scholarly journals Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi Granule Enhances Colonic Tight Junction Integrity via TLR4/NF-κB/MLCK Signaling Pathway in Ulcerative Colitis Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Xiuhong Kang ◽  
Mengdi Jia ◽  
Luqing Zhao ◽  
Shengsheng Zhang

Background. Bu-zhong-yi-qi granule (BZYQ), a sort of Chinese herbal medicine, has exhibited therapeutic effects on ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the mechanism of BZYQ has not been fully clarified. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of BZYQ on UC rats model and at exploring its potential mechanism. Methods. The UC rats were established by enema of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The therapeutic effects of BZYQ treatment were evaluated by disease activity index (DAI), colon macroscopic damage index (CMDI) scores, and histological observation. The mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were measured by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins, occludin and claudin-1, in the colon was determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence. The expression of toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), p-NF-κB, myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), MLC, and p-MLC levels in colon was determined by Western blot or qPCR. Results. The results showed that BZYQ could attenuate DAI, CMDI, and histological inflammation. TJ proteins expression was decreased in UC rats, but treatment with BZYQ restored the expression of occludin and claudin-1. In addition, BZYQ administration ameliorated UC-associated increase in the production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and the expression of TLR4, NF-κB, p-NF-κB, MLCK, MLC, and p-MLC, while BZYQ administration increased the production of IL-10. Conclusions. The therapeutic effect of BZYQ on UC is at least partially through regulation of the secretion of some inflammatory cytokines and improvement of TJ integrity via TLR4/NF-κB/MLCK pathway.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoqin Xu ◽  
Juan Zhang ◽  
Liang Chen ◽  
Yu Sun ◽  
Degang Qing ◽  
...  

Alhagi pseudalhagi Desv. Extract (APE) is the major active fraction extracted from the aerial part of Alhagi pseudalhagi Desv. In view of its application in Uyghur medicine, it may be beneficial for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of APE on UC mice and detect the possible mechanisms underlying these effects.Methods: An acute UC model was established in mice using dextran sulfate sodium. Sixty mice were randomly divided into six groups: normal, UC model, sulfasalazine (200 mg/kg), high-dose APE (APE-H, 2.82 g/kg), middle-dose APE (APE-M, 1.41 g/kg), and low-dose APE (APE-L, 0.70 g/kg) groups. Drugs were administered by gavage for 10 days after the induction of colitis. Serum and colon tissue samples were collected from the mice during the experiment, and survival signs, body weight changes, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and colon wet weight in mice were determined after the treatment. UC-induced damage, including inflammation and ulceration of colon mucosa, were observed by the naked eye as well as using hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) and scanning electron microscopy and scored according to Wallace and Keean’s criteria. We measured the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in the serum and colon tissues using ELISA. Additionally, the relative protein levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), phosphorylated NF-κB p65 at Ser536 (p-p65 Ser536), inhibitor kappa B-kinase ß (IK-Kβ), and phosphorylated IK-Kβ (Ser176/180) (p-IK-Kβ) in colonic mucosal epithelial tissues were detected using western blotting. The main functional components of APE were analyzed and confirmed by UPLC-MS/MS.Results: APE treatment repaired the UC-induced colon mucosa injury, reduced the weight loss, attenuated DAI, colon macroscopic damage index, and histological inflammation, and significantly downregulated the levels of inflammatory markers, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, in the serum and colon tissues. Additionally, APE treatment reduced the levels of TLR4 and phosphorylation of p-NF-κB and p-IK-Kβ. The main components of APE are taxifolin, 3,5-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl) oxan-2-yl] oxychromen-4-one, hyperoside, rutin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, and kaempferide.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, the present study is first to demonstrate that APE exerts a protective effect against intestinal inflammation in UC by affecting TLR4-dependent NF-κB signaling pathways.



