scholarly journals Huangkui Lianchang Decoction Ameliorates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Inhibiting the NF-kappaB Signaling Pathway

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zongqi He ◽  
Qing Zhou ◽  
Ke Wen ◽  
Bensheng Wu ◽  
Xueliang Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Comparable Efficacy ◽  
Intestinal Damage ◽  
Macroscopic Lesion ◽  
Cox 2

Background. The nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) signaling pathway plays an important role in ulcerative colitis (UC). Huangkui Lianchang decoction (HLD) is an effective traditional Chinese medicinal compound used in the treatment of UC. HLD has good effects in the clinic, but the mechanism by which HLD acts is unclear. This study aims to reveal the exact molecular mechanism of HLD in the treatment of UC. Methods. Mouse ulcerative colitis was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and treated with HLD. Intestinal damage was assessed by disease activity index (DAI), colon macroscopic lesion scores, and histological scores. Interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1β were detected in colon tissue using ELISA. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the colonic mucosa were measured. The levels of IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the colon were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The expression of NF-κB, IκBα, and p-IκBα in the colon was measured by Western blot. Results. After treatment with HLD, the DAI scores, macroscopic lesion scores, and histological scores decreased, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines related to the NF-κB signaling pathway, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, as well as those of iNOS and COX-2, were reduced; at the same time, colonic pathological damage was alleviated, and the MPO and SOD activities decreased. Western blot confirmed that HLD can inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway in DSS-induced ulcerative colitis. Conclusion. HLD can alleviate the inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis. In particular, high doses of HLD can significantly alleviate intestinal inflammation and have comparable efficacy to Mesalazine. We propose that the anti-inflammatory activity of HLD on DSS-induced colitis in mice may involve the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.

Desmethylbellidifolin Attenuates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis: Impact on Intestinal Barrier, Intestinal Inflammation and Gut Microbiota

Planta Medica ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaqi Wu ◽  
Yuzheng Wu ◽  
Yue Chen ◽  
Mengyang Liu ◽  
Haiyang Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Dextran Sulfate ◽  
Dextran Sulfate Sodium ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Intestinal Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Barrier Function ◽  
Function Evaluation ◽  
Biological Drugs

AbstractUlcerative colitis has been recognized as a chronic inflammatory disease predominantly disturbing the colon and rectum. Clinically, the aminosalicylates, steroids, immunosuppressants, and biological drugs are generally used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis at different stages of disease progression. However, the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs does not satisfy the patients due to the frequent drug resistance. Herein, we reported the anti-ulcerative colitis activity of desmethylbellidifolin, a xanthone isolated from Gentianella acuta, in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice. C57BL/6 mice were treated with 2% dextran sulfate sodium in drinking water to induce acute colitis. Desmethylbellidifolin or balsalazide sodium was orally administrated once a day. Biological samples were collected for immunohistological analysis, intestinal barrier function evaluation, cytokine measurement, and gut microbiota analysis. The results revealed that desmethylbellidifolin alleviated colon shortening and body weight loss in dextran sulfate sodium-induced mice. The disease activity index was also lowered by desmethylbellidifolin after 9 days of treatment. Furthermore, desmethylbellidifolin remarkably ameliorated colonic inflammation through suppressing the expression of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. The intestinal epithelial barrier was strengthened by desmethylbellidifolin through increasing levels of occludin, ZO-1, and claudins. In addition, desmethylbellidifolin modulated the gut dysbiosis induced by dextran sulfate sodium. These findings suggested that desmethylbellidifolin effectively improved experimental ulcerative colitis, at least partly, through maintaining intestinal barrier integrity, inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines, and modulating dysregulated gut microbiota.

scholarly journals Study on the mechanism of Indigo naturalis and its two main compounds (indigo and indirubin) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis based on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and intestinal microorganisms

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi-yue Yang ◽  
Ya-nan He ◽  
Le-le Ma ◽  
Run-chun Xu ◽  
Nan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Pathological Section ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokine Production ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Indigo Naturalis ◽  
Inflammation Cytokines

