Work

Modified gegen qinlian decoction ameliorates Veillonella parvula-exacerbated ulcerative colitis via restoration of intestinal mucosal barrier function

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Ulcerative colitis (UC) is being increasingly connected to the pathogen Veillonella parvula (V. parvula). Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction (MGQD), a traditional Chinese medicine therapy, is used to treat UC. However, the underlying mechanism by which V. parvula exacerbates UC and whether MGQD can alleviate it is unknown. Methods MGQD therapy was tested on pathogen-free and pseudo-germ-free mice infected with V. parvula. Colitis severity was determined by disease activity index, colon length, and histology. Transmission electron microscopy, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. In vitro , mouse colonic organoids were utilized to examine the effects of baicalin and puerarin on inflammation-induced downregulation of Muc2 and ZO-1. Results MGQD therapy dramatically reduced the severity of colitis in both mouse models. MGQD restored the integrity of the mucus and mechanical barriers. Furthermore, baicalin and puerarin reduced inflammation-induced downregulation of Muc2 and ZO-1 in mouse colonic organoids. Discussion These findings demonstrate that MGQD alleviates intestinal barrier dysfunction caused by V. parvula, providing novel mechanistic insight for the management of chronic colitis.

Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology

DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2026.1803816