Mechanism by which oleracein E alleviates TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by intestinal barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
• Current treatments for UC have limitations, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic potential of oleracein E (OE) in ameliorating 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC).

Main Methods:

• UC models were established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Caco-2 cells and TNBS in rats.
• Inflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6), oxidative stress markers (CAT, MPO, MDA), and ROS levels were assessed.
• Western blotting analyzed the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, tight junction proteins, and apoptosis-related proteins.
• Histopathology (HE staining) and apoptosis (TUNEL staining) evaluated tissue damage and cell death.

Main Results:

• Oleracein E significantly reduced inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and oxidative stress markers (MPO) while increasing antioxidant enzyme activity (CAT).
• OE treatment upregulated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway proteins, enhanced tight junction protein expression (ZO-1, Occludin, claudin-2), and inhibited apoptosis.
• Histological examination revealed that OE significantly decreased the severity of TNBS-induced colitis in rats.

Conclusions:

• Oleracein E demonstrates significant therapeutic effects against ulcerative colitis.
• OE ameliorates intestinal barrier injury, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.