Work

Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora ethanol extract alleviates DSS-induced colitis by modulating MAPK signalling and preserving intestinal barrier integrity

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and barrier-protective effects of Spiraea prunifolia var. simpliciflora ethanol extract (SPSE) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. SPSE suppressed nitric oxide production and down-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) by inhibiting phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK. In vivo, SPSE alleviated weight loss, colon shortening, and histological damage, accompanied by reduced cytokine expression and MAPK activation in colonic tissue. Moreover, SPSE restored epithelial tight junction proteins, including ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1, thereby preserving intestinal barrier integrity. Molecular docking suggested that caffeoyl-type constituents of SPSE interact with transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), an upstream regulator of MAPK signalling. These findings demonstrate that SPSE mitigates experimental colitis by modulating MAPK signalling and maintaining epithelial integrity, supporting its potential as a functional food ingredient for intestinal health.

Source: Journal of Functional Foods

DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2025.107120

Authors: So Yeon Kim, Yoo Kyong Han, Yun Mi Lee, Kyuhyung Jo, Dong-Seon Kim

Institution: Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,800