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Dietary Quercetin Alleviated DSS-induced Colitis in Mice Through Several Possible Pathways by Transcriptome Analysis
Yuanyang Dong1, Jiaqi Lei1, Bingkun Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science & Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
Quercetin, a plant flavonoid, effectively reduced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms in mice by improving gut barrier function and antioxidant defenses. Further research is needed to explore its therapeutic potential for IBD and colon cancer. Keywords: Quercetin, inflammatory bowel disease, gut integrity, antioxidant capacity.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) prevalence is rising globally.
- Quercetin, a flavonoid in fruits and vegetables, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Dietary interventions are being explored for IBD management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of quercetin in ameliorating dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of quercetin's therapeutic effects in colitis.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-six mice were divided into control, DSS-induced colitis, and DSS-induced colitis with 500 ppm quercetin groups.
- Colitis was induced using DSS; body weight, intestinal permeability, and liver antioxidant enzymes were assessed.
- Colonic tissue underwent histopathological scoring and RNA-sequencing analysis.
Main Results:
- Dietary quercetin (500 ppm) significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis.
- Quercetin enhanced intestinal integrity and liver antioxidant capacity.
- RNA-sequencing revealed quercetin modulated key genes and pathways (ERK1/2-FKBP, RXR-STAT3), down-regulating S100a8/9 and FBN2, potentially reducing colongenesis risk.
Conclusions:
- Dietary quercetin demonstrates a therapeutic effect on DSS-induced colitis in mice.
- The benefits are attributed to improved intestinal integrity and modulation of specific molecular pathways.
- Quercetin shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for IBD and warrants further investigation for its effects on IBD and colongenesis.
