Ginseng root extract attenuates inflammation by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and activating autophagy and p62-Nrf2-Keap1 signaling in vitro and in vivo

Ginseng polysaccharide reduces autoimmune hepatitis inflammatory response by inhibiting PI3K/AKT and TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Ginseng polysaccharides (GP) have been found to exhibit significant immune regulatory effects, making them a promising candidate for treating immune-related diseases. However, their mechanism of action in immune liver injury is not yet clear. The innovation of this study lies in exploring the mechanism of action of ginseng polysaccharides (GP) in immune liver injury. While GP has been previously identified for its immune regulatory effects, this study aims to provide a clearer understanding of its therapeutic potential for immune-related liver diseases.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to characterize low molecular weight gingeng polysaccharides (LGP), investigate their effect on ConA-induced autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and identify their potential molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

LGP was extracted and purified using water-alcohol precipitation, DEAE-52 cellulose column, and Sephadex G200. And its structure was analyzed. It was then evaluated for anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects in ConA-induced cells and mice, assessing cellular viability and inflammation with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), Reverse Transcription-polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), and Western Blot, and hepatic injury, inflammation, and apoptosis with various biochemical and staining methods.

RESULTS

LGP is a polysaccharide composed of glucose (Glu), galactose (Gal), and arabinose (Ara), with a molar ratio of 12.9:1.6:1.0. LGP has a low crystallinity amorphous powder structure and is free from impurities. LGP enhances cell viability and reduces inflammatory factors in ConA-induced RAW264.7 cells and inhibits inflammation and hepatocyte apoptosis in ConA-induced mice. LGP inhibits Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and Toll-like receptors/Nuclear factor kappa B (TLRs/NF-κB) signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo to treat AIH.

CONCLUSIONS

LGP was successfully extracted and purified, exhibiting potential as a treatment for ConA-induced autoimmune hepatitis due to its ability to inhibit the PI3K/AKT and TLRs/NF-κB signaling pathways and protect liver cells from damage.

Cis-Nerolidol Inhibits MAP Kinase and NF-κB Signaling Pathways and Prevents Epithelial Tight Junction Dysfunction in Colon Inflammation: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies

Inflammation of the GI tract leads to compromised epithelial barrier integrity, which increases intestine permeability. A compromised intestinal barrier is a critical event that leads to microbe entry and promotes inflammatory responses. Inflammatory bowel diseases that comprise Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) show an increase in intestinal permeability. Nerolidol (NED), a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol, has potent anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical models of colon inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of NED on MAPKs, NF-κB signaling pathways, and intestine epithelial tight junction physiology using in vivo and in vitro models. The effect of NED on proinflammatory cytokine release and MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways were evaluated using lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Subsequently, the role of NED on MAPKs, NF-κB signaling, and the intestine tight junction integrity were assessed using DSS-induced colitis and LPS-stimulated Caco-2 cell culture models. Our result indicates that NED pre-treatment significantly inhibited proinflammatory cytokine release, expression of proteins involved in MAP kinase, and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-stimulated RAW macrophages and DSS-induced colitis. Furthermore, NED treatment significantly decreased FITC-dextran permeability in DSS-induced colitis. NED treatment enhanced tight junction protein expression (claudin-1, 3, 7, and occludin). Time-dependent increases in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) measurements reflect the formation of healthy tight junctions in the Caco-2 monolayer. LPS-stimulated Caco-2 showed a significant decrease in TEER. However, NED pre-treatment significantly prevented the fall in TEER measurements, indicating its protective role. In conclusion, NED significantly decreased MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and decreased tight junction permeability by enhancing epithelial tight junction protein expression.

Modulatory Role of Autophagy in Metformin Therapeutic Activity toward Doxorubicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a frequent chemotherapeutic drug used to treat various malignant tumors. One of the key factors that diminish its therapeutic importance is DOX-induced nephrotoxicity. The first-line oral antidiabetic drug is metformin (Met), which also has antioxidant properties. The purpose of our study was to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms for the potential protective effects of Met on DOX-triggered nephrotoxicity. Four animal groups were assigned as follows; animals received vehicle (control group), 200 mg/kg Met (Met group), DOX 15 mg/kg DOX (DOX group), and a combination of DOX and Met (DOX/Met group). Our results demonstrated that DOX administration caused marked histological alterations of widespread inflammation and tubular degeneration. Notably, the DOX-induced dramatic up-regulation of the nuclear factor-kappa B/P65 (NF-κB/P65), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), 8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and Beclin-1 in renal tissue. A marked increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) tissue level and a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were also recorded in DOX-exposed animals. Interestingly, Met could minimize all histopathological changes as well as the disruptions caused by DOX in the aforementioned measures. Thus, Met provided a workable method for suppressing the nephrotoxicity that occurred during the DOX regimen via the deactivation of the Beclin-1/LC3B pathway.