2015 ◽  
Vol 18;4 (4;18) ◽  
pp. E615-E628
Author(s):  
Lei Chen

Background: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a long-standing inflammation of the exocrine pancreas, which typically results in severe and constant abdominal pain. Previous studies on the mechanisms underlying CP-induced pain have primarily focused on the peripheral nociceptive system. A role for a central mechanism in the mediation or modulation of abdominal pain is largely unknown. Tanshinone IIA (TSN IIA), an active component of the traditional Chinese medicine Danshen, exhibits anti-inflammatory properties via downregulation of the expression of high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1), a late proinflammatory cytokine. HMGB1 binds and activates toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to induce spinal astrocyte activation and proinflammatory cytokine release in neuropathic pain. Objective: In this study, we investigated the effect of TSN IIA on pain responses in rats with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced CP. The roles of central mechanisms in the mediation or modulation of CP were also investigated. Study Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled animal trial. Methods: CP was induced in rats by intrapancreatic infusion of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Pancreatic histopathological changes were characterized with semi-quantitative scores. The abdomen nociceptive behaviors were assessed with von Frey filaments. The effects of intraperitoneally administered TSN IIA on CP-induced mechanical allodynia were tested. The spinal protein expression of HMGB1 was determined by western blot. The spinal mRNA and protein expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were determined by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. The spinal expression of the HMGB1 receptor TRL4 and the astrocyte activation marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were determined by western blot or immunohistological staining after intraperitoneal injection of TSN IIA or intrathecal administration of a neutralizing anti-HMGB1 antibody. Results: TNBS infusion resulted in pancreatic histopathological changes of chronic pancreatitis and mechanical allodynia in rats. TSN IIA significantly attenuated TNBS-induced mechanical allodynia in a dose-dependent manner. TNBS significantly increased the spinal expression of HMGB1 and proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. These TNBS-induced changes were significantly inhibited by TSN IIA in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, TSN IIA, but not the neutralizing anti-HMGB1 antibody, significantly inhibited TNBS-induced spinal TLR4 and GFAP expression. Limitations: In addition to TLR4, HMGB1 can also bind to toll-like receptor-2 (TLR2) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Additional studies are warranted to ascertain whether HMGB1 contributes to CP-induced pain through activation of these receptors. Conclusions: Our results suggest that spinal HMGB1 contributes to the development of CPinduced pain and can potentially be a therapeutic target. TSN IIA attenuates CP-induced pain via downregulation of spinal HMGB1 and TRL4 expression. Therefore, TSN IIA may be a potential anti-nociceptive drug for the treatment of CP-induced pain. Key words: Chronic pancreatitis, HMGB1, proinflammatory cytokine, Tanshinone IIA, spinal cord, astrocyte, TLR4



2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S8-S8
Author(s):  
Bo Xiao ◽  
Emilie Viennois ◽  
Tim L Denning ◽  
Didier Merlin


