Kushenol I combats ulcerative colitis via intestinal barrier preservation and gut microbiota optimization

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BACKGROUND: Kushenol I (KSCI) exhibits potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its therapeutic effects and mechanisms in ulcerative colitis (UC) remain unclear. AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of KSCI in alleviating UC. METHODS: Therapeutic targets for KSCI in treating UC were identified using network pharmacology. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed the interactions between KSCI and these targets. In a murine UC model induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of KSCI were evaluated following oral administration, as well as its impact on intestinal barrier function and immune response modulation. Finally, changes in gut microbiota composition were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 192 potential targets of KSCI in treating UC were identified using network pharmacology. KSCI bound stably to core targets including protein kinase B (AKT), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). The oral administration of KSCI improved colon length and body weight, and reduced disease activity in a mouse model of DSS-induced UC. KSCI suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL-1β], IL-6, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) and promoted the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. It also inhibited key signaling molecules and modulated the expression of IL-1β, AKT, p38 MAPK, NLRP3, PI3K, AKT, FOXO1, and TLR4. KSCI exhibited potent antioxidant effects, ameliorating colonic inflammation and tissue damage. It improved intestinal barrier function, influenced gut microbiota composition, and increased splenic T-cell percentages. CONCLUSION: KSCI alleviated DSS-induced UC by modulating gut microbiota, enhancing the intestinal barrier, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and regulating the immune response.

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