The Synergistic Role of Diet and Exercise in the Prevention, Pathogenesis, and Management of Ulcerative Colitis: An Underlying Metabolic Mechanism

The potential of short-chain fatty acid epigenetic regulation in chronic low-grade inflammation and obesity

Obesity and chronic low-grade inflammation, often occurring together, significantly contribute to severe metabolic and inflammatory conditions like type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer. A key player is elevated levels of gut dysbiosis-associated lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which disrupts metabolic and immune signaling leading to metabolic endotoxemia, while short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) beneficially regulate these processes during homeostasis. SCFAs not only safeguard the gut barrier but also exert metabolic and immunomodulatory effects via G protein-coupled receptor binding and epigenetic regulation. SCFAs are emerging as potential agents to counteract dysbiosis-induced epigenetic changes, specifically targeting metabolic and inflammatory genes through DNA methylation, histone acetylation, microRNAs (miRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). To assess whether SCFAs can effectively interrupt the detrimental cascade of obesity and inflammation, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence for their clinical application. The review emphasizes factors influencing SCFA production, the intricate connections between metabolism, the immune system, and the gut microbiome, and the epigenetic mechanisms regulated by SCFAs that impact metabolism and the immune system.

Protective Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Active Factor Combined with Alhagi maurorum Extract on Ulcerative Colitis and the Underlying Mechanism

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing and reoccurring inflammatory bowel disease. The treatment effect of Alhagi maurorum and stem cell extracts on UC remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of Alhagi maurorum combined with stem cell extract on the intestinal mucosal barrier in an intestinal inflammation mouse model. Sixty mice were randomly divided into a control group, model group, Alhagi group, MSC group, and MSC/Alhagi group. MSC and Alhagi extract were found to reduce the disease activity index (DAI) scores in mice with colitis, alleviate weight loss, improve intestinal inflammation in mice (p < 0.05), preserve the integrity of the ileal wall and increase the number of goblet cells and mucin in colon tissues. Little inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the Alhagi, MSC, or MSC/Alhagi groups, and the degree of inflammation was significantly alleviated compared with that in the model group. The distribution of PCNA and TNF-alpha in the colonic tissues of the model group was more disperse than that in the normal group (p < 0.05), and the fluorescence intensity was lower. After MSC/Alhagi intervention, PCNA and TNF-alpha were distributed along the cellular membrane in the MSC/Alhagi group (p < 0.05). Compared with that in the normal control group, the intensity was slightly reduced, but it was still stronger than that in the model group. In conclusion, MSC/Alhagi can alleviate inflammatory reactions in mouse colonic tissue, possibly by strengthening the protective effect of the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Moxibustion alleviates intestinal inflammation in ulcerative colitis rats by modulating long non-coding RNA LOC108352929 and inhibiting Phf11 expression

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC). Moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine, can improve symptoms in patients with UC and reduce intestinal inflammation in rats with UC. However, it remains unclear whether the ameliorative effect of moxibustion on intestinal mucosal inflammation in UC is related to lncRNAs. Thirty-two rats were randomly assigned to four groups: normal control, UC, moxibustion (MOX), and sulfasalazine (SASP). The UC rat model was induced by administering 4% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water. Rats in the moxibustion group underwent bilateral Tianshu (ST25) moxibustion using the herbs-partition moxibustion method. Rats in the sulfasalazine group received SASP solution via gavage twice daily for seven consecutive days. Our results revealed that, compared with the UC group [2.00 (1.00, 2.50)], the DAI score [0.25 (0.00, 0.50)] was significantly lower in the MOX group (P < 0.05). Compared with the UC group [13.00 (11.25, 14.00)], the histopathological score [5.50 (4.00, 7.75)] was significantly lower in the MOX group (P < 0.05). In addition, the CMDI and macroscopic scores were decreased in the MOX group (P < 0.05). Moxibustion significantly decreased the protein expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β in the colonic tissues of UC rats (P <0.05), thereby suppressing the inflammatory response. Moreover, moxibustion exerted a regulatory influence on colon lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles, upregulating LOC108352929 and downregulating Phf11 in rats with UC (P <0.05). Moxibustion also led to a reduction in the expression and colocalization of Phf11 and NF-κB in the colons of UC rats. Moreover, knockdown of LOC108352929 in rat enteric glial cells demonstrated a significant upregulation of TNF-α mRNA expression (P <0.05). In summary, these data illustrate that moxibustion effectively ameliorates DSS-induced colonic injury and inflammation while exerting regulatory control over the lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network in UC rats. Collectively, the in vivo and in vitro studies suggested that LOC108352929-Phf11 may serve as a potential biological marker for moxibustion in the treatment of UC.

