small intestine via Peyer's patch-associated immunity.
• SAA dynamically regulate intestinal permeability and tight junction protein expression through immune modulation.
• These findings offer insights into the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine decoctions.