Triptolide ameliorates colonic fibrosis in an experimental rat model

Abstract

Triptolide is known to exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities; however, its impact on intestinal fibrosis has not been previously examined. Based on our previous studies of the suppressive activity of triptolide on human colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts and the therapeutic efficacy of triptolide in Crohn’s disease, it was hypothesized that triptolide may have beneficial effects on intestinal fibrosis. In the present study, colonic fibrosis was induced in rats by 6 weekly repeated administration with a low-dose of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and was then treated with triptolide or PBS daily (control) simultaneously. Extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the colon was examined with image analysis of Masson Trichrome staining. Total collagen levels in colonic homogenates were measured by a Sircol assay. Collagen Iα1 transcripts and collagen I protein were measured ex vivo in the isolated colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analysis, respectively. The results indicated that triptolide decreased ECM deposition and collagen production in the colon, and inhibited collagen Iα1 transcripts and collagen I protein expression in the isolated subepithelial myofibroblasts of the rats with colonic fibrosis. In conclusion, triptolide ameliorates colonic fibrosis in the experimental rat model, suggesting triptolide may be a promising compound for inflammatory bowel disease treatment.

Interleukin 6 inhibition by triptolide prevents inflammation in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis

“…A previous study by our group comparing the effects of TL and dexamethasone in mice with DSS-induced UC indicated that TL ameliorated the disease symptoms and downregulated the expression of solute carrier protein (26). A study by Tao et al (27) indicated triptolide may be a potential therapeutic agent for IBD due to its extracellular matrix protective and anti-inflammatory properties.…”

“…TL is known as a drug with marked pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties as well as improvement of the microcirculation; it inhibits the proliferation of various types of cancer cell and enhances tumor sensitivity to chemotherapy (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27). In the present study, the expression patterns of IL-6 in a mouse model of UC model were assessed, as well as association between the anti-colitis effects of TL and IL-6 levels.…”

Application and Mechanisms of Triptolide in the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases—A Review

“…Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease that is characterized by abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix proteins produced by activated myofibroblasts in the intestine (Rieder and Fiocchi, 2008). Tao et al (2015) discovered that 45 mg/kg per day triptolide ameliorates colonic fibrosis in an experimental rat model. Triptolide could reduce collagen production and extracellular matrix deposition in the colon.…”

Herbs-Partitioned Moxibustion Combined with Acupuncture Inhibits TGF-β1-Smad-Snail-Induced Intestinal Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Crohn’s Disease Model Rats

“…Rats were fixed in a handstand posture for 1 min after the rubber tube was drawn away to prevent solution overflow. This procedure was performed on days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 [29, 30]. No rat models died during model establishment.…”