Modulating Effect of Paeonol on Piglets With Ulcerative Colitis.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Piglet enteritis poses a significant challenge in modern swine production, necessitating urgent therapeutic solutions.
• Paeonol (Pae), a compound with recognized medicinal value, is explored as a novel treatment for gastrointestinal disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the regulatory mechanisms of Paeonol in mitigating dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in weaned piglets.
• To evaluate the effects of Paeonol on intestinal barrier function, inflammatory responses, gut microbiota, and growth performance in piglets with UC.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-six weaned piglets were divided into six groups: control, DSS-induced UC, and four treatment groups (Paeonol at varying doses or mesalazine).
• Ulcerative colitis was induced using DSS, followed by oral administration of Paeonol or mesalazine for 27 days.
• Key parameters assessed included growth performance (ADFI, ADG, F/G), intestinal barrier markers (Occludin, ZO-1 mRNA), inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β, IL-4), apoptosis markers (Caspase-8), gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acids.

Main Results:

• Paeonol administration significantly improved average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and reduced the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G).
• Paeonol enhanced the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (Occludin, ZO-1) and modulated inflammatory factors (TGF-β, IL-4).
• Paeonol treatment altered gut microbiota composition, increasing beneficial bacteria like Prevotella and Firmicutes, while reducing Campilobacterota, and elevated beneficial short-chain fatty acids (propionic, butyric, valeric acids).

Conclusions:

• Paeonol demonstrates significant therapeutic potential in alleviating DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in piglets.
• Paeonol exerts its effects by enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, balancing inflammatory responses, modulating gut microbiota, and improving growth performance.
• Paeonol represents a promising natural compound for managing piglet enteritis and promoting gut health in swine production.