Liquiritin apioside alleviates colonic inflammation and accompanying depression-like symptoms in colitis by gut metabolites and the balance of Th17/Treg

A systematic review on the role of gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease: Spotlight on virome and plant metabolites

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, arise from various factors such as dietary, genetic, immunological, and microbiological influences. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the development and treatment of IBD, though the exact mechanisms remain uncertain. Current research has yet to definitively establish the beneficial effects of the microbiome on IBD. Bacteria and viruses (both prokaryotic and eukaryotic) are key components of the microbiome uniquely related to IBD. Numerous studies suggest that dysbiosis of the microbiota, including bacteria, viruses, and bacteriophages, contributes to IBD pathogenesis. Conversely, some research indicates that bacteria and bacteriophages may positively impact IBD outcomes. Additionally, plant metabolites play a crucial role in alleviating IBD due to their anti-inflammatory and microbiome-modulating properties. This systematic review discusses the role of the microbiome in IBD patients and evaluates the potential connection between plant metabolites and the microbiome in the context of IBD pathophysiology.

Health benefits of medicinal plant natural products via microbiota-mediated different gut axes

This review examines the multifaceted roles of medicinal plant natural products in influencing gut microbiota and their subsequent impact on various organ systems through established gut axes, including the gut-brain, gut-liver, gut-heart, gut-lung, and gut-kidney axes. Medicinal plant natural products have exhibited diverse pharmacological activities, including modulation of microbiota composition, enhancement of metabolic processes, and alleviation of inflammation and oxidative stress. Evidence suggests that these components can ameliorate conditions such as neurological disorders, metabolic syndrome, and chronic kidney disease by restoring microbial balance and improving gut barrier integrity. Furthermore, the review highlights the potential of medicinal plant natural products to foster beneficial microbial communities and improve gut health, which may lead to reduced disease severity and inflammation. By comprehensively analyzing current literature, this review provides a foundation for future research aim at exploring the therapeutic applications of medicinal plant natural products in disease prevention and treatment. The findings underscore the need for further studies to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action and validate the clinical efficacy of medicinal plant natural products in managing chronic conditions through gut microbiota modulation.

Perforin Generated by CD8+ T Cells Exacerbates Inflammatory Bowel Disease-Induced Depression by Promoting CXCL9 Production in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Approximately 25.2% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suffer from psychological disorders, particularly depression. Recent studies have indicated a close relationship between intestinal immunity and brain disorders.

METHODS

We performed transcriptome analysis and immunofluorescence staining of colonic samples from patients with IBD. The role of perforin generated by colonic CD8+ T cells in IBD-induced depression was investigated in dextran sulfate sodium- and CD8+ T-cell transfer-induced colitis by using Prf1-EGFP reporter and Prf1 knockout mice.

RESULTS

In this study, we revealed a significant correlation between depressive symptom severity and perforin production in CD8+ T cells in both patients with IBD and mice with colitis. Moreover, perforin deficiency in CD8+ T cells mitigated both inflammation and depressive-like behaviors in mice with colitis. Mechanistically, perforin and granzyme B were found to stimulate the expression of CXCL9 in colonic epithelial cells. CXCL9 was shown to be released into the circulation and to enter the hippocampus, where it induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in hippocampal neurons through the CXCR3-HSPA5 axis. This cascade of events subsequently was found to exacerbate depression. Neutralizing CXCL9 in vivo alleviated depression but had no effect on colitis in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Perforin generated by colonic CD8+ T cells promotes intestinal epithelial cell CXCL9 production, which leads to neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress in hippocampus and induces depression in IBD.

Targeting CD4+ T cells through gut microbiota: therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic relapsing inflammation of the intestinal tract. Gut microbiota (GM) and CD4+T cells are important in the development of IBD. A lot of studies have shown that GM and their metabolites like short-chain fatty acids, bile acids and tryptophan can be involved in the differentiation of CD4+T cells through various mechanisms, which in turn regulate the immune homeostasis of the IBD patients. Therefore, regulating CD4+T cells through GM may be a potential therapeutic direction for the treatment of IBD. Many studies have shown that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formulas and some herbal extracts can affect CD4+T cell differentiation by regulating GM and its metabolites. In this review, we mainly focus on the role of GM and their metabolites in regulating the differentiation of CD4+T cells and their correlation with IBD. We also summarize the current research progress on the regulation of this process by TCM.

