Peanut shell extract inhibits the development of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis

Effects of Huzhangoside C on Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Stimulated Colitis in Mice

Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor for cancer. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, ultimately leading to a breakdown of intestinal barrier function. Clematis florida var. plena is a folk prescription used to treat inflammation and rheumatism in She pharmacy. The bioactivity of C. florida var. plena is primarily due to triterpene saponins. Huzhangoside C (HZ) is an active component of C. florida var. plena. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of HZ on a mouse colitis model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was investigated. Result indicated a notable reduction in body weight loss and colon length shortening in HZ-mediated mice compared to DSS-stimulated control mice. Furthermore, inflammatory signaling mechanisms involving interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were suppressed in HZ-treated mice. HZ treatment significantly suppressed the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), STAT3, and iNOS in colon tissue. After HZ treatment, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels were significantly decreased, while Nrf-2, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione expression levels were notably improved. The result indicated that HZ could activate the Nrf-2 signal cascade, inhibit the expression of NF-κB, eNOS, and STAT3, and enhance the intestinal barrier function of DSS stimulated ulcerative colitis intestinal injury. The results suggest that HZ is potential anti-inflammatory agent for treating IBD.

The ethanolic extract of peanut shell attenuates the depressive-like behaviors of mice through modulation of inflammation and gut microbiota

Peanut shell is an agricultural byproduct being wasted on a large scale, which is in urgent need to be recycled. To fully utilize its pharmacological ingredients, e.g. luteolin, eriodyctiol, and 5,7-dihydroxychromone, we evaluated the curative effect of ethanol extract deriving from peanut shell (PSE) in treating chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive mice. The chronic stress lasted for 10 weeks, and PSE at 100-900 mg/kg/day was gavaged to mice in the last 2 weeks of modeling. The depressive behaviors were assessed by analyses of sucrose preference, tail suspension, and forced swimming. The brain injury was demonstrated by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Nissl body, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) stainings in the mouse hippocampus. Biochemical indicators were analyzed, including levels of neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters, stress hormones, and inflammatory mediators. The feces were collected for the 16S rDNA sequencing of gut microbiome. Administration of PSE improved the sucrose water consumption of depressive mice, while it decreased the immobile time in tail suspension and forced swimming tests. Meanwhile, the anti-depressive effect of PSE was supported by ameliorated histochemical staining, increased levels of neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitters, as well as down-regulated stress hormones. Furthermore, the treatment of PSE was able to mitigate the levels of inflammatory cytokines in brain, serum, and small intestine. Besides, the tight junction proteins, e.g., occludin and ZO-1, of gut showed elevated expressions, which coincided with the elevated abundance and diversity of gut microbiota upon PSE treatment. This study validated the therapeutic efficacy of PSE in fighting against depression, as well as its modulatory action on inflammation and gut microbiota, which promoted the recycling of this agricultural waste to be health supplements of added value.

Leaky Gut and the Ingredients That Help Treat It: A Review

The human body is in daily contact with potentially toxic and infectious substances in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The GIT has the most significant load of antigens. The GIT can protect the intestinal integrity by allowing the passage of beneficial agents and blocking the path of harmful substances. Under normal conditions, a healthy intestinal barrier prevents toxic elements from entering the blood stream. However, factors such as stress, an unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol, antibiotics, and drug consumption can compromise the composition of the intestinal microbiota and the homeostasis of the intestinal barrier function of the intestine, leading to increased intestinal permeability. Intestinal hyperpermeability can allow the entry of harmful agents through the junctions of the intestinal epithelium, which pass into the bloodstream and affect various organs and systems. Thus, leaky gut syndrome and intestinal barrier dysfunction are associated with intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome, as well as extra-intestinal diseases, including heart diseases, obesity, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and celiac disease. Given the relationship between intestinal permeability and numerous conditions, it is convenient to seek an excellent strategy to avoid or reduce the increase in intestinal permeability. The impact of dietary nutrients on barrier function can be crucial for designing new strategies for patients with the pathogenesis of leaky gut-related diseases associated with epithelial barrier dysfunctions. In this review article, the role of functional ingredients is suggested as mediators of leaky gut-related disorders.

Regulation of the Gut Microbiota and Inflammation by β-Caryophyllene Extracted from Cloves in a Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis Mouse Model

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, and weight loss. Ulcerative colitis is typically treated with anti-inflammatory drugs; however, these drugs are associated with various side effects, limiting their use. β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a natural compound derived from cloves, has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of BCP on colitis in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. BCP was administered for seven days, followed by 2.5% DSS for additional seven days to induce colitis. Changes in stool weight, recovery of gut motility, colon length, colon histology, myeloperoxidase activity, inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IgA, and IgG), and the gut microbiota were observed. Administration of BCP increased stool weight, restored gut motility, and considerably increased colon length compared to those in the untreated colitis mouse model. In addition, the amount of mucin and myeloperoxidase activity in the colon increased, whereas the concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α decreased following the administration of BCP. Furthermore, BCP reduced the abundance of Proteobacteria which can cause intestinal immune imbalance. These results suggest that BCP has a potential to be developed as a preventive agent for colitis.

