Orientin alleviates ulcerative colitis by regulating ferroptosis and glycolysis via the ROS/HIF-1α/GLUT1 signaling axis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge, a plant used traditionally in herbal medicine for digestive health, is known for its gut-protective properties. Orientin, a natural flavonoid compound abundant in this species, exhibits anti-inflammatory and gut-protective activities.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This study examined the therapeutic potential of orientin against ulcerative colitis (UC) and aimed to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

This study established a DSS-triggered UC mouse model. RNA sequencing was carried out to identify key signaling pathways implicated in orientin's therapeutic effects. Disease activity, intestinal barrier integrity, inflammatory responses, ferroptosis, were systematically evaluated. To validate the role of GLUT1 in the pathogenesis of UC, GLUT1-knockdown mice were utilized. Additionally, LPS-stimulated primary intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) were employed to further confirm the protective effects of orientin in vitro.

RESULTS

RNA sequencing revealed that orientin significantly modulated genes associated with inflammation, ferroptosis, and metabolic pathways. Orientin alleviated DSS-triggered colitis by boosting body weight, preserving colon length, reducing histological damage. GLUT1 deficiency exacerbated intestinal injury, whereas orientin treatment attenuated these effects by regulating the ROS/HIF-1α/GLUT1 signaling axis. Orientin also repressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, neutrophil infiltration, and oxidative stress, while inhibiting the ferroptosis pathway. Moreover, it normalized glycolytic reprogramming by targeting the ROS/HIF-1α/GLUT1 pathway. In vitro studies further confirmed orientin's protective effects on IECs by enhancing barrier function, reducing inflammation, and restoring metabolic homeostasis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the pivotal role of the ROS/HIF-1α/GLUT1 axis and demonstrates the therapeutic potential of orientin in UC.