Sakuranetin ameliorates experimental colitis in a gut microbiota-dependent manner

BACKGROUND

The progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is closely connected with intestinal flora dysbiosis. Sakuranetin (SAK) is a natural compound with anti-inflammatory and antibiosis activities. We investigated the properties and mechanisms of SAK on IBD-like colitis.

METHODS

Mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis were accomplished to assess the effects of SAK on colitis, as well as intestinal mucosal immune imbalance and intestinal barrier dysfunction. 16S rDNA was used to characterize the intestinal flora, and the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content in faeces was calculated using GS‒MS. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and a pseudosterile model (antibiotic cocktail, ABX) were used to evaluate whether the effects of SAK on colitis were dependent on the gut flora. Pathohistological and biochemical tests were used to estimate the safety of SAK.

RESULTS

SAK significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in mice, verified by decreased weight loss, less colon shortening, and lower disease activity, histology and colonoscopy scores. Moreover, SAK alleviated gut dysbiosis and elevated the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria in DSS-treated mice. Meanwhile, SAK increased faecal SCFA levels and activated GPR41/43 signalling. SAK also improved Treg/Th17 homeostasis and intestinal barrier function. In addition, ABX and FMT experiments confirmed that the ability of SAK to alleviate colitis was mediated through the gut flora. Finally, a safety experiment revealed that SAK had no significant adverse effects on major organ or liver/kidney function.

CONCLUSIONS

SAK may improve the intestinal immune balance and barrier function by regulating intestinal flora dysbiosis and increasing SCFA production, thereby protecting against colitis.

Exploring the Underlying Mechanism of Weiling Decoction Alleviates Cold-Dampness Diarrhea Based on Network Pharmacology, Transcriptomics, Molecular Docking and Experimental Validation

Background: Cold-dampness diarrhea (CDD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder in children, characterized by diarrhea and intestinal barrier dysfunction. Weiling decoction (WLD) is frequently used in clinical practice to treat CDD, a condition triggered by multiple factors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain poorly understood. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of WLD in treating CDD and to elucidate its potential mechanisms. Methods: UPLC-HRMS/MS was employed to identify the chemical constituents of WLD and the absorption components in the plasma of WLD-treated rats. Additionally, a rat model of CDD was established to assess the therapeutic effects of WLD through a comprehensive approach. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, network pharmacology and transcriptomic analyses were performed to identify potential signaling pathways associated with CDD alleviation. Molecular docking and flow cytometry assays were subsequently utilized to validate the identified signaling pathways. Results: A total of 223 chemical components were detected in WLD, and 49 absorption components were identified in the plasma of WLD-treated rats by UPLC-HRMS/MS. WLD treatment significantly alleviated the symptoms of CDD, reduced intestinal damage, and diminished the inflammatory response. Additionally, WLD influenced key genes in immune-related pathways. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities between the main components of WLD and key targets within these pathways. Flow cytometry, along with the analysis of inflammatory cytokines and transcription factors, demonstrated that WLD modulated the balance between Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cell populations. Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence that WLD alleviates CDD by regulating the balance between Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg cell populations. These findings offer a theoretical basis for future investigations into the therapeutic potential of WLD in the treatment of CDD.

Analyzing How Zhizi Baipi Decoction Regulates VEGF to Suppress RA Angiogenesis Using Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

INTRODUCTION

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily manifests with symptoms such as heat and toxin. However, the key components and molecular mechanisms of Zhizi Baipi decoction (ZBD) in the treatment of RA are still unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to explore the mechanism of action of ZBD for treating RA through ingredient analysis, network pharmacology, and experimental validation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The chemical constituents of ZBD were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-TOF-mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE). Additionally, the active ingredients of ZBD treating RA were screened by network pharmacology and using molecular docking to verify the binding energy of the active ingredients and ZBD's targets. Then we elucidated ZBD's mechanism of action on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model rats. Subsequently, experimental validations were used to validate the findings of network pharmacology.

RESULTS

A total of 84 chemical constituents was identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE. The results of network pharmacology indicated that ZBD could exert its therapeutic effect on RA through the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. Molecular docking revealed a strong binding capacity between the target KDR and the active ingredients. Additionally, we quantified the five active ingredients of ZBD. In vivo experiments demonstrated that ZBD inhibited synovial angiogenesis and alleviated the occurrence and progression of RA.

CONCLUSION

Overall, ZBD has a significant therapeutic effect on RA. The results of qualitative analysis, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo experiments indicated that the main active components of ZBD could modulate the VEGF pathway to treat RA.

