Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 30, 2025

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
08:58

Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis

Published on: January 5, 2017

12.3K

A potential therapeutic approach for ulcerative colitis: targeted regulation of macrophage polarization through

Ke Wang1,2, Tangyou Mao2, Xinyu Lu1,2

  • 1Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.

Frontiers in Immunology
|May 17, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Novel natural compounds show promise for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by reprogramming immune cells. Targeting macrophage polarization offers a new therapeutic strategy for this chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with limited treatment options, causing significant patient suffering and economic burden.
  • Macrophages are key immune cells in the gut, and their polarization state critically impacts UC progression.
  • Directing macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype is a recognized therapeutic strategy for UC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of macrophage polarization in UC development.
  • To explore the potential of phytochemicals in modulating macrophage phenotype for UC treatment.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of action for natural compounds targeting macrophage polarization in UC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on macrophage polarization in UC.
  • Analysis of research on phytochemicals and their immunomodulatory effects.
  • Synthesis of data on natural compounds targeting macrophage phenotype.

Main Results:

  • Macrophage polarization significantly influences intestinal immune homeostasis and UC pathogenesis.
  • Phytochemicals exhibit potent bioactivity and protective effects against colonic inflammation.
  • Natural substances show potential for targeting macrophage phenotypes relevant to UC treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Modulating macrophage polarization is a promising therapeutic avenue for UC.
  • Phytochemicals represent a valuable source of novel agents for UC management.
  • Further research into natural compounds can offer new clinical strategies for ulcerative colitis.
Keywords:
macrophagephenotypephytochemicalspolarizationtherapeutic effectsulcerative colitis

More Related Videos

Development of an Antigen-driven Colitis Model to Study Presentation of Antigens by Antigen Presenting Cells to T Cells06:57

Development of an Antigen-driven Colitis Model to Study Presentation of Antigens by Antigen Presenting Cells to T Cells

Published on: September 18, 2016

9.1K
Depletion and Reconstitution of Macrophages in Mice08:50

Depletion and Reconstitution of Macrophages in Mice

Published on: August 1, 2012

39.8K

Related Concept Videos

Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the colon and rectum. The primary drugs used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis are aminosalicylates. They exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. They modulate inflammatory mediators and inhibit the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Aminosalicylates also reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and decreasing neutrophil chemotaxis and superoxide...
183
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management01:29

Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management

Upon diagnosis, managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) involves addressing several crucial aspects. The primary goals include resting the bowel, correcting malnutrition, and providing symptomatic relief. Resting the bowel may consist of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Correcting malnutrition is essential, often requiring dietary adjustments and nutritional supplements. Symptomatic relief aims to ease pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts in IBD.
Pharmacologic...
160
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel...
207
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy01:30

Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy

Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
369
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management01:21

Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management

Surgical interventions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are essential in managing symptoms and addressing complications. The selection of surgical procedures is contingent upon the specific conditions and complications that stem from these illnesses.
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
175
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management01:26

Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management

Medical treatment strategies for peptic ulcers encompass various methods. The primary goal of treatment is to diminish gastric acidity and strengthen mucosal defense mechanisms.
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current...
120