Abstract Background: Indigo naturalis is a natural dye extracted from plants and has a good anti-inflammatory effect. Clinical studies have shown that it can improve ulcerative colitis (UC), but the active constituents and the mechanism are unclear. Methods: The anti-UC activity of Indigo naturalis and its two main compounds (indigo and indirubin) were investigated in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mice. Indigo naturalis, indigo and indirubin were administrated to DSS-induced UC rats by oral gavage for 1 weeks. The anti-UC effect was evaluated by pathological section, inflammatory cytokine production, western blotting, and gut microbiota analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Indigo naturalis, indigo and indirubin can improve the UC induced by DSS. Their effect intensity is Indigo naturalis > indirubin > indigo based on disease activity index, body weight, colon length and pathological section. Indigo naturalis, indigo and indirubin also decrease the expression of NF-κB，TLR4 and MYD88 proteins, thus reducing the level of related inflammation cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) both in serum and tissue. In addition, Indigo naturalis and indigo improved symptoms of gut microbial disturbance, and decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and the significantly increased probiotics such as Lactobacillus. Indirubin has little effect on the regulation of gut microbial. Conclusions: Indigo naturalis could attenuate the DSS-induced UC in mice, by means of ameliorating intestinal inflammation, improving intestinal mucosa, and regulating the disturbed gut microbiota. Indigo and indirubin could also attenuate the DSS-induced UC in mice, but their comprehensive effect is not as good as Indigo naturalis.

scholarly journals Downregulation of FPR1 abates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory injury and apoptosis by upregulating MAPK signaling pathway in murine chondrogenic ATDC5 cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 56-62
Author(s):  
Hongtao Chen ◽  
Li Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Response ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Mapk Signaling Pathway ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Expression Level ◽  
Formyl Peptide Receptor ◽  
Western Blot Assay

Background and objective: Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic osteoarthrosis disease. There are complex factors that lead to osteoarthritis. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the molecular mechanism of osteoarthritis, especially the mechanism of articular cartilage degeneration. In this study, the mechanism of FPR1 (formyl peptide receptor 1) in LPS (lipopolysaccharide) induced chondrogenic cell ATDC5 was investigated.Materials and methods: We employed real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot assay to analyze the expression level of FPR1 in ATDC5 cell linesinduced by LPS at 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 μg/mL concentrations. Then we constructed the FPR1 knockdown plasmid to transfect the LPS-ATDC5. MTT assay was used to test cell viability in control, LPS, LPS+shNC and LPS+shFPR1 groups. ELISA and RT-qPCR assay were employed to examine the TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α)、IL-6 and IL-1β expression level. Flow cytometry and western blot assay were employed to analyze the apoptosis of LPS-ATDC5. Finally, we utilized the western blot assay to text related protein expression level of MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway.Results: In this study, we found the expression level of FPR1 was increased in LPS-ATDC5, downregulation of FPR1 improves the survival rate and alleviates inflammatory response of LPS-ATDC5. Meanwhile, downregulation of FPR1 alleviates apoptosis of LPS-ATDC5. Finally, downregulation of FPR1 inhibits the MAPK signal pathway.Conclusion: Present study revealed that FPR1 was highly expressed in LPS-induced chondrocytes ATDC5, and the downregulation of FPR1 abated the inflammatory response and apoptosis of LPS-ATDC5 cells by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Moxibustion Inhibits the Expression of Colonic NLRP3 through miR7/RNF183/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in UC Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Xi-Ying Li ◽  
Yan-Ting Yang ◽  
Yue Zhao ◽  
Xie-He Kong ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Disease Activity Index ◽  
Moxa Stick Moxibustion ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Colon Injury ◽  
Moxa Stick