Exercise-induced β-hydroxybutyrate promotes Treg cell differentiation to ameliorate colitis in mice

Increasing attention is being paid to the mechanistic investigation of exercise-associated chronic inflammatory disease improvement. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is one type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease with increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide. It is known that regular moderate aerobic exercise (RMAE) reduces the incidence or risk of UC, and attenuates disease progression in UC patients. However, the mechanisms of this RMAE's benefit are still under investigation. Here, we revealed that β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), a metabolite upon prolonged aerobic exercise, could contribute to RMAE preconditioning in retarding dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse colitis. When blocking β-HB production, RMAE preconditioning-induced colitis amelioration was compromised, whereas supplementation of β-HB significantly rescued impaired β-HB production-associated defects. Meanwhile, we found that RMAE preconditioning significantly caused decreased colonic Th17/Treg ratio, which is considered to be important for colitis mitigation; and the downregulated Th17/Treg ratio was associated with β-HB. We further demonstrated that β-HB can directly promote the differentiation of Treg cell rather than inhibit Th17 cell generation. Furthermore, β-HB increased forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3) expression, the core transcriptional factor for Treg cell, by enhancing histone H3 acetylation in the promoter and conserved noncoding sequences of the Foxp3 locus. In addition, fatty acid oxidation, the key metabolic pathway required for Treg cell differentiation, was enhanced by β-HB treatment. Lastly, administration of β-HB without exercise significantly boosted colonic Treg cell and alleviated colitis in mice. Together, we unveiled a previously unappreciated role for exercise metabolite β-HB in the promotion of Treg cell generation and RMAE preconditioning-associated colitis attenuation.

Ulcerative Colitis Is Associated With Diet-related Inflammation and Physical Activity in the IBD Partners E-cohort

BACKGROUND

Individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC) seek complementary treatment methods, including diet and physical activity, to manage the burden of living with UC. This study examined associations between diet-associated inflammation, physical activity (PA), and UC-related health outcomes.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 2052 IBD Partners e-cohort participants with UC. To quantify the inflammatory potential of food intake, dietary data were converted into Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and energy adjusted (E-DII) scores. Physical activity data were collected using the Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Activity Index. Outcome variables included the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index, Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, and psychosocial PROMIS domains.

RESULTS

Higher E-DII scores, as indicator of increased dietary inflammatory potential, were associated with increased disease activity (β = 0.166; P < .001), anxiety (β = 0.342; P = .006), depression (β = 0.408; P = .004), fatigue (β = 0.386; P = .005), sleep disturbance (β = 0.339; P = .003), and decreased social satisfaction (β = -0.370; P = .004) and quality of life (β = -0.056; P < .001). Physical activity was inversely associated with disease activity (β = -0.108; P < .001), anxiety (β = -0.025; P = .001), depression (β = -0.025; P = .001), fatigue (β = -0.058; P < .001), and sleep disturbance (β = -0.019; P = .008), while positively associated with social satisfaction (β = 0.063; P < .001) and quality of life (β = 0.005; P < .001). Beneficial effects were generally greater for strenuous PA intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

An anti-inflammatory diet and increased PA are associated with decreased disease activity, anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and fatigue, and associated with improved quality of life, sleep, and social satisfaction for patients with UC. Such modalities may reduce the daily burden of illness and aid in managing systemic and localized inflammation associated with UC.

The lncRNAs UCA1 and CRNDE target miR-145/TLR4/NF-қB/TNF-α axis in acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis model: The beneficial role of 3,3-Diindolylmethane

INTRODUCTION

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease that alters the colonic and rectal mucosa. The high prevalence rates of UC make it a worldwide healthcare problem. However, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain vague.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying UC and to study the cross-talk among the regulatory role of the lncRNAs UCA1, CRNDE, and miR-145 on TLR4/NF-κB/TNF-α signaling pathway. Moreover, the study was extended to examine the beneficial effects of 3,3-Diindolylmethane (DIM) on relieving UC.

METHODS

UC was induced in rats by injecting 2 ml of 4% acetic acid (AA) solution transrectally. After 24 h, rats were treated with either DIM (20 mg/kg) or sulphasalazine (SSZ) (500 mg/kg) orally for 7 days.

