Gallincin ameliorates colitis-associated inflammation and barrier function in mice based on network pharmacology prediction

Abstract

Objective To explore potential mechanisms and effects of gallincin on a mouse model of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Methods Network pharmacology analysis was used to predict the molecular mechanism of action of gallincin for treatment of colitis. Gallincin was administered orally to mice with DSS-induced colitis. Expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), D-lactate, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and myeloperoxidase activity were assessed with real-time quantitative PCR and an enzyme-linked immunoassay, respectively. Expression of occludin, zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1/2 (p-ERK1/2) was analyzed with immunohistochemical staining and/or western blot assays. Results Using a network pharmacology approach, 12 mapping targets between gallincin and colitis were obtained, including ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase. Further investigations in an experimental colitis mouse model showed that gallincin significantly ameliorated experimental colitis, reduced D-lactate levels, and remarkably increased occludin and ZO-1 expression, possibly in part by decreasing IL-1β, TNF-α, and p-ERK1/2 levels and inhibiting leukocyte penetration. Conclusions Gallincin regulated colonic barrier function and reduced colitis-associated inflammation, suggesting it is a promising drug for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Clostridium butyricum and Chitooligosaccharides in Synbiotic Combination Ameliorate Symptoms in a DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis Mouse Model by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Enhancing Intestinal Barrier Function

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Application of network pharmacology in the study of mechanism of Chinese medicine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: A review

“…Gallincin, one of the main components of Quercus infectoria , has been found to effectively regulate the colonic barrier function and relieve intestinal inflammation in mice. The main mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of leukocyte infiltration and the reduction of TNF-a, p-ERK1/2, and IL-1β levels ( Cui et al, 2020 ). Coix seed, as one of the functional foods in the Chinese diet, has a significant immunomodulatory effect.…”

Qing Hua Chang Yin alleviates chronic colitis of mice by protecting intestinal barrier function and improving colonic microflora

“…The tight junctions between intestinal epithelial cells are key components of the intestinal mucosal barrier ( Yamada and Kanda, 2021 ). Occludin and ZO-1, as major epithelial tight junctions proteins, play an important role in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier ( Cui et al, 2020 ). MUC2, as an important component of the intestinal mucus barrier, can prevent contact between intestinal bacteria and the epithelial cells of the colon ( Yao D. et al, 2021 ).…”