Pristimerin Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice by Modulating Intestinal Barrier Function, Gut Microbiota Balance...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Gastroenterology
• Immunology

Background:

• Pristimerin, a triterpenoid from Celastraceae plants, has known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Traditional use for gastrointestinal disorders, but its mechanism in ulcerative colitis (UC) is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of pristimerin in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis (UC).

Main Methods:

• In vitro: Assessed nitric oxide (NO) production and tight junction protein expression in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.
• In vivo: Evaluated pristimerin's effects on UC symptoms, inflammatory markers, gut microbiota, and serum metabolomics in DSS-induced mice.

Main Results:

• Pristimerin inhibited NO production and upregulated tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin-1) in vitro.
• In vivo, pristimerin ameliorated UC symptoms, reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α, MPO, MDA), and increased protective cytokines (IL-10, IL-22) and antioxidant activity (SOD).
• Pristimerin modulated gut microbiota dysbiosis and identified 33 metabolic biomarkers related to lipid and tryptophan metabolism.

Conclusions:

• Pristimerin demonstrates therapeutic potential for ulcerative colitis (UC).
• Its mechanism involves enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, rebalancing gut microbiota, and modulating lipid and tryptophan metabolism.