Author(s):  
М.В. Осиков ◽  
Е.В. Симонян ◽  
А.Е. Бакеева ◽  
Л.В. Астахова

Введение. Востребованным для лечения болезни Крона (БК) является разработка новых, обоснованных с патогенетических позиций и безопасных лекарственных средств преимущественно локального действия эндогенного или растительного происхождения. В этом отношении привлекает внимание экстракт корневищ Куркумы длинной (Curcuma longa), содержащий куркуминоидный комплекс, обладающий плейотропными эффектами. Ранее нами показано, что экстракт куркумы в составе суппозиториев при экспериментальной БК обладaет иммуномодулирующим и местным антиоксидантным действием, что предполагает влияние экстракта куркумы на морфологию очага повреждения в кишечнике при БК. Цель работы - изучение влияния экстракта куркумы в составе оригинальных ректальных суппозиториев на динамику морфологических изменений, экспрессию миелопероксидазы (МПО) и TNF-a в очаге повреждения толстого кишечника при экспериментальной БК. Методика. Эксперимент выполнен на 49 половозрелых крысах-самцах Wistar. БК моделировали введением per rectum спиртового раствора тринитробензосульфоновой кислоты (ТНБС). Оригинальные ректальные суппозитории массой 300 мг на основе полиэтиленгликолей различной молекулярной массы, содержащие 0,075 мг куркумина из экстракта корневищ Curcuma longa L., вводили per rectum каждые 12 ч в течение 7 сут. Клинический статус оценивали по модифицированной шкале Disease activity index (DAI). Морфометрически в стенке кишечника оценивали размер язвенного дефект, выраженность клеточной инфильтрации, рассчитывали индекс тканевого повреждения (tissue damage index, TDI), оценивали экспрессию МПО и TNF-α. Результаты. При экспериментальной БК на 3-и, 5-е и 7-е сут наблюдения в толстом кишечнике обнаруживались язвенные дефекты, выраженный отек тканей, плотная нейтрофильно-лимфоцитарная инифильтрации с примесью эозинофилов, плазмоцитов, гистиоцитов, фибробластов, наблюдалось формирование грануляционной ткани. Индекс тканевого повреждения возрастал, повышалась экспрессия МПО и TNF-α. Размер язвенных дефектов, выраженность инфильтрации, индекс тканевого повреждения соответствовали клинической картине и индексу DAI. Применение оригинальных ректальных суппозиториев с экстрактом куркумы (0,075 мг) приводит к снижению выраженности клинических и морфологических признаков заболевания, максимальный эффект отмечен на 5-е и 7-е сут наблюдения. Заключение. Установленные протекторные свойства куркумина в составе оригинальных ректальных суппозиториев при БК на доклиническом этапе расширяют современные представления о плейотропных эффектах экстракта куркумы и являются предпосылкой для проведения дальнейших исследований и внедрения новой лекарственной формы в клиническую практику. The development of safe, new, pathogenetically justified medicines, mainly with local effects and of endogenous or plant origin, is of great interest for treatment of Crohn’s disease (CD). In this regard, an extract of rhizomes of Curcuma longa, containing a curcuminoid complex with pleiotropic effects, has attracted attention. We showed previously that having turmeric extract in suppositories for treatment of experimental CD would produce immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects. This suggests that turmeric extract affects the morphology of the CD intestinal lesion. The aim of this work was to study the effect of turmeric extract in the composition of novel rectal suppositories on the morphology and expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and TNF- α in colon lesions of experimental CD. Methods. Experiments were performed on 49 sexually mature male Wistar rats. CD was modeled by administration per rectum of an alcohol solution of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. The newly formulated rectal suppositories weighing 300 mg and based on polyethylene glycols of various molecular weights and containing 0.075 mg of curcumin obtained from Curcuma longa L. rhizome extract were administered per rectum every 12 hours for 7 days. The clinical status was assessed with the modified disease activity index (DAI) scale. The ulcer defect diameter, cell infiltration, tissue damage index (TDI), MPO expression, and TNF-α expression were evaluated. Results. In experimental CD on the 3rd, 5th, and 7th days of observation, a morphometric assessment of the lesion in the large intestine revealed the presence of ulcerative defects, edema, thick neutrophilic lymphocytic infiltration with an admixture of eosinophils, plasmocytes, histiocytes, fibroblasts, the formation of granulation tissue, increased TDI, and increased expression of MPO and TNF-α. The size of ulcerative defects, the degree of wall infiltration by neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasmocytes, histiocytes, and fibroblasts were recorded. The TDI, the expression of MPO, and TNF-α were associated with the DAI. The use of the novel rectal suppositories produced a maximal effect on the 5th and 7th days of observation. The severity of clinical and morphological signs of the disease were reduced. These signs included ulcer size, TDI, intestinal wall infiltration with neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, plasmocytes, histiocytes, and fibroblasts, and expression of MPO and TNF-α. Conclusion. The results supplement available data on the pathogenesis, the role of the expression of MPO and TNF-α, and the morphology of the lesion in the clinical status in TNBS-induced CD in rats. The demonstrated, protective properties of curcumin in the composition of the novel rectal suppositories at the preclinical stage of CD expand modern understanding of the pleiotropic effects of turmeric extract and are a prerequisite for further research and the introduction of a new dosage form in clinical practice.



2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S232-S232
Author(s):  
H Korkmaz ◽  
K Fidan

Abstract Background In this study, we investigated the importance of netrin-1 levels in ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical activity of the disease, and its association with other proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. Methods This study is a type of case–control study. Sixty-seven patients with UC (36 of them activation, 31 of remission) and 50 healthy controls were included in the study. UC patients; ‘Truelove Witts clinical activity index by remission (n = 31), mild activation (n = 21), moderate activation (n = 6) and severe activation (n = 9) were divided into groups. Netrin, IL-6 and TNF-α measurements in plasma samples were performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results Between the patient group and the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between netrin-1, IL-6, TNF-α, neutrophil, platelet (p < 0.05 for all). The plasma netrin-1 mean of UC with severe activation group (139.21 ± 48.09 pg/ml) was statistically significantly higher than that of the mild activation (p = 0,037), remission group (p = 0,001) and control group(p = 0,011). The plasma netrin-1 mean of UC with moderate activation group was statistically significantly higher than that of the mild activation(p = 0,045) and remission group(p = 0,004). Conclusion Our results reveal that plasma netrin-1 levels have been shown to be associated with UC activation, similar to proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, in UC.





2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zongqi He ◽  
Qing Zhou ◽  
Ke Wen ◽  
Bensheng Wu ◽  
Xueliang Sun ◽  
...  

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.



