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Published on: December 27, 2013
Ramulus mori polysaccharide-loaded PLGA nanoparticles and their anti-inflammatory effects in vivo
Zian Feng1, Song Peng1, Zhiyong Wu2
1Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Abstract:
In this study, ramulus mori polysaccharide (RMP) was encapsulated into Poly (lactic-co-glycolicacid) (PLGA) to form PLGA-RMP (PR). The aim of study is to investigate anti-inflammatory effects of PR. The particle size of PR nanoparticles was approximately 205.6 ± 1.86 nm. PR nanoparticles showed significant therapeutic effects on colitis mice model, evidenced by attenuation of the loss of body weight, reduction of the DAI score, and restoration of the colon length. From the histopathological analysis, alleviation of the histopathological damage, less production of IFN-γ and IL-6, and improvement of IL-10 were observed with the treatment of PR. Meanwhile, the treatment of PR not only promoted the expression of ZO-1 and occludin, but also improved the contents of acetate, propionate, and butyrate in the colitis colon. Furthermore, PR extenuated the reduction of the diversity and richness of gut microbiota induced by DSS, and decreased the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes while increasing the proportion of Clostridium XIVa, Mucispirillum, and Paraprevotella in the gut microbiota. What's more, PR nanoparticles attenuated the metabolic disorders in the colitis colon induced by DSS. These results indicated that PR nanoparticles could serve as a potent nanomedicine to treat IBD and be used as potential prebiotics.
Insights
Ramulus mori polysaccharide (RMP) encapsulated in Poly (lactic-co-glycolicacid) (PLGA) forms PLGA-RMP (PR) nanoparticles. PR demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in a colitis model, improving gut health and microbiota balance.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanomedicine
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) presents significant challenges in treatment.
- Developing novel therapeutic agents with enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of Ramulus Mori Polysaccharide (RMP) encapsulated within Poly (lactic-co-glycolicacid) (PLGA) nanoparticles, termed PLGA-RMP (PR).
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of PR nanoparticles in a colitis mouse model.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulation of RMP into PLGA nanoparticles to form PR nanoparticles (average size ~205.6 nm).
- Administration of PR nanoparticles to a DSS-induced colitis mice model.
- Assessment of therapeutic effects through body weight, disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length, histopathological analysis, cytokine levels (IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-10), tight junction protein expression (ZO-1, occludin), short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content, gut microbiota composition, and metabolic profiles.
Main Results:
- PR nanoparticles significantly attenuated colitis symptoms, including weight loss, DAI score, and colon shortening.
- Histopathological analysis revealed reduced inflammation, decreased IFN-γ and IL-6, and increased IL-10.
- PR treatment enhanced tight junction protein expression, improved SCFA levels (acetate, propionate, butyrate), and modulated gut microbiota diversity and composition.
- PR nanoparticles mitigated metabolic disorders in the colon and reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio.
Conclusions:
- PLGA-RMP (PR) nanoparticles exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and therapeutic effects in a colitis model.
- PR nanoparticles show potential as a nanomedicine for treating IBD and may act as prebiotics by modulating gut microbiota and improving gut barrier function.