Therapy of traumatic brain injury by modern agents and traditional Chinese medicine

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of disability and death, and the social burden of mortality and morbidity caused by TBI is significant. Under the influence of comprehensive factors, such as social environment, lifestyle, and employment type, the incidence of TBI continues to increase annually. Current pharmacotherapy of TBI mainly focuses on symptomatic supportive treatment, aiming to reduce intracranial pressure, ease pain, alleviate irritability, and fight infection. In this study, we summarized numerous studies covering the use of neuroprotective agents in different animal models and clinical trials after TBI. However, we found that no drug has been approved as specifically effective for the treatment of TBI. Effective therapeutic strategies for TBI remain an urgent need, and attention is turning toward traditional Chinese medicine. We analyzed the reasons why existing high-profile drugs had failed to show clinical benefits and offered our views on the research of traditional herbal medicine for treating TBI.

Pathways Affected by Falcarinol-Type Polyacetylenes and Implications for Their Anti-Inflammatory Function and Potential in Cancer Chemoprevention

Polyacetylene phytochemicals are emerging as potentially responsible for the chemoprotective effects of consuming apiaceous vegetables. There is some evidence suggesting that polyacetylenes (PAs) impact carcinogenesis by influencing a wide variety of signalling pathways, which are important in regulating inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, etc. Studies have shown a correlation between human dietary intake of PA-rich vegetables with a reduced risk of inflammation and cancer. PA supplementation can influence cell growth, gene expression and immunological responses, and has been shown to reduce the tumour number in rat and mouse models. Cancer chemoprevention by dietary PAs involves several mechanisms, including effects on inflammatory cytokines, the NF-κB pathway, antioxidant response elements, unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, growth factor signalling, cell cycle progression and apoptosis. This review summarises the published research on falcarinol-type PA compounds and their mechanisms of action regarding cancer chemoprevention and also identifies some gaps in our current understanding of the health benefits of these PAs.

New verticillane-diterpenoid as potent NF-κB inhibitor isolated from the gum resin of Boswellia sacra

Two new verticillane-diterpenoids (1 and 2) were isolated from the gum resin Boswellia sacra. Their structures were elucidated by physiochemical and spectroscopic analysis, as well as ECD calculation. In addition, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated by determining the inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 mouse monocyte-macrophages. The results showed that compound 1 exhibited significant inhibitory effect on NO generation with an IC₅₀ value of 23.3 ± 1.7 μM suggesting that it might be a candidate for an anti-inflammatory agent. Furthermore, 1 potently inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α induced by LPS in a dose-dependent manner. Using Western blot and Immunofluorescence methods, compound 1 was found to inhibit inflammation mainly by restraining the activation of NF-κB pathway. And in the MAPK signaling pathway, it was found to have inhibitory effects on the phosphorylation of JNK and ERK proteins and have no effect on the phosphorylation of p38 protein.

Recent Advances in Cellular Signaling Interplay between Redox Metabolism and Autophagy Modulation in Cancer: An Overview of Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Interventions

Autophagy is a fundamental homeostatic process in which certain cellular components are ingested by double-membrane autophagosomes and then degraded to create energy or to maintain cellular homeostasis and survival. It is typically observed in nutrient-deprived cells as a survival mechanism. However, it has also been identified as a crucial process in maintaining cellular homeostasis and disease progression. Normal cellular metabolism produces reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species at low levels. However, increased production causes oxidative stress, which can lead to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer. It was recently shown that maintaining redox equilibrium via autophagy is critical for cellular responses to oxidative stress. However, little is understood about the molecular cancer processes that connect to the control of autophagy. In cancer cells, oncogenic mutations, carcinogens, and metabolic reprogramming cause increased ROS generation and oxidative stress. Recent studies have suggested that increased ROS generation activates survival pathways that promote cancer development and metastasis. Moreover, the relationship between metabolic programming and ROS in cancer cells is involved in redox homeostasis and the malignant phenotype. Currently, while the signaling events governing autophagy and how redox homeostasis affects signaling cascades are well understood, very little is known about molecular events related to autophagy. In this review, we focus on current knowledge about autophagy modulation and the role of redox metabolism to further the knowledge of oxidative stress and disease progression in cancer regulation. Therefore, this review focuses on understanding how oxidation/reduction events fine-tune autophagy to help understand how oxidative stress and autophagy govern cancer, either as processes leading to cell death or as survival strategies for maintaining redox homeostasis in cancer.

