Effect of Tripterygium wilfordii on intestinal flora in mice with ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the effect of Tripterygium wilfordii on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) mice, analyze its effects on its intestinal flora, and explore its mechanism. Methods: Animal models of UC mice induced by DSS were established and divided into control group (Con), model group (Mod), mesalazine group (Mes), low dose group of T. wilfordii (RT1) and high dose group of T. wilfordii (RT2). The disease activity index (DAI), colon length, colon thickness, colon lesion gross score, colon histopathology score, and TNF-α and IL-6 cytokine expression levels in the serum of the mice were determined. The changes of intestinal flora in mice were detected by high-throughput sequencing, and the mechanism of action of T. wilfordii on UC mice was discussed. Results: After administration of T. wilfordii, it effectively alleviated colonic inflammatory symptoms and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors in mice, and had a good therapeutic effect on UC mice. The sequencing results of the flora showed that the mice in the Mod group were more disordered than the Nor group, and the abundance of the bacteria was reduced. After treatment with T. wilfordii, the recovery rate of intestinal flora was accelerated. Compared with Mod group, the diversity of intestinal flora was significantly improved. The level of portal was mainly decreased by the proportion of Bacteroidetes, and the increase of Firmicutes. The genus was mainly characterized by a decrease in the genus Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroides. Conclusion: T. wilfordii can regulate the composition of UC mouse flora, accelerate the recovery of flora, and have a good therapeutic effect on UC mice.