Chick Early Amniotic Fluid Alleviates Dextran-Sulfate-Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice via T-Cell Receptor Pathway

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic immune disease that is difficult to cure. We recently found that chick early amniotic fluid (ceAF) has notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, through its active components. This study demonstrates the potential of ceAF as a protective agent against UC. UPLC-MS mass spectrometry identified key components of ceAF, including various fatty acids and nucleosides. In vitro, ceAF improved viability in DSS-induced Caco-2 cells, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, and increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. It also upregulated the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin. In DSS-induced UC mice, ceAF treatment alleviated weight loss, colon shortening, and disease activity, while improving histopathology, crypt depth, and colonic fibrosis. Mechanistically, ceAF's anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by inhibiting the overactivation of TCR signaling through the LCK/ZAP70/LAT pathway. Our findings suggest that ceAF could be a valuable nutritional intervention for UC, potentially enhancing existing functional foods aimed at managing this condition.

Rebalancing immune homeostasis in combating disease: The impact of medicine food homology plants and gut microbiome

BACKGROUND

Gut microbiota plays an important role in multiple human physiological processes and an imbalance in it, including the species, abundance, and metabolites can lead to diseases. These enteric microorganisms modulate immune homeostasis by presenting a myriad of antigenic determinants and microbial metabolites. Medicinal and food homologous (MFH) plants, edible herbal materials for both medicine and food, are important parts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). MFH plants have drawn much attention due to their strong biological activity and low toxicity. However, the interplay of MFH and gut microbiota in rebalancing the immune homeostasis in combating diseases needs systematic illumination.

PURPOSE

The review discusses the interaction between MFH and gut microbiota, including the effect of MFH on the major group of gut microbiota and the metabolic effect of gut microbiota on MFH. Moreover, how gut microbiota influences the immune system in terms of innate and adaptive immunity is addressed. Finally, the immunoregulatory mechanisms of MFH in regulation of host pathophysiology via gut microbiota are summarized.

METHODS

Literature was searched, analyzed, and collected using databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using relevant keywords. The obtained articles were screened and summarized by the research content of MFH and gut microbiota in immune regulation.

RESULTS

The review demonstrates the interaction between MFH and gut microbiota in disease prevention and treatment. Not only do the intestinal microorganisms and intestinal mucosa constitute an important immune barrier of the human body, but also lymphoid tissue and diffused immune cells within the mucosa participate in the response of innate immunity and adaptive immunity. MFH modulates immune regulation by affecting intestinal flora, helps maintain the balance of the immune system and interfere with the occurrence and development of a broad category of diseases.

CONCLUSION

Being absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, MFH can have profound effects on gut microbiota. In turn, the gut microbiota also actively participate in the bioconversion of complex constituents from MFH, which could further influence their physiological and pharmacological properties. The review deepens the understanding of the relationship among MFH, gut microbiota, immune system, and human diseases and further promotes the progression of additional relevant research.

Arabinogalactan from Cynanchum atratum induces tolerogenic dendritic cells in gut to restrain autoimmune response and alleviate collagen-induced arthritis in mice

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by multiple joints lesions. Tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDCs) play crucial roles in maintaining immune homeostasis. The immunomodulatory activity of plant-derived arabinogalactan (AGs) has been well investigated, however, whether AGs could suppress autoimmune responses by inducing tolDCs is remain unclear.

DESIGN

Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA, a mouse model of RA) mice were utilized to ascertain the role of AGs (obtained from Cynanchum atratum) in autoimmune responses. An antibiotic cocktail was administered to eliminate gut microbiota. Germ-free (GF) and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) knockout mice were used to determine the function of AGs in intestinal immune cells.

RESULTS

The oral administration of dietary AGs substantially reduced the severity of CIA and rebalanced the ratio of regulatory T cells (Tregs) to T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Although the antibiotic cocktail depleted the mice's gut microbiota, AGs had a therapeutic effect on their CIA. AGs restored Treg/Th17 homeostasis by inducing CD103+ tolDCs, regardless of the gut microbiota of the GF mice. Coculture experiments confirmed that AGs induced tolDCs and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) secretion, leading to Treg amplification. RNA sequencing and TLR2 knockout experiments revealed that AGs induced tolDCs through a TLR2-mediated mechanism. Preventive interventions with AGs established a tolerogenic intestinal immune microenvironment, which delayed the onset and progression of CIA. AGs functioned synergistically with tofacitinib, a JAK inhibitor, to effectively restore Treg/Th17 balance and alleviate CIA.

