Huchang Kangfu Decoction Alleviates Intestinal Inflammation in a Radiation-induced Intestinal Injury Rat Model by Regulating the Biosynthesis of Steroid Hormones

Abstract Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Huchang Kangfu decoction (HCKF) on intestinal tissue in a radiation-induced intestinal injury (RII) rat model. Materials and Methods: An RII rat model was established by irradiating the abdomen and pelvis in a single fraction with 13 Gy using a linear accelerator. Saline, HCKF, or dexamethasone (DXMS) was administered to the rats for 7 days. mRNA sequencing was performed on rat rectal and colon tissues. The chemical composition of HCKF was identified by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics technology was used to analyze the differences in the gene transcription of RII rats under different interventions and the possible targets of HCKF. Results: We identified 712 (blank vs. model), 517 (HCKF vs. model), 692 (DXMS vs. model), and 503 (HCKF vs. model) differentially expressed genes. The key differentially expressed genes were Hsd3b1, Hsd3b2, and Hsd3b3. Gineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid biosynthesis were significantly regulated in all the comparisons; particularly, they were upregulated after gavage with HCKF. Both biological processes are regulated by key differentially expressed genes. A total of 197 chemical components and 144 potential target genes were identified in HCKF, which has proven anti-inflammatory components. Conclusion: HCKF was verified to regulate steroid biosynthesis by upregulating the expression of key genes, such as Hsd3b1, Hsd3b2, and Hsd3b3, thereby reducing inflammatory injury to the colon and rectum in RII rats.