Potential Valorization of Edible Nuts By-Products: Exploring the Immune-Modulatory and Antioxidants Effects of Selected Nut Shells Extracts in Relation to Their Metabolic Profiles

The immune system is a potent army that defends our body against various infections and diseases through innate and adaptive immunity. Herbal medicine is one of the essential sources for enhancing immunity because of affordability, availability, minor side effects, and consumers' preferences. Hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and peanuts are among the most widespread edible nuts that are rich in phenolics, fats, fibers, vitamins, proteins, and minerals. The potential of nut shells in phytoremediation has attracted increasing attention as a sustainable solution for waste recycling. Here, we determined the in vitro immune-modulatory activity as well as the metabolite profile of the four nut shell extracts. The addition of the extracts to LPS-stimulated macrophages, especially peanut and walnut shells, has downregulated the gene expression of AP-1, TNF-α, IL-8, iNOS, and COX-2 expression levels. Significant antioxidant capabilities and immune-modulatory effects have been traced for peanut shells. UPLC-MS metabolic profiling of the four nut shell extracts allowed the detection of a relatively high level of phenolic compounds in peanut shells. Intriguingly, a significant correlation between the antioxidant capacity and the total phenolic content was found, indicating the contribution of the phenolic compounds to the antioxidant properties and hence the immune-modulatory activity. Furthermore, molecular docking and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed kaempferol rutinoside and proanthocyanidin A5' as potential iNOS inhibitors.

Anneslea fragrans Wall. ameliorates ulcerative colitis via inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK activation and mediating intestinal barrier integrity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Anneslea fragrans Wall. is traditionally used as a folk medicine in treating indigestion, fever, dysentery, diarrhea, and liver inflammation in China, Vietnam and Cambodia. However, its anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism under a safety therapeutic dose as well as the main chemical components have not yet been fully investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect and possible molecular mechanisms of aqueous-methanol extract (AFE) of A. fragrans leaves on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) mice and illustrate its potent anti-inflammatory chemical compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The AFE was obtained and then analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Phytochemical investigation on the AFE was carried out to isolate and characterize its major components. The acute toxicity test was performed to provide the safety information of AFE. Subsequently, the protective effect of AFE on DSS-induced UC was evaluated by physiological changes, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis, and the expressions of antioxidant enzyme, pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The expressions of target proteins in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were determined by western blot analysis. The tight junction (TJ) proteins in colon tissue were performed by immunohistochemical technique for evaluating the intestinal barrier integrity.

RESULTS

HPLC guided isolation of AFE resulted into two dihydrochalcones, which were elucidated as vacciniifolin (1) and confusoside (2). Acute toxicity evaluation revealed that median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of AFE was greater than 5000 mg/kg. Furthermore, AFE significantly attenuated ulcerative colitis symptoms, suppressed myeloperoxidase activity, and increased the expression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione. AFE treatment could also reduce the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 and increase the levels of interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 in colon tissues and serum of DSS-induced UC mice. In addition, AFE significantly increased the expression of zonula occludens-1, occludin and claudin-1, and inhibited the phosphorylation of target protein of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in colon tissue.

CONCLUSION

Dihydrochalcone glycosides are the major chemical constituents in AFE. AFE ameliorated DSS-induced UC in mice by inhibiting the inflammatory response via modulation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways and maintaining the intestinal barrier function, indicating that the plant A. fragrans could be used as a therapeutic candidate for ulcerative colitis.

Arbutin Ameliorates Murine Colitis by Inhibiting JAK2 Signaling Pathway

Background and objective: Abnormal activation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) promotes the pathogenesis and progress of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by stimulating the cytokine traffic. Based on docking studies, arbutin, a natural product extracted from a traditional medicinal plant bearberry, was found to bind to JAK2. The study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of regulating JAK2 by arbutin on colitis in mice.

Methods: A mice colitis model was established to mimic human IBD. The mice freely drank water containing dextran sulfate sodium. Inflammation in epithelial (IEC6) and immune (RAW264.7) cells was analyzed following treatment with lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

Results: Colitis symptoms, including body weight loss, increased disease activity index, and increased colon weight/length ratio, were significantly alleviated by arbutin. Mediators of colonic pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as apoptosis markers in colitis were suppressed by the glycoside. High expression of phosphorylated JAK2 in colitis was significantly reversed by arbutin. The effects of arbutin treatment on colitis were considerably inhibited by the JAK2 inhibitor AG490. LPS-induced inflammatory responses were also suppressed by arbutin, which was notably inhibited by the JAK2 inhibitor AG490.

Conclusion: The findings obtained herein suggest the protective role of arbutin and provide novel insights into alternative colitis treatments, which involve inhibition of the JAK2 signaling pathway.

Efficient Stool Collection Methods for Evaluating the Diarrhea Score in Mouse Diarrhea Models

BACKGROUND/AIM

The mouse diarrhea score is usually determined by evaluating stool consistency and shape. Thus, defecated stools should be collected without damage or contamination. The study aimed to develop improved mouse stool collection methods and diarrhea-scoring criteria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We developed improved stool collection methods (paper towel methods) and compared them with previously used ones (stool collection using regular cages containing bedding chips or filter paper and metabolic cages).