Background. Moxibustion has been recognized as an effective approach for ulcerative colitis, yet its mechanism is not clear. The research aimed to investigate the influence of moxibustion on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and its mechanism in treating ulcerative colitis by observing miR7/RNF183 inducing IκB α ubiquitination to regulate NF-κB signaling pathway in an ulcerative colitis rat model. Methods. An ulcerative colitis rat model was established by unlimited access to self-administration of 3.5% (w/v) dextran sulfate sodium solution. Mild moxibustion was applied to bilateral Tianshu points (ST25) in the moxa-stick moxibustion group; rats in the control group were intervened by intraperitoneal injection of ubiquitination inhibitor, MG132. The disease activity index was determined at the end of the intervention; colon injury was observed and scored after hematoxylin-eosin staining; the immunohistochemical method was adopted to detect the expressions of colonic IL-1β and NLRP3 proteins; Western blot determined the expressions of RNF183, IκB α, and NF-κB p65 proteins in the colon; the immunofluorescence test was used to observe the coexpression of IκB α/ubiquitin and IκB α/RNF183 proteins in the colon; immunoprecipitation assay was adopted to observe the interaction between IκB α and RNF183 proteins; and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction determined the expression of colonic miR7. Results. Moxibustion lowered the disease activity index, manifesting as restored colonic tissue and reduced inflammatory reaction, and decreased expression levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β proteins, compared with the model group. It also reduced colonic expression of NF-κB p65 protein, together with the increased level of IκB α protein and weaker expression levels of ubiquitin and RNF183 proteins and mRNAs and stronger expression of miR7. There were no significant differences between the moxa-stick moxibustion group and the control group except the expressions of RNF183 protein and mRNA and miR7. Conclusion. Moxibustion encourages the recovery of colon injury probably by regulating the expression of NLRP3 protein in ulcerative colitis rats through miR7/RNF183/NF-κB signaling pathway.

scholarly journals EGCG Maintains Th1/Th2 Balance and Mitigates Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Rats

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Bing ◽  
Liu Xuelei ◽  
Dong Wanwei ◽  
Liang Linlang ◽  
Chen Keyan
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Dextran Sulfate ◽  
Dextran Sulfate Sodium ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Mucosal Injury ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Intestinal Mucosal Injury

Objective. To observe the protective effect of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced ulcerative colitis in rats and to explore the roles of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Methods. Rat models of ulcerative colitis were established by giving DSS. EGCG (50 mg/kg/d) was given to assess disease activity index. HE staining was applied to observe histological changes. ELISA and qPCR detected the expression of inflammatory factors. Flow cytometry was used to measure the percentage of CD4+IFN-γ+ and CD4+IL-4+ in the spleen and colon. TLR4 antagonist E5564 was given in each group. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect CD4+IFN-γ+ and CD4+IL-4+ cells. Immunohistochemistry, qPCR, and western blot assay were applied to measure the expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB. Results. EGCG improved the intestinal mucosal injury in rats, inhibited production of inflammatory factors, maintained the balance of Th1/Th2, and reduced the expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB. After TLR4 antagonism, the protective effect of EGCG on intestinal mucosal injury was weakened in rats with ulcerative colitis, and the expressions of inflammatory factors were upregulated. Conclusion. EGCG can inhibit the intestinal inflammatory response by reducing the severity of ulcerative colitis and maintaining the Th1/Th2 balance through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Protective Effect of Iridoid Glycosides of the Leaves of Syringa oblata Lindl. on Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibition of the TLR2/4/MyD88/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Yifang Zhang ◽  
Dandan Han ◽  
Shen Yu ◽  
Chiying An ◽  
Xin Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Dextran Sulfate ◽  
Dextran Sulfate Sodium ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Iridoid Glycosides ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner

Iridoid glycoside (IG) is the major active fraction extracted from the leaves of Syringa oblata Lindl. In view of its antimicrobial and antidiarrheal potential, it could be beneficial for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). In the present study, IG (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) was administered orally for 14 days to dextran sulfate sodium- (DSS-) induced colitis rats. The anti-inflammatory effects of IG on DSS-induced UC were evaluated by comparing observations in DSS-induced colitis and drug-treated groups using disease activity index (DAI), macroscopic score, histological analysis, and apoptosis assay. To elucidate the antioxidant mechanisms of IG on NOX-dependent ROS production, the activities of 8-OHdG, NOX1, and NOX2 in DSS-induced colitis were determined. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-12p40, and IL-13 were detected. The inflammation-associated protein and mRNA expressions of TLR-2, TLR-4, MyD88, and NF-κBp65 were assessed by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. The results suggested that IG treatment significantly reduced DAI, macroscopic score, and histological damage compared to untreated animals (p<0.01), whereas administration of IG remarkably attenuated the upregulation of 8-OHdG, NOX1, and NOX2 and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-12p40, and IL-13 in DSS-treated rats in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, IG treatment could dose dependently suppress the protein and mRNA levels of TLR-2, TLR-4, MyD88, and NF-κBp65. The dose of IG that produced the most significant protective effect was 80 mg/kg. The above results demonstrate that IG exerts its inhibitory effect on cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokines in DSS-induced colitis through modulation of the TLR2/4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