Effects of Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals in Nrf2 Pathways during Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and Related Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are related to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) dysregulation. In vitro and in vivo studies using phytocompounds as modulators of the Nrf2 signaling in IBD have already been published. However, no existing review emphasizes the whole scenario for the potential of plants and phytocompounds as regulators of Nrf2 in IBD models and colitis-associated colorectal carcinogenesis. For these reasons, this study aimed to build a review that could fill this void. The PubMed, EMBASE, COCHRANE, and Google Scholar databases were searched. The literature review showed that medicinal plants and phytochemicals regulated the Nrf2 on IBD and IBD-associated colorectal cancer by amplifying the expression of the Nrf2-mediated phase II detoxifying enzymes and diminishing NF-κB-related inflammation. These effects improve the bowel environment, mucosal barrier, colon, and crypt disruption, reduce ulceration and microbial translocation, and consequently, reduce the disease activity index (DAI). Moreover, the modulation of Nrf2 can regulate various genes involved in cellular redox, protein degradation, DNA repair, xenobiotic metabolism, and apoptosis, contributing to the prevention of colorectal cancer.

How ginseng regulates autophagy: Insights from multistep process

BACKGROUND

Although autophagy is a recognized contributor to the pathogenesis of human diseases, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are the only two FDA-approved autophagy inhibitors to date. Emerging evidence has revealed the potential therapeutic benefits of various extracts and active compounds isolated from ginseng, especially ginsenosides and their derivatives, by mediating autophagy. Mechanistically, active components from ginseng mediate key regulators in the multistep processes of autophagy, namely, initiation, autophagosome biogenesis and cargo degradation.

AIM OF REVIEW

To date, a review that systematically described the relationship between ginseng and autophagy is still lacking. Breakthroughs in finding the key players in ginseng-autophagy regulation will be a promising research area, and will provide positive insights into the development of new drugs based on ginseng and autophagy.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

Here, we comprehensively summarized the critical roles of ginseng-regulated autophagy in treating diseases, including cancers, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and neurotoxicity. The dual effects of the autophagy response in certain diseases are worthy of note; thus, we highlight the complex impacts of both ginseng-induced and ginseng-inhibited autophagy. Moreover, autophagy and apoptosis are controlled by multiple common upstream signals, cross-regulate each other and affect certain diseases, especially cancers. Therefore, this review also discusses the cross-signal transduction pathways underlying the molecular mechanisms and interaction between ginseng-regulated autophagy and apoptosis.

Ultra-High Hydrostatic Pressure Pretreatment on White Que Zui Tea: Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant, Cytoprotective, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities

Herbal tea has numerous biological activities and exhibits broad benefits for human health. In China, the flower buds of Lyonia ovalifolia are traditionally processed as herbal tea, namely White Que Zui tea (WQT). This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of ultra-high hydrostatic pressure (UHHP) pretreatment on the chemical constituents and biological activities of free, esterified, and insoluble-bound phenolic fractions from WQT. A total of 327 chemical constituents were identified by a quasi-targeted metabolomics analysis. UHHP pretreatment extremely inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and cell apoptosis in H2O2-induced HepG2 cells, and it increased the activities of intracellular antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) and GSH content in different phenolic fractions from WQT. In addition, after UHHP pretreatment, the anti-inflammatory effects of different phenolic fractions from WQT were improved by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Thus, the UHHP method might be a potential pretreatment strategy for improving the bioavailability of phytochemicals from natural plants.

Anti-inflammatory effect and signaling mechanism of 8-shogaol and 10-shogaol in a dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis mouse model

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has been used for food and applied in Ayurvedic medicine in India for thousands of years. With a reputation for strong anti-inflammatory properties, it has been used for to treat colds, migraines, nausea, arthritis, and high blood pressure in China and Southeast Asia. The physiological activity of ginger is attributed to its functional components, including gingerol and shogaol, and their derivatives.

Aim of the study

We aimed to investigate the effects of 8- and 10-shogaol and their bioactive signaling mechanisms in a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model. The anti-colitis efficacy of 6-, 8-, and 10-derivatives of gingerol and shogaol was comparatively analyzed.

Materials and methods

Colitis was induced by providing mice with drinking water containing 5% DSS (w/v) for 8 days. The 6-, 8-, and 10-derivatives of gingerol and shogaol were orally administered for two weeks at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Changes in body weight and disease activity index were measured. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, iNOS and COX-2, as well as the phosphorylation of NF-κB were analyzed using ELISA, PCR, or western blotting. Mucin expression and mRNA levels were measured using alcian blue staining and PCR, respectively. The tight-junction-associated proteins occludin and ZO-1 were assessed using immunohistological staining.

