Rikkunshito prevents blood glucose intolerance in rats undergoing distal pancreatectomy

Background

After pancreatic surgery, impaired glucose tolerance may occur as a consequence of surgery, which has the potential to predispose a patient to diabetes.

Aim

This study investigated the effects of rikkunshito (TJ-43) on incretin hormones and blood glucose tolerance in rats undergoing distal pancreatectomy.

Methods

Rats undergoing distal pancreatectomy were fed diets containing TJ-43 [TJ-43(+) group] or not containing TJ-43 [TJ-43(−) group]. The plasma incretin hormone levels, including gastrointestinal polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like polypeptide-1 (GLP-1), were measured. Furthermore, the expression of incretin hormones in the gastrointestinal tract and insulin in the pancreas was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, blood glucose and plasma insulin levels were assessed using the oral glucose tolerance test.

Results

The plasma GIP and GLP-1 levels markedly increased in the TJ-43(+) group compared with those in the TJ-43(−) group. GIP and GLP-1 expressions were enhanced in the stomach and small intestine by TJ-43 treatment, respectively. In the oral glucose tolerance test, the increasing blood glucose levels observed in the TJ-43(−) group were reduced in the TJ-43(+) group by increases in plasma insulin levels.

Conclusions

The results show that TJ-43 may improve blood glucose tolerance in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery.

Core tips

This study investigated the effects of rikkunshito (TJ-43) on the secretion of incretin hormones, including gastric inhibitory polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1, and blood glucose tolerance in rats undergoing distal pancreatectomy. TJ-43 markedly increased the secretion of incretin hormones. As a result, TJ-43 increased blood insulin levels and improved glucose tolerance. Thus, TJ-43 may have benefits after pancreatic surgery.