RESULTS

Compared to previously used methods, paper towel methods collected stools without bedding chips-induced contamination, mouse body/foot-induced damage, or sampling errors. When using paper towel methods, wet stools create water marks (diarrhea marks) on paper towels with strong water absorption capacity, by which diarrheal severity can be analyzed semi-quantitatively. To improve the objectivity in determining diarrhea scores, practical diarrhea-scoring criteria were also proposed.

CONCLUSION

These results would be helpful to researchers facing difficulties in evaluating the mouse diarrhea score.

Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Selenized Ulva pertusa Polysaccharides in a Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Inflammatory Bowel Disease Model

The purpose of this study was to examine the alleviative effects of selenized polysaccharides from Ulva pertusa (ulvan-Se) on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in mice. The dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced IBD mouse model was used to explore the protective effects of ulvan-Se on the intestinal mechanical and immune barrier. At doses less than 1208 mg/kg·bw ulvan-Se showed no significant damage to Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice in an acute toxicity test. The results showed that DSS destroyed the mechanical barrier, which includes epithelial cells, while ulvan-Se promoted mRNA expression of tight junction proteins (zonula occludens protein 1, occludin, and claudin-1) and inhibited the infiltration of white blood cells into the intestines. At 100 mg/kg·bw, ulvan-Se enhanced the antioxidant capacity of mice more effectively than the 50 mg/kg·bw ulvan-Se. Furthermore, ulvan-Se improved the intestinal immune barrier by increasing immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M, while regulating the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, interferon-γ, and IL-4. Oral administration of ulvan-Se also suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA expression mediated by the nuclear factor kappa B pathway. Taken together, our findings reveal that ulvan-Se could be used as a potential alternative supplement for reducing intestinal inflammation in IBD.

Ulcerative colitis: Gut microbiota, immunopathogenesis and application of natural products in animal models

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease with increasing incidence in the world, especially in developing countries. Although knowledge of its pathogenesis has progressed over the last years, some details require clarification. Studies have highlighted the role of microbial dysbiosis and immune dysfunction as essential factors that may initiate the typical high-grade inflammatory outcome. In order to better understand the immunopathophysiological aspects of UC, experimental murine models are valuable tools. Some of the most commonly used chemicals to induce colitis are trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid, oxazolone and dextran sodium sulfate. These may also be used to investigate new ways of preventing or treating UC and therefore improving targeting in human studies. The use of functional foods or bioactive compounds from plants may constitute an innovative direction towards the future of alternative medicine. Considering the above, this review focused on updated information regarding the 1. gut microbiota and immunopathogenesis of UC; 2. the most utilized animal models of the disease and their relevance; and 3. experimental application of natural products, not yet tested in clinical trials.

Local administration of 4-Thiouridine, a novel molecule with potent anti-inflammatory properties, protects against experimental colitis and arthritis

Previous studies in a rat model of Sephadex induced lung inflammation showed that 4-Thiouridine (4SU), a thiol substituted nucleoside, was very effective in reducing edema, leukocyte influx and TNF levels in bronchoalvelolar lavage fluid. However, little is known about the factors and mechanisms underlying these effects. In the present study, we have used two separate mouse models of chronic inflammation, a model of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) induced colitis and a model of antigen induced arthritis, to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of 4-thiouridine. We have analyzed a broad spectrum of inflammatory mediators in order to delineate the mechanisms behind a potential anti-inflammatory effect of 4SU. Colitis was induced in C57BL/6 mice by administration of 3.5% DSS in drinking water for 5 days and the potential anti-colitic effect of 4SU was assessed by monitoring the disease activity index (DAI), measurement of colon length and histopathological analysis of colon tissue. We analyzed tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF), mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, COX-2, and NF-κB activity in colitis tissue. Intracolonic administration of 4SU (5 mg/kg & 10 mg/kg.) significantly inhibited MPO activity and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF) as well as COX-2. Further, NF-κB activation was also blocked by attenuating the phosphorylation of IkB kinase (IKK α/β) in DSS-induced colitis tissues. Arthritis was induced by intra-articular injection of mBSA in the knee of NMRI mice pre-immunized with mBSA and 4SU was administered locally by direct injection into the knee joint. The antiarthritic potential of 4SU was calculated by histopathological scores and histochemical analysis of joint tissue. Further, immunohistochemistry was used to study inflammatory cell infiltration and expression of cytokines and adhesion molecules in the synovium. Local administration of 50-100 mg/kg 4SU at the time of arthritis onset clearly prevented development of joint inflammation and efficiently inhibited synovial expression of CD18, local cytokine production and recruitment of leukocytes to the synovium. Taken together, our data clearly demonstrates a potent anti-inflammatory effect of 4SU in two experimental models. In conclusion 4SU could be a new promising candidate for therapeutic modulation of chronic inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis and arthritis.