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Updated: Jun 28, 2025

DNBS/TNBS Colitis Models: Providing Insights Into Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Effects of Dietary Fat
Published on: February 27, 2014
Nicotine improves DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting NLRP3 and altering gut microbiota
Yi-Xiang Zhang1, Xiao-Qian Chi1, Meng Li2
1Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
Abstract:
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease affecting the rectum and colon. Numerous epidemiological studies have identified smoking as a protective factor for UC. Dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota and release of inflammatory factors are well-established characteristics associated with UC. Therefore, we have observed that nicotine exhibits the potential to ameliorate colitis symptoms in UC mice. Additionally, it exerts a regulatory effect on colonic microbiota dysbiosis by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria while suppressing harmful bacteria. Combined in vivo and in vitro investigations demonstrate that nicotine primarily impedes the assembly of NLRP3, subsequently inhibiting downstream IL-1β secretion.
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