DataSheet4_Effects of Xiao Chengqi Formula on Slow Transit Constipation by Assessing Gut Microbiota and Metabolomics Analysis in vitro and in vivo.ZIP

The Xiao Chengqi (XCQ) formula is a newly constituted traditional Chinese medicine prescription in the treatment of intestinal motility deficiency and is effective in patients with slow transit constipation (STC). XCQ formula was reconstructed based on a “Chengqi” decoction. Astragali Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, and cooked ground Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma were added to the prescription to enhance. An STC rat model was constructed and treated with the formula to understand the detailed mechanism by which XCQ promotes intestinal peristalsis. The effects of the XCQ formula on intestinal microflora and metabolic levels and the possible molecular mechanism of its regulation were explored using 16S rDNA sequencing, metabolomics sequencing, and tissue RNA sequencing. The results showed a significant decrease in the abundance of Roseburia spp. in the feces of STC rats, a significant decrease in the content of butyl aminobenzene (BAB) in feces, and an increase in the number of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the colon of STC rats. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that BAB could activate IL-21R on the ICC surface, upregulate the phosphorylation of the downstream molecules STAT3 and ERK, and inhibit loperamide-induced ICC apoptosis. Therefore, the XCQ formula can improve the defecation status of patients with STC by protecting ICC activity, promoting the colonization of Roseburia spp. to promote peristalsis, and increasing the BAB content after metabolism.

肖承祺（XCQ）方剂是一种新近组方的中药复方，用于治疗肠动力不足，对慢传输型便秘（slow transit constipation, STC）患者具有确切疗效。该方剂以“承气汤”为基础方化裁而来，方中添加了黄芪（Astragali Radix）、当归（Angelicae Sinensis Radix）及炙丹参（Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma）以增强疗效。本研究构建了慢传输型便秘大鼠模型并给予该方剂干预，以解析XCQ方剂促进肠蠕动的具体机制。通过16S rDNA测序、代谢组测序及组织RNA测序技术，本研究探究了XCQ方剂对肠道菌群与代谢水平的调控作用，及其潜在的分子调控机制。研究结果显示：慢传输型便秘大鼠粪便中罗氏菌属（Roseburia spp.）的丰度显著降低，粪便内丁基苯胺（butyl aminobenzene, BAB）的含量明显下降；经XCQ方剂干预后，慢传输型便秘大鼠结肠内的卡哈尔间质细胞（interstitial cells of Cajal, ICC）数量显著升高。此外，体内外实验证实，丁基苯胺（BAB）可激活卡哈尔间质细胞表面的IL-21R受体，上调下游信号分子STAT3与ERK的磷酸化水平，并抑制洛哌丁胺诱导的卡哈尔间质细胞凋亡。综上，XCQ方剂可通过保护卡哈尔间质细胞活性、促进罗氏菌属定植以增强肠蠕动，以及提升代谢后丁基苯胺含量的途径，改善慢传输型便秘患者的排便状态。