Ganjiang granule regulates cecal microflora and serum biochemical components in a rat model of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome

Objective:To investigate the effects of Ganjiang granule(GG)on cecal microflora and serum biochemical components in rats with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBSeC).Methods:Twenty-four SpragueeDawley rats were randomly divided into four groups:control,model,GG,and probiotics.Rats in the model,GG,and probiotics groups received 3℃ tap water intragastrically;rats in the GG group were treated with GG;rats in the probiotics group were treated with probiotics.For all rats,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetry were used to assess serum biochemical components related to gastrointestinal function;16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the cecal microflora.Results:The serum level of 5-hydroxytryptamine(HT)was higher in the model group than in the control group(Z=-2.082,P=.037).The model group exhibited changes in cecal microflora:the relative abundances of Lactobacillus decreased(Z=-2.882,P=.004)and Dorea increased(t=-3.030,P=.023),compared with the control group.The GG and probiotics groups exhibited normal serum levels of 5-HT.The GG and probiotics groups exhibited improved serum levels of gastrin;the probiotics group exhibited an improved serum level of vasoactive intestinal peptide.Compared with the model group,The GG group exhibited greater relative abundance of Ruminococcus(Z=-2.402,P=.016);the probiotics group exhibited greater relative abundance of SMB53(Z=-2.823,P=.005)and lower relative abundances of Desulfovibrio(Z=-2.823,P=.005)and Facklamia(Z=-2.608,P=.009).Conclusion:The effects of GG on IBS-C may be related to regulation of the serum level of 5-HT,as well as elevated relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in cecal microflora.