BackgroundThe pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is closely related to intestinal dysbacteriosis and can be controlled by moxibustion treatment. However, the mechanism underlying the therapeutic value of moxibustion in IBS treatment remains unknown.MethodsAn IBS rat model was established by colorectal distention (CRD) stimulus and mustard oil clyster. Sixty-five male rats were randomly divided into six groups: normal, IBS model, moxibustion, electroacupuncture (EA), Bifid-triple Viable Capsule (BTVC) and Pinaverium Bromide (PB) groups. The moxibustion group was treated with mild moxibustion at the bilateral Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) for 10min/day for 7days, the EA group was given EA at ST25 and ST37 once daily for 7days, while the BTVC group and PB groups received Bifid-triple Viable Capsule and Pinaverium Bromide solution (at the proportion of 1:0.018) respectively by gavage once daily for 7days. After the treatment, abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores were determined based on CRD stimulus, gut microbiota profiling was conducted by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing.ResultsIrritable bowel syndrome model rats had significantly increased AWR scores at all intensities (20, 40, 60 and 80mmHg) compared with the normal group. Moxibustion treatment significantly reduced AWR scores compared with the IBS model group at all intensities. Across all groups the most abundant phyla were Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes followed by Proteobacteria and Candidatus Saccharibacteria. At genus level IBS model rats had a higher abundance of Prevotella, Bacteroides and Clostridium XI and a lower abundance of Lactobacillus and Clostridium XIVa compared with normal rats. These changes in microbiota profiles could however be reversed by moxibustion treatment. Alpha diversity was decreased in IBS model rats compared with normal rats, yet significantly increased in moxibustion- and PB-treated rats compared with IBS rats.ConclusionOur findings suggest that moxibustion treats IBS by modulating the gut microbiota.
[1]Shanghai Univ Tradit Chinese Med, Shanghai Res Inst Acupuncture & Meridian, 650 South Wanping Rd, Shanghai 200030, Peoples R China.
[2]Shanghai Univ Tradit Chinese Med, Key Lab Acupuncture & Immunol Effects, Shanghai 200030, Peoples R China.
[3]Shanghai Univ Tradit Chinese Med, Yueyang Clin Med Coll, Shanghai 200437, Peoples R China.
[4]Indiana Univ Sch Med, Stark Neurosci Res Inst, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA.
[5]Indiana Univ Sch Med, Dept Anat & Cell Biol, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA.
[6]Indiana Univ Sch Med, Dept Radiat Oncol, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA.
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