Protective Effect of Rosavin Against Intestinal Epithelial Injury in Colitis Mice and Intestinal Organoids.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Research

Background:

• Rhodiola species are functional foods with potential anti-inflammatory properties.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) lacks targeted therapies, necessitating novel treatment strategies.
• The specific mechanisms of Rhodiola's therapeutic effects on IBD are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic effects of Rosavin (Rov), a Rhodiola constituent, on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which Rov ameliorates intestinal damage in IBD models.

Main Methods:

• A murine model of acute colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) was used.
• Inflammatory markers, cell apoptosis, proliferation, and epithelial integrity were assessed.
• TNF-α-induced intestinal organoids and RNA sequencing were employed to explore protective mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Rov administration attenuated colitis symptoms, reduced inflammatory markers, and decreased neutrophil activation.
• Rov treatment increased beneficial intestinal stem and differentiated cells (Lgr5+, Lyz1+, Muc2+), reduced apoptosis, and restored barrier function.
• Rov protected intestinal organoids from TNF-α-induced damage and upregulated genes related to epithelial cell proliferation and defensin secretion.

Conclusions:

• Rosavin (Rov) demonstrates significant therapeutic potential as a natural prophylactic agent for IBD.
• Rov's protective action on the intestinal epithelium is a key mechanism underlying its efficacy.
• Further research into Rov could lead to novel IBD treatment strategies.