Results

The 6-, 8-, and 10-derivatives of gingerol and shogaol exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by regulating NF-κB signaling. Among the compounds administered, 10-shogaol was the most effective against DSS-induced inflammation. Comparative analysis of the chemical structure showed that shogaol, a dehydrated analog of gingerol, was more effective. 6- and 10-shogaol showed similar effects on DSS-induced morphological changes in the colonic mucus layer, mucin expression, and tight junction proteins.

Conclusions

6-, 8-, and 10-Gingerol and 6-, 8-, and 10-shogaol significantly improved the clinical symptoms and intestinal epithelial barrier damage in DSS-induced colitis in mice. The derivatives effectively inhibited DSS-induced inflammation through the regulation of NF-κB signaling. Moreover, 10-shogaol showed the most potent anti-inflammatory effect among the six compounds used in this study. The results indicate that 8- and 10-shogaol, both main ingredients in ginger, may serve as therapeutic candidates for the treatment of colitis.

Genes and Regulatory Mechanisms for Ginsenoside Biosynthesis

Panax ginseng is a medicinal plant belonging to the Araliaceae family. Ginseng is known as the king of oriental medicine, which has been practiced since ancient times in East Asian countries and globally in the modern era. Ginseng is used as an adaptogen, and research shows that it has several pharmacological benefits for various ailments such as cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and neurological symptoms. The pharmacological benefits of ginseng are attributed to the triterpenoid saponin ginsenosides found throughout the Panax ginseng species, which are abundant in its root and are found exclusively in P. ginseng and Panax quinquefolius. Recently, with the completion of the entire ginseng genome sequencing and the construction of the ginseng genome database, it has become possible to access information about many genes newly predicted to be involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis. This review briefly summarizes the current progress in ginseng genome analysis and genes involved in ginsenoside biosynthesis, proposing directions for functional studies of the predicted genes related to ginsenoside production and its regulation.

Soy Isoflavones Protect Neuronal PC12 Cells against Hypoxic Damage through Nrf2 Activation and Suppression of p38 MAPK and AKT-mTOR Pathways

Isoflavones are a class of major phenolic compounds, derived from soybeans, that possess unique therapeutic and biological properties. The possible mechanisms of isoflavone-mediated protection of neuronal PC12 cells against hypoxic damage was investigated in this study. Isoflavones showed potential neuroprotective effects by increasing cell viability, decreasing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inhibiting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cobalt chloride (CoCl₂)-induced hypoxic damage. A Western blot analysis indicated that isoflavones decreased apoptosis by up-regulating the Bcl-xL protein and down-regulating the Bax protein. They further reduced the S-phase fraction of the cell cycle by down-regulating the p21 protein and up-regulating the cyclin A protein levels. Additionally, isoflavones activated Nrf2 protein translocation and inhibited the p38 MAPK and AKT–mTOR pathways. A molecular docking analysis further revealed that isoflavones displayed a potential competitive interaction with the Nrf2 protein for Keap1. Our findings suggest that isoflavones could be a potent neuroprotective phytochemical in soybeans and their products.

Improved Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimelanogenic Effects of Fermented Hydroponic Ginseng with Bacillus Strains

Compared with traditionally cultured ginseng, hydroponic ginseng (HG) contains more remarkable bioactive compounds, which are known to exert diverse functional effects. This study aimed to enhance the multifunctional effects, including the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimelanogenic effects, exhibited by fermented HG with Bacillus strains, such as Bacillus subtilis KU43, Bacillus subtilis KU201, Bacillus polyfermenticus SCD, and Bacillus polyfermenticus KU3, at 37 °C for 48 h. After fermentation by B. subtilis KU201, the antioxidant activity, determined using ABTS and FRAP assays, increased from 25.30% to 51.34% and from 132.10% to 236.27%, respectively, accompanied by the enhancement of the phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The inflammation induced in RAW 264.7 cells by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was ameliorated with fermented HG, which regulated the nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), and proinflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6). The treatment with fermented HG inhibited the melanin accumulation in B16F10 cells induced by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) by controlling the concentrations of melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity. These results indicate that the HG exhibited stronger antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimelanogenic effects after fermentation. Consequently, HG fermented by Bacillus strains can potentially be used as an ingredient in cosmetological and pharmaceutical applications.

