Deciphering the Therapeutic Mechanisms of Banxia Xiexin Decoction Against Ulcerative Colitis: Targeting Pyroptosis...

Previous studies have highlighted a strong association between programmed cell death and ulcerative colitis (UC). Banxia Xiexin decoction (BXD) is a thoroughly validated formula with an extensive history of clinical application for treating UC. However, it remains unclear whether BXD regulates pyroptosis and necroptosis in UC. This study focused on pyroptosis and necroptosis to investigate the underlying mechanisms of BXD on UC.

The therapeutic effects of BXD were evaluated in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. To identify key signaling pathways, transcriptomics and proteomics were performed, followed by the validation of these pathways using Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence in vivo and in vitro. The bioactive components of BXD were screened through pharmacodynamic experiments, molecular docking, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis.

BXD significantly alleviated UC symptoms by reducing inflammatory levels and improving intestinal barrier function. Multi-omics analyses demonstrated a significant alteration in pyroptosis- and necroptosis-related signaling pathways following BXD intervention. BXD suppressed pyroptosis through the P2RX7/NEK7 pathway and necroptosis via the TNFR1/RIPK3 pathway in the colons of UC model mice and in LPS+TNF-α-induced NCM460 cells. The screening of active ingredients revealed that baicalin and glycyrrhizic acid significantly affected LDH release and IL-1β levels. Molecular docking and SPR analyses demonstrated that baicalin targeted P2RX7 with high affinity and that glycyrrhizic acid targeted TNFR1 with moderate affinity.

BXD ameliorates inflammation and intestinal barrier dysfunction in UC by suppressing pyroptosis through the P2RX7/NEK7 pathway and necroptosis via the TNFR1/RIPK3 pathway. Baicalin and glycyrrhizic acid are identified as the pharmacodynamic components responsible for these therapeutic effects. These findings can provide molecular mechanisms and a material basis for the clinical application of BXD in the treatment of UC.