Mechanistic Study of Trimebutine Combined with Berberine Hydrochloride in PI-IBS Rat Intervention via the Brain–Gut–Microbiota Axis

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Abstract

This study explored the therapeutic effect of trimebutine maleate dispersible tablets combined with berberine on PI-IBS rats with liver depression and spleen deficiency. Fifty male rats were divided into five groups: normal, model, berberine (XB), trimebutine (QM), and combination (XB+QM). The PI-IBS model was established using maternal separation, TNBS perfusion, and chronic restraint. After 20 days of drug intervention, DAI, CMDI, TDI, AWR scores, histopathology, and expression levels of c-Fos, VIP, NOS, and CHAT in the hippocampus and colon were assessed. The model group showed significant gut and brain changes, while the combination group (XB+QM) improved fecal characteristics, reduced inflammation, regulated brain-gut peptide expression, and alleviated visceral hypersensitivity and colon tissue damage (P < 0.05).

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