Nrf2 Pathway and Autophagy Crosstalk: New Insights into Therapeutic Strategies for Ischemic Cerebral Vascular Diseases

Cerebrovascular disease is highly prevalent and has a complex etiology and variable pathophysiological activities. It thus poses a serious threat to human life and health. Currently, pathophysiological research on cerebrovascular diseases is gradually improving, and oxidative stress and autophagy have been identified as important pathophysiological activities that are gradually attracting increasing attention. Many studies have found some effects of oxidative stress and autophagy on cerebrovascular diseases, and studies on the crosstalk between the two in cerebrovascular diseases have made modest progress. However, further, more detailed studies are needed to determine the specific mechanisms. This review discusses nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) molecules, which are closely associated with oxidative stress and autophagy, and the crosstalk between them, with the aim of providing clues for studying the two important pathophysiological changes and their crosstalk in cerebrovascular diseases as well as exploring new target treatments.

The Role of Concomitant Nrf2 Targeting and Stem Cell Therapy in Cerebrovascular Disease

Despite the reality that a death from cerebrovascular accident occurs every 3.5 min in the United States, there are few therapeutic options which are typically limited to a narrow window of opportunity in time for damage mitigation and recovery. Novel therapies have targeted pathological processes secondary to the initial insult, such as oxidative damage and peripheral inflammation. One of the greatest challenges to therapy is the frequently permanent damage within the CNS, attributed to a lack of sufficient neurogenesis. Thus, recent use of cell-based therapies for stroke have shown promising results. Unfortunately, stroke-induced inflammatory and oxidative damage limit the therapeutic potential of these stem cells. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has been implicated in endogenous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, thus presenting an attractive target for novel therapeutics to enhance stem cell therapy and promote neurogenesis. This review assesses the current literature on the concomitant use of stem cell therapy and Nrf2 targeting via pharmaceutical and natural agents, highlighting the need to elucidate both upstream and downstream pathways in optimizing Nrf2 treatments in the setting of cerebrovascular disease.

Preventive effect of Atractylodis Rhizoma extract on DSS-induced acute ulcerative colitis through the regulation of the MAPK/NF-κB signals in vivo and in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. is traditionally used as a folk medicine for treating gastrointestinal diseases in China. Nevertheless, the effect and mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory activity on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) have not yet been fully investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect and underlying molecular mechanisms of Ethanolic Extract of Atractylodis Rhizoma (EEAR) on DSS-induced UC mice and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The EEAR was obtained and then analyzed by HPLC analysis. The protective effect of EEAR on DSS-induced UC was evaluated by weight loss, disease activity index (DAI) score, spleen index, goblet cell loss, colon length shortening, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and pathological changes. The level of inflammatory cytokines were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RT-PCR analysis. The expressions of the tight junction (TJ, such as ZO-1, Occludin) proteins and the target proteins in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were determined by western blotting analysis.

RESULTS

EEAR significantly attenuated the symptoms of UC, suppressed the colon MPO activity, and increased the goblet cell loss. In addition, EEAR could significantly increase the expression of TJs in UC mice. Meanwhile, EEAR treatment could reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the phosphorylation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in UC mice and in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicated that EEAR ameliorated DSS-induced UC by inhibiting the inflammatory response and maintaining the intestinal barrier function via modulation of MAPK/NF-κB pathways, thus, EEAR might be a promising therapeutic candidate for UC therapy.

The Protective Effects of Ginseng Polysaccharides and Their Effective Subfraction against Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis

Polysaccharides from Panax ginseng are natural carbohydrates with multiple activities. However, little was known about its functions on colitis. In this study, we aim to investigate the protective effects of ginseng polysaccharides and its effective subfraction on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Water soluble ginseng polysaccharides (WGP) were obtained from dry ginseng root, then purified to neutral fraction (WGPN) and acidic fraction (WGPA) by ion exchange chromatography. An animal model was constructed with male Wistar rats, which were treated with a normal diet (con group), DSS (DSS group), WGP (WGP group), WGPN (WGPN group), and WGPA (WGPA group), respectively. Both WGP and WGPA alleviated the colitis symptoms and colon structure changes of colitis rats. They decreased the disease activity index (DAI) scores and improved colon health; reduced colon damage and recovered the intestinal barrier via regulating the tight-junction-related proteins (ZO-1 and Occludin); downregulated inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-17) and inhibited the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB-signaling pathway in the colon; regulated the diversity and composition of gut microbiota, especially the relative abundance of Ruminococcus; enhanced the production of SCFAs. In conclusion, WGP exerted a protective effect against colitis with its acidic fraction (WGPA) as an effective fraction. The results support the utilization and investigation of ginseng polysaccharides as a potential intervention strategy for the prevention of colitis.