Long term Coptidis Rhizoma intake induce gastrointestinal emptying inhibition and colon barrier weaken via bitter taste receptors activation in mice
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Coptidis Rhizoma, a classic bitter traditional Chinese medicine, can lead to digestive dysfunction when long-term use according to traditional experience. Bitter taste receptors have been found to regulate gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction. Coptidis Rhizoma alkaloids are potential agonists for bitter taste receptors, but whether they can induce gastrointestinal dysfunction via bitter taste receptors is not clear.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to elucidate whether long-term Coptidis Rhizoma decoction/berberine intake can affect gastrointestinal function via bitter taste receptors.
METHODS: Firstly, mice were orally administered Coptidis Rhizoma decoction (or berberine) for 8 weeks, then their appetite, gastrointestinal emptying function, colon barrier function, and gut microbiota homeostasis were evaluated. Subsequently, isolated intestine, molecular docking, calcium release, and immunofluorescence co-localization experiments were applied to explore the mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma decoction (or berberine) inhibition effects on gastrointestinal motility. Finally, transmembrane resistance, scratch assay, tight junction and cytoskeletal protein immunofluorescence staining were conducted to verify that the bitter taste receptor is the target for Coptidis Rhizoma decoction (or berberine) to damage the colon barrier function.
RESULT: Long-term Coptidis Rhizoma decoction (or berberine) intake can reduce appetite, inhibit gastrointestinal contractions,…
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