CONCLUSION

This study introduces a novel microbiota-independent mechanism through which soluble dietary AGs inhibit systemic autoimmune responses. Our findings provide insights into the supplementation of dietary AGs in patients with preclinical or progressive RA.

Microbiota-gut-brain axis: Natural antidepressants molecular mechanism

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe mental health condition characterized by persistent depression, impaired cognition, and reduced activity. Increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiota (GM) imbalance is closely linked to the emergence and advancement of MDD, highlighting the potential significance of regulating the "Microbiota-Gut-Brain" (MGB) axis to impact the development of MDD. Natural products (NPs), characterized by broad biological activities, low toxicity, and multi-target characteristics, offer unique advantages in antidepressant treatment by regulating MGB axis.

PURPOSE

This review was aimed to explore the intricate relationship between the GM and the brain, as well as host responses, and investigated the mechanisms underlying the MGB axis in MDD development. It also explored the pharmacological mechanisms by which NPs modulate MGB axis to exert antidepressant effects and addressed current research limitations. Additionally, it proposed new strategies for future preclinical and clinical applications in the MDD domain.

METHODS

To study the effects and mechanism by which NPs exert antidepressant effects through mediating the MGB axis, data were collected from Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect from initial establishment to March 2024. NPs were classified and summarized by their mechanisms of action.

RESULTS

NPs, such as flavonoids,alkaloids,polysaccharides,saponins, terpenoids, can treat MDD by regulating the MGB axis. Its mechanism includes balancing GM, regulating metabolites and neurotransmitters such as SCAFs, 5-HT, BDNF, inhibiting neuroinflammation, improving neural plasticity, and increasing neurogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

NPs display good antidepressant effects, and have potential value for clinical application in the prevention and treatment of MDD by regulating the MGB axis. However, in-depth study of the mechanisms by which antidepressant medications affect MGB axis will also require considerable effort in clinical and preclinical research, which is essential for the development of effective antidepressant treatments.

The Cardioprotective Potential of Herbal Formulas in Myocardial Infarction-Induced Heart Failure through Inhibition of JAK/STAT3 Signaling and Improvement of Cardiac Function

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of heart failure, characterized by adverse cardiac remodeling. This study evaluated the cardioprotective potential of Dohongsamul-tang (DHT), a traditional Korean herbal formula, in a rat model of MI-induced heart failure. Rats underwent left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation and were treated with either 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg of DHT daily for 8 weeks. DHT treatment significantly improved cardiac function, as evidenced by increased ejection fraction (EF) from 62.1% to 70.1% (100 mg/kg) and fractional shortening (FS) from 32.3% to 39.4% (200 mg/kg) compared to the MI control group. Additionally, DHT reduced infarct size by approximately 63.3% (from 60.0% to 22.0%) and heart weight by approximately 16.7% (from 3.6 mg/g to 3.0 mg/g), and significantly decreased levels of heart failure biomarkers: LDH was reduced by 37.6% (from 1409.1 U/L to 879.1 U/L) and CK-MB by 47.6% (from 367.3 U/L to 192.5 U/L). Histological analysis revealed a reduction in left ventricle (LV) fibrosis by approximately 50% (from 24.0% to 12.0%). At the molecular level, DHT inhibited the expression of phospho-JAK by 75% (from 2-fold to 0.5-fold), phospho-STAT3 by 30.8% (from 1.3-fold to 0.9-fold), Bax/Bcl-2 by 56.3% (from 3.2-fold to 1.4-fold), and caspase-3 by 46.3% (from 1.23-fold to 0.66-fold). These results suggest that DHT exerts cardioprotective effects by modulating the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic option for heart failure.

Gegen Qinlian decoction ameliorates TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis by regulating Th2/Th1 and Tregs/Th17 cells balance, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and reshaping gut microbiota

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chinese herbal medicine Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD) has been clinically shown to be an effective treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) in China. However, the underlying mechanism of GQD's anti-ulcerative colitis properties and its effect on gut microbiota still deserve further exploration.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study observed the regulatory effects of GQD on Th2/Th1 and Tregs/Th17 cells balance, the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) infammasome and gut microbiota in TNBS-induced UC in BALB/c mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

61 main chemical compounds in the GQD were determined by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. The UC BALB/c model was established by intrarectal administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), and GQD was orally administered at low and high dosages of 2.96 and 11.83 g/kg/day, respectively. The anti-inflammatory effects of GQD for ulcerative colitis were evaluated by survival rate, body weight, disease activity index (DAI) score, colonic weight and index, spleen index, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and histopathological scores. Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentage of CD4, Th1, Th2, Th17 and Tregs cells. The levels of Th1-/Th2-/Th17-/Tregs-related inflammatory cytokines and additional proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-18) were detected by CBA, ELISA, and RT-PCR. The expressions of GATA3, T-bet, NLRP3, Caspase-1, IL-Iβ, Occludin and Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) on colon tissues were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR. Transcriptome sequencing was performed using colon tissue and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on intestinal contents. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was employed to assess the contribution of intestinal microbiota and its correlation with CD4 T cells and the NLRP3 inflammasome.