scholarly journals P122 High correlation between faecal calprotectin and a Novel Integral Index for evaluating disease activity in ulcerative colitis patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S197-S197
Author(s):  
J K Yamamoto-Furusho ◽  
E A Mendieta-Escalante
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
P Value ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Integral Index ◽  
Full Spectrum ◽  
Faecal Calprotectin ◽  
Mayo Score

Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and incurable disease characterised by periods of activity and remission. There are several indexes that evaluate the UC activity from clinical, biochemical and endoscopic parameters. The faecal calprotectin is a non-invasive marker for detecting intestinal inflammation in UC patients. A new novel integral disease index (Yamamoto-Furusho index) includes clinical, biochemical, endoscopic and histological findings that evaluate the full spectrum of activity in UC patients. The aim is to correlate the Novel Index Activity index (Yamamoto-Furusho Index) with faecal calprotectin levels in UC patients and compare with other indexes. Methods A total of 158 patients with confirmed diagnosis of UC from the IBD Clinic were recruited in the period between July 2017 and June 2019. All demographic and clinical characteristics were collected from clinical charts. The faecal calprotectin was measured at least 1 week before the colonoscopy and biopsies. The Spearman’s Rho was used for the correlation. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered as significant. Results We analysed 185 patients with UC, 85 patients (51.8%) were women and 73 (44.5%) men, with an average current age of 43.53 years (+14.35), an age at diagnosis of 36.6 + 15.1 years and disease duration of 11.27 ± 8.1 years. The extension was distributed on proctitis (E1) in 13.3%, left colitis (E2) in 19.6% and pancolitis (E3) in 31.6%. The treatment was based on mesalazine in 93.9%, steroids in 26.2% and azathioprine in 15.9%. The correlation between faecal calprotectin and the Yamamoto–Furusho index was high (rho = 0.730, p &lt; 0.0001) compared with other indexes such as endoscopic Mayo sub-score (rho = 0.705, p = &lt;0.001); Truelove–Witts (rho = 0.644, p = &lt;0.001), Full Mayo score (rho = 0.708, p = &lt;0.001) and Montreal (rho = 0.551, p = &lt;0.001). Conclusion The novel integral index showed a high correlation with faecal calprotectin compared with other UC indexes for evaluating disease activity in UC patients.

FGF-7 facilitates the process of psoriasis by inducing TNF-α expression in HaCaT cells

2019 ◽  
Vol 51 (10) ◽  
pp. 1056-1063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiaojiao Pu ◽  
Rui Wang ◽  
Guanglin Zhang ◽  
Ju Wang
Keyword(s):  
Western Blot ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Specific Antibody ◽  
Blot Analysis ◽  
Western Blot Analysis ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Hacat Cells ◽  
Tnf Α

Abstract The purpose of this study was to uncover the mechanism of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induction by fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7) in human HaCaT cells and the potential role of FGF-7-specific antibody F-9 in psoriatic therapy. TNF-α expression in HaCaT cells induced by FGF-7 was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. In vivo, the BALB/c mouse psoriasis model established by topical application of imiquimod (IMQ) was used to determine the role of FGF-7-specific antibody (F-9) in skin inflammation. We found that induction of TNF-α expression by FGF-7 in HaCaT cells was suppressed by FGF-7-specific antibody F-9. Western blot analysis results showed that FGF-7 induced TNF-α expression in HaCaT cells via the FGF receptor 2 (FGFR2)/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. In vivo, F-9 could significantly ameliorate the inflammations in a mouse psoriatic model evaluated by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores and ear thickness, which was consistent with the results of hematoxylin–eosin staining, immunohistochemistry assay, and western blot analysis. These results indicate that FGF-7 induces TNF-α expression in HaCaT cells and FGF-7 antibody F-9 alleviates IMQ-induced psoriasiform in mice. Therefore, FGF-7/FGFR2 signaling pathway is a potential target for psoriasis treatment.

