Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
Published on: January 5, 2017
Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide alleviates DSS-induced colitis through coordinated regulation of lipid
Ran Li1, Xuehui Li2, Qiaozhen Tong3
1Yichun University, 6 Houde Road, Yuanzhou District, Yichun, 336000, Jiangxi Province, China; Loudi Central Hospital, 51 Changqing Middle Street, Loudi, 417099, Hunan Province, China; Yueyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 269 FengQiaoHu Road, Yueyang, 414000, Hunan Province, China.
Ethnopharmacological Relevance:
Atractylodes macrocephala is a traditional medicinal herb widely used in East Asian medicine for gastrointestinal disorders and immune regulation. Its polysaccharides are believed to possess immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, yet their precise mechanisms of action, particularly in the context of colitis, remain insufficiently characterized.
Aim Of The Study:
To investigate the structural characteristics of A. macrocephala polysaccharide (AMP) and evaluate its anti-colitis efficacy and underlying mechanisms using a multi-omics approach in a Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model.
Materials And Methods:
AMP was characterized through sugar composition and molecular weight (2200-3200 Da) analysis. A DSS-induced colitis model in mice was established to assess the therapeutic effects of AMP. Serum and fecal samples were analyzed by non-targeted metabolomics, and colon tissues were subjected to transcriptomic profiling. Two-way Orthogonal Partial Least Squares (O2PLS) analysis was conducted to explore correlations between metabolites and gene expression.
Results:
AMP treatment significantly ameliorated colitis symptoms, improved body weight trends, and reduced histopathological damage. Metabolomics revealed AMP-mediated alterations in lipid mediators, including lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC), sphingomyelin, and leukotrienes, along with enhanced bile acid metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis showed that AMP restored the expression of genes related to the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway, Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) receptor activation, tight junctions, and NF-κB inhibition. Integrative O2PLS analysis demonstrated coordinated regulation between lipid/bile acid metabolites and immune-related genes.
Conclusions:
AMP alleviates DSS-induced colitis through integrated modulation of lipid metabolism, bile acid-cAMP-JNK signaling, and gut barrier integrity. These findings provide mechanistic insights and strong theoretical support for AMP as a promising functional dietary polysaccharide targeting intestinal inflammation.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...