Hudi enteric-coated capsules promote colonic mucosa restoration via modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND

Hudi Enteric-coated Capsules (HD capsules), derived from a traditional enema formulation, are used clinically to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, their bioactive components and underlying mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of HD capsules in a mouse model of DSS-induced IBD.

METHOD: The chemical constituents of HD capsules were identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. A mouse model of IBD was induced with 2.5% DSS administered in drinking water, followed by treatment with HD Capsules. Disease activity was evaluated based on changes in body weight, diarrhea, fecal blood, colon length, and the levels of cytokines and intestinal barrier proteins. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, transcriptome sequencing, quantitative PCR, western blotting, 16S rRNA sequencing, and correlation analyses were performed.

RESULTS

HD capsules significantly alleviated disease activity in IBD mice, as evidenced by reduced weight loss, diarrhea, fecal blood, and disease activity index scores. They also suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and reduced cytokine levels in colon tissue while enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins and mucins. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that HD capsules activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, leading to upregulation genes associated with intestinal stem cells and epithelial regeneration.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that Hudi Enteric-coated Capsules alleviate IBD by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Mechanistically, this activation involves Abca12-related processes that inhibit GSK-3β and promote β-catenin-dependent epithelial regeneration. These findings provide a solid theoretical foundation for clinical application and may inform future integrated treatment strategies.