Effects of Cornu Bubali (CB) on the Adhesion of Leukocyte and Endothelial Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 554-561
Author(s):  
Haixia Li ◽  
Zhenghui Xiao ◽  
Xuefei Tian ◽  
Paoqiu Wang ◽  
Yan Long ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Notch Signaling ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Umbilical Vein ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Notch Signaling Pathway ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Qpcr Analysis ◽  
Tnf Α

Background: The interaction between leukocytes and vascular endothelial cells is ubiquitous in the occurrence and development of many diseases, especially in the body's defense response. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of cornu bubali (CB) on the adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells. Materials and methods: Human leukemic cell line (HL-60) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to simulate the adhesion effect between cells. After HUVECs were treated with TNF- α(15 ng/mL) combined with different dose of CB (15, 30 and 60 μmol/L) and dexamethasone (DEX, 2 μg/ml) for 24 h, HL-60 cells were added into the coculture system for another 1 h. CCK8 assay was performed to investigate cell viability of HUVECs. HL-60 cells adhesion to HUVECs was quantified using Hoechst 33342 staining. Subsequently, the levels of adhesion molecules were detected by the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis and ELISA, respectively. RT-qPCR and western blot were performed to assess the levels of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and the expression of Notch signaling pathway. Results: Treatment with CB could reduce the adherence of HL-60 to HUVECs induced by TNF- in a dose-dependent manner. CB inhibited the expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, CD44, IL-1β, COX-2 and CCL4 in HUVECs. Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis confirmed that CB prevented TNF-α -induced over-expression of Notch receptors (Notch1 and Notch2), Notch ligands (DLL1 and Jagged1), signaling effectors (Hes1) and adhesion related proteins (NF-κB/p65, p-I B and IκBκ) in HUVECs. Conclusion: CB induces interactions between leukocytes and endothelial cells through the activation of Notch signaling pathway. These data contribute to further explain the protective effect of CB against development of inflammatory process of hemorrhage in acute leukemia.

scholarly journals Protective effects of oxymatrine against DSS-induced acute intestinal inflammation in mice via blocking the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yifan Wang ◽  
Zhexing Shou ◽  
Heng Fan ◽  
Meng Xu ◽  
Qianyun Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Intestinal Inflammation ◽  
Rho Kinase ◽  
Treg Cells ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Benefits ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
High Doses

Abstract Oxymatrine (OMT) is an important quinoxaline alkaloid that has a wide range of pharmacological effects and has been shown to alleviate ulcerative colitis due to its profound anti-inflammatory effects. The RhoA/ROCK (Rho kinase) signaling pathway has been shown to be related to the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases; however, the specific mechanisms of RhoA/ROCK signaling in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain elusive. Therefore, we sought to determine whether OMT could ameliorate acute intestinal inflammation by targeting the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. The potential therapeutic effect of OMT on acute intestinal inflammation and its impact on the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway were assessed in six groups of mice treated with low, medium and high doses of OMT (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively), and an inhibitor of ROCK, Y-27632, as a positive control, after initiating dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute intestinal inflammation. The model group and normal group were injected intraperitoneally with equal doses of PBS. Our results showed that OMT treatment could protect the integrity of the epithelial barrier, relieve oxidative stress, inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory cytokines, restrain the differentiation of Th17 cells and promote the differentiation of Treg cells via inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK pathway, thus providing therapeutic benefits for ulcerative colitis (UC). Therefore, inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway might be a new approach that can be used in UC therapy, which deserves to be investigated further.

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