RESULTS

GQD increased the survival rate of TNBS-induced UC in BALB/c mice, and significantly improved their body weight, DAI score, colonic weight and index, spleen index, and histological characteristics. The intestinal barrier dysfunction was repaired after GQD administration through promoting the expression of tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1). GQD restored the balance of Th2/Th1 and Tregs/Th17 cells immune response of colitis mice, primarily inhibiting the increase in Th2/Th1 ratio and their transcription factor production (GATA3 and T-bet). Morever, GQD changed the secretion of Th1-/Th2-/Th17-/Tregs-related cytokines (IL-2, IL-12, IL-5, IL-13, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17A) and reduced the expressions of IL-1β, IL-18. Transcriptome results suggested that GQD could also remodel the immune inflammatory response of colitis by inhibiting NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, and Western blot, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR further revealed that GQD exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome, such as down-regulating the expression of NLRP3, Caspase-1 and IL-1β. More interestingly, GQD regulated gut microbiota dysbiosis, suppressed the overgrowth of conditional pathogenic gut bacteria like Helicobacter, Proteobacteria, and Mucispirillum, while the probiotic gut microbiota, such as Lactobacillus, Muribaculaceae, Ruminiclostridium_6, Akkermansia, and Ruminococcaceae_unclassified were increased. We further confirmed that GQD-treated gut microbiota was sufficient to relieve TNBS-induced colitis by FMT, involving the modulation of Th2/Th1 and Tregs/Th17 balance, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and enhancement of colonic barrier function.

CONCLUSIONS

GQD might alleviate TNBS-induced UC via regulating Th2/Th1 and Tregs/Th17 cells Balance, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and reshaping gut microbiota, which may provide a novel strategy for patients with colitis.

The Power of Psychobiotics in Depression: A Modern Approach through the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: A Literature Review

The microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis is a complex communication network linking the gut, microbiota, and brain, influencing various aspects of health and disease. Dysbiosis, a disturbance in the gut microbiome equilibrium, can significantly impact the MGB axis, leading to alterations in microbial composition and function. Emerging evidence highlights the connection between microbiota alterations and neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression. This review explores the potential of psychobiotics in managing depressive disorders, emphasizing their role in restoring microbial balance and influencing the MGB axis. Psychobiotics exhibit positive effects on the intestinal barrier, immune response, cortisol levels, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Studies suggest that probiotics may serve as an adjunct therapy for depression, especially in treatment-resistant cases. This review discusses key findings from studies on psychobiotics interventions, emphasizing their impact on the gut-brain axis and mental health. The increasing acceptance of the expanded concept of the MGB axis underscores the importance of microorganisms in mental well-being. As our understanding of the microbiome's role in health and disease grows, probiotics emerge as promising agents for addressing mental health issues, providing new avenues for therapeutic interventions in depressive disorders.

EPA and DHA Alleviated Chronic Dextran Sulfate Sodium Exposure-Induced Depressive-like Behaviors in Mice and Potential Mechanisms Involved

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have higher rates of depression. However, the mechanism of depression development remains unclear. The improvements of EPA and DHA on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC have been verified. Therefore, the present study mainly focused on the effects of EPA and DHA on UC-induced depression in C57BL/6 mice and the possible mechanisms involved. A forced swimming test and tail suspension experiment showed that EPA and DHA significantly improved DSS-induced depressive-like behavior. Further analysis demonstrated that EPA and DHA could significantly suppress the inflammation response of the gut and brain by regulating the NLRP3/ASC signal pathway. Moreover, intestine and brain barriers were maintained by enhancing ZO-1 and occludin expression. In addition, EPA and DHA also increased the serotonin (5-HT) concentration and synaptic proteins. Interestingly, EPA and DHA treatments increased the proportion of dominant bacteria, alpha diversity, and beta diversity. In conclusion, oral administration of EPA and DHA alleviated UC-induced depressive-like behavior in mice by modulating the inflammation, maintaining the mucosal and brain barriers, suppressing neuronal damage and reverting microbiota changes.