Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides
Published on: September 16, 2020
Houttuynia cordata-derived nanoparticles stabilize mitochondrial dynamics to alleviate ulcerative colitis via the
Wenyi Zhuang1, Mengqi Qu2, Yang Guan3
1College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
Background:
Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, faces limited treatment efficacy and safety concerns. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer a promising nanoplatform for targeted therapy.
Purpose:
This study aimed to isolate and characterize houttuynia cordata-derived nanoparticles (HDNPs) and evaluate their therapeutic potential in UC by targeting dual pathological axes: mitochondrial dynamics dysregulation and oxidative-inflammatory cascades, aiming to address unmet needs in current UC therapies.
Methods:
In vitro studies using LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cells (modeling inflamed intestinal epithelia) to evaluate mitochondrial dynamics, Nrf2/Ho-1 activation, oxidative stress. In vivo validation was performed in a DSS-induced murine UC model, assessing clinical parameters, histopathology and molecular markers.
Results:
HDNPs administration significantly attenuated DSS-induced weight loss and elevated disease activity index, while preserving intestinal mucosal integrity. In vitro, HDNPs markedly reduced intracellular oxidative markers, activated Nrf2 signaling, and upregulated Ho-1 synthesis. Notably, Nrf2 inhibition abolished HDNPs' protective effects, confirming the critical role of this pathway in mediating therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusion:
HDNPs stabilize mitochondrial dynamics to restore epithelial energy homeostasis and activating the Nrf2/Ho-1 axis to suppress oxidative-inflammatory cascades, addressing critical limitations of conventional UC therapies and offering translational potential for clinical application.
Related Concept Videos
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
The Inner Mitochondrial Membrane
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD