Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San Mitigates Ulcerative Colitis by Enhancing Intestinal Barrier Integrity via the AhR-CYP1A1-NF-κB...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools.
• Shen-Ling-Bai-Zhu-San (SLBZS) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to manage gastrointestinal symptoms.
• The molecular mechanisms of SLBZS in treating UC are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of SLBZS in treating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis.
• To identify bioactive compounds and therapeutic targets of SLBZS using network pharmacology.
• To evaluate the efficacy of SLBZS in a preclinical model of UC.

Main Methods:

• Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Quadrupole-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-QE-MS) and network pharmacology were used to identify compounds and targets.
• A DSS-induced colitis mouse model was established to assess SLBZS efficacy.
• Molecular docking and Western blot analysis were employed for target validation and pathway analysis.

Main Results:

• SLBZS treatment significantly ameliorated DSS-induced colitis, improving body weight, colon length, and disease activity.
• SLBZS suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6) and oxidative stress markers while enhancing antioxidant capacity.
• Network pharmacology identified 98 potential targets, primarily involving the NF-κB, TNF, and HIF-1 pathways; validation confirmed regulation of the AhR-CYP1A1-NF-κB axis.

Conclusions:

• SLBZS demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in a colitis model.
• The herbal formula enhances intestinal barrier function by restoring tight junction proteins.
• SLBZS alleviates UC by modulating the AhR-CYP1A1-NF-κB signaling pathway, highlighting its multi-target therapeutic potential.