RESULTS

The present study revealed that the gene expression of the lncRNAs UCA1 and CRNDE were significantly upregulated in the AA-induced UC model compared with the control group, whereas miR-145 was significantly downregulated. There was a significant association between the expression of these non-coding RNAs and TLR4/ NF-κB/TNF-α axis as well as malondialdehyde and glutathione levels. Favorably, the DIM-treated group showed significant downregulation of the lncRNAs UCA1 and CRNDE along with upregulated miR-145 compared with the AA-induced UC model. Furthermore, DIM showed remarkable inhibition of the TLR4/ NF-κB /TNF-α cascade compared with non-treated UC rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study is the first to document the interrelated role of the lncRNAs UCA1 and CRNDE in UC via orchestrating miR-145/TLR4/ NF-κB /TNF-α inflammatory cascade. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a new molecular basis for the pleiotropic activities of DIM in relieving UC.

Antiviral Potential of Melissa officinalis L.: A Literature Review

The use of synthetic drugs has increased in recent years; however, herbal medicine is yet more trusted among a huge population worldwide; This could be due to minimal side effects, affordable prices, and traditional beliefs. Lemongrass (Melissa officinalis) has been widely used for reducing stress and anxiety, increasing appetite and sleep, reducing pain, healing wounds, and treating poisonous insect bites and bee stings for a long time. Today, research has shown that this plant can also fight viruses including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) through various mechanisms such as inhibiting HSV-1 from binding to host cell, inhibiting HSV-1 replication during the post-adsorption or inhibiting main protease and spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, furthermore, be effective in treating related diseases. This Review investigated the antiviral properties of Melissa officinalis and its effect on viral diseases. More in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to determine Melissa officinaliss underlying mechanism, and more randomized controlled trials should be done to identify its effect in humans. Also, due to the usefulness and lack of side effects, it can be used more as a complementary medicine.

The Pharmacological Mechanism of Guchangzhixie Capsule Against Experimental Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the major type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by an overactive immune response and destruction of colorectal epithelium with intricate pathological factors. Guchangzhixie (GCZX) capsule, included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020, has been widely utilized against UC. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been elucidated. In the present study, a murine model of experimental colitis was established by orally feeding 4% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 5 days and subsequently subjecting to GCZX treatment for another 15 days. Network pharmacology analysis was performed to predict the pertinent mechanisms of GCZX capsule. Cellular experiments examining the functional changes of intestinal organoids (IOs), macrophages (Mφs), and human colon epithelial cell cells (NCM460 cell line) after GCZX therapy were performed. Sequencing of 16S rRNA was conducted on the stools from the mouse model. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was utilized to detect serum metabolites. As a result, DSS induced experimental colitis, and this induction was alleviated by GCZX treatment, as evidenced by rescued pathological symptoms in UC mouse models, such as rectal bleeding stopping, decreased levels of albumin, interleukin-17, as well as chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), and reduction in colon length. Network pharmacology analysis showed that GCZX-target genes were enriched in pathogen-induced infections, inflammatory pathways, as well as neoplastic processes. DSS treatment decreased microbial diversity and led to the accumulation of pathological bacterial, which was reversed by GCZX capsule. PICRUSt2 (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) based on profiles of microbiota composition demonstrated a decreased incidence of infectious disease and cancers after GCZX therapy. In full accordance with these data, GCZX administration suppressed Mφ transition to pro-inflammatory phenotype, alleviated tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα)-compromised IOs functions, and decreased the recruitment of Mφs by epithelial cells. We conclude that GCZX capsule is an effective drug for UC and its pharmacological mechanisms involve re-establishing an anti-inflammatory milieu and favoring mucosal healing.

Interactions between gut microbiota and skeletal muscle

The gut microbiota is now recognized as a major contributor to the host’s nutrition, metabolism, immunity, and neurological functions. Imbalanced microbiota (ie, dysbiosis) is linked to undernutrition-induced stunting, inflammatory and metabolic diseases, and cancers. Skeletal muscle also takes part in the interorgan crosstalk regulating substrate metabolism, immunity, and health. Here, we review the reciprocal influence of gut microbiota and skeletal muscle in relation to juvenile growth, performance, aging, and chronic diseases. Several routes involving the vascular system and organs such as the liver and adipose tissue connect the gut microbiota and skeletal muscle, with effects on fitness and health. Therapeutic perspectives arise from the health benefits observed with changes in gut microbiota and muscle activity, further encouraging multimodal therapeutic strategies.