Polysaccharide extracted from

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Portulacae Oleracea L. (POL) is a traditional Chinese medicine and edible plant with a history of treating diarrhea.
• While POL's therapeutic effects are recognized, its active components and mechanisms of action remain unclear.
• Previous studies extracted polysaccharide from POL (POLP), showing potential benefits in DSS-induced colitis models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of POLP on DSS-induced colitis in mice.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying POLP's protective effects, focusing on the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Main Methods:

• Induction of colitis in mice using Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS).
• Administration of POLP to treated mice.
• Hematoxylin & eosin staining for colon histopathology.
• Western blot analysis to assess protein expression levels of NF-κB p65, IκBα, Bcl-2, and Survivin.

Main Results:

• POLP treatment significantly diminished weight loss and improved overall health in colitis-induced mice.
• Histopathological examination showed improved colon tissue structure after POLP administration.
• POLP inhibited the degradation of IκBα, reduced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, and decreased Bcl-2 and Survivin protein levels.

Conclusions:

• POLP demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for DSS-induced colitis in mice.
• The protective mechanisms involve the modulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, specifically by inhibiting IκBα degradation.