2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 655-663
Author(s):  
Yoshiyuki Kimura ◽  
Kimye Baba

Background: The therapeutic effects of a number of natural products on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) have recently been examined in detail. The whole herb and roots of Angelica keiskei (Umblliferae) have traditionally been used as a diuretic, to treat gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric ulcers and diarrhea in Japan. Objectives: The present study was performed to investigate the effects of xanthoangelol, a major chalcone of Angelica keiskei roots, on diarrhea and inflammation in the large intestine of IBD model mice. Methods: Xanthoangelol (10 & 25 mg/kg) was orally administered to mice with 3% Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Blood samples were collected during the experimental period, subjected to a full blood count test, and colonic cytokine and chemokine levels were measured. Results: Xanthoangelol (25 mg/kg) reduced the Disease Activity Index (DAI) of colitis. It also attenuated DSS-induced reductions in red blood cell and platelet counts as well as Hb and Ht levels. A histological examination of the colon using direct fast scarlet staining showed that xanthoangelol prevented DSS-induced mucosal ulceration and eosinophil infiltration. Xanthoangelol also reduced DSS-induced increases in colonic MCP-1, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels. Conclusions: Xanthoangelol reduced DSS-induced increases in colonic IL-1β, TNF-α, and MCP-1 levels and prevented eosinophil infiltration, which supports its potential as a treatment for IBD.



2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S157-S157
Author(s):  
H Thorlacius ◽  
A Bjoerk ◽  
Ö Nordle ◽  
G Hedlund

Abstract Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition with no known medical cure. 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA [mesalazine]) represents the cornerstone of first-line therapy for mild-to-moderate UC. Sulfasalazine (SASP) is the original agent in this class of drugs. Meta-analyses of patients with mild-to-moderately active UC comparing 5-ASA to placebo showed 5-ASA to be significantly superior to placebo. However, about two-thirds of patients treated with 5-ASA fail to enter clinical remission. It is therefore most important to identify strategies to accelerate and maximise the therapeutic effects of 5-ASA. Therapeutic intervention against NFκB activation is a useful strategy for treatment of UC. The 4-alkanoylaminobenzamide PM0503 inhibits the breakdown of the NFκB inhibitor IκBβ, and SASP/5-ASA inhibits the breakdown of IκBα. This elicited a hypothesis of a possible synergistic action and converging effect on NFκB signalling. In the present study, we investigated the effect of combining SASP/5-ASA with PM0503 in experimental colitis. Methods SASP and PM0503 alone or in combination were administered for 5 days to Balb/c mice with colitis triggered by 5% dextran sulphate sodium (DSS). Blood in the stool, stool consistency and body weight loss were evaluated daily on a 0–4 point scale. The disease activity index (DAI) was calculated by summarising the total score of these three parameters. Results Addition of 5% DSS in the drinking water for 5 days produced reproducible symptoms of colitis. PM0503 was shown to inhibit DSS induced colitis by reducing mean DAI at day 5 from 6.9 in controls to 1.7 (a 75% decrease). Mean DAI recorded with SASP treatment at optimal doses in the same series of experiments was 4.4 (a 36% decrease). Furthermore, and most important, lower doses of PM0503 acted synergistically with SASP in ameliorating DSS-induced disease severity. The combination of PM0503 and SASP using suboptimal doses having minimal beneficial effects as monotherapies, showed more than 50% disease inhibition at day 5. In addition, no toxicity was observed with PM0503 alone or in combination with SASP. Conclusion Our findings offer a preclinical rationale for simultaneous coadministration of PM0503 and a 5-ASA agent such as SASP or 5-ASA as first-line treatment for patients with UC.



2013 ◽  
Vol 305 (4) ◽  
pp. G295-G302 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Winston ◽  
Qingjie Li ◽  
Sushil K. Sarna

Morphological and functional changes in the enteric nervous system (ENS) have been reported in inflammatory bowel disease. We examined the effects of inflammation on the expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and nNOS in the muscularis externae of two models of colonic inflammation, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis, which models Crohn's disease-like inflammation, and DSS-induced colitis, which models ulcerative Colitis-like inflammation. In TNBS colitis, we observed significant decline in ChAT, nNOS, and protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 protein and mRNA levels. In DSS colitis, ChAT and PGP9.5 were significantly upregulated while nNOS levels did not change. The nNOS dimer-to-monomer ratio decreased significantly in DSS- but not in TNBS-induced colitis. No differences were observed in the percentage of either ChAT (31 vs. 33%)- or nNOS (37 vs. 41%)-immunopositive neurons per ganglia or the mean number of neurons per ganglia (55 ± 5 vs. 59 ± 5, P > 0.05). Incubation of the distal colon muscularis externae in vitro with different types of inflammatory mediators showed that cytokines decreased ChAT and nNOS expression, whereas H2O2, a component of oxidative stress, increased their expression. NF-κB inhibitor MG-132 did not prevent the IL-1β-induced decline in either ChAT or nNOS expression. These findings showed that TNBS- and DSS-induced inflammation differentially regulates the expression of two critical proteins expressed in the colonic myenteric neurons. These differences are likely due to the exposure of the myenteric plexus neurons to different combinations of Th1-type inflammatory mediators and H2O2 in each model.



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