Andrographolide derivative ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced experimental colitis in mice

The therapeutic efficacy of immunosuppressive agents has been intensively studied for colitis management. We synthesized a series of andrographolide derivatives and reported their structure-activity-relationship and anti-inflammatory activity in our previous studies. Among these derivatives, compound 3b exhibited the most potent immunosuppressive activity. In the present study, we assessed the efficacy of 3b in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced model of acute colitis. Compound 3b was administered intragastrically. The therapeutic effect of 3b was evaluated using disease score and immune cell infiltration. The effect of 3b on Toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB and β-catenin signaling was primarily determined by using immunohistochemistry staining and quantitative real-time PCR. The crosstalk between NF-κB and β-catenin signaling was then assessed in HCT-116 cells. Treatment with 3b significantly downregulated the disease activity index and suppressed the histologic evidence of inflammation in DSS-induced model of acute colitis. Compound 3b inhibited proinflammatory cytokine expression at both the serum and transcription levels. Treatment with 3b also upregulated the number of PCNA-positive and goblet cells in the intestinal crypt and the intestinal expression of mRNA levels of β-catenin target genes. β-Catenin level regulation affected the antiinflammation and anti-apoptotic activities of 3b. This study demonstrated that 3b, a novel andrographolide derivative, suppressed inflammation and significantly reversed colitis pathology. The outcome of colitis treatment with an immunosuppressive agent depends upon the intestinal expression and mutation status of β-catenin.