In this study we sought to elucidate the
therapeutic effects of
fenchone on
constipation-predominant
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) and the underlying mechanisms. An IBS-C model was established in rats by administration of
ice water by gavage for 14 days.
Fenchone increased the reduced
body weight, number of fecal pellets, fecal moisture, and intestinal transit rate, and decreased the enhanced visceral
hypersensitivity in the rat model of IBS-C. In addition,
fenchone increased the serum content of excitatory
neurotransmitters and decreased the serum content of inhibitory
neurotransmitters in the IBS-C rat model. Meanwhile, western blot and immunofluorescence experiments indicated that
fenchone increased the expressions of SCF and c-Kit. Furthermore, compared with the IBS-C model group,
fenchone increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Blautia, Allobaculum, Subdoligranulum, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-008, and reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Enterococcus, Alistipes, and Escherichia-Shigella on the genus level. Overall,
fenchone ameliorates IBS-C via modulation of the SCF/c-Kit pathway and gut microbiota, and could therefore serve as a novel drug candidate against IBS-C.