Modulation of distinct gut microbiota signatures in acute and chronic DSS-colitis by Bawei Huangqin enema in mice.

Intestinal microbiota plays a key role in ulcerative colitis (UC), and its composition may vary between the disease's acute (AUC) and chronic (CUC) stages. Using dextran sulfate sodium-induced mice models of AUC and CUC, this study characterized their distinct microbial dysbiosis patterns and evaluated the efficacy of a traditional Chinese medicine formula, Bawei Huangqin Enema (BHE). BHE treatment effectively alleviated colonic inflammation in both models. This was achieved by remodeling the gut microbiota in a stage-specific manner and by enhancing intestinal barrier integrity through the upregulation of tight junction proteins Occludin and MUC2. These findings highlight the distinct microbial features of AUC versus CUC and suggest that BHE's therapeutic potential derives from its dual regulation of the microbiome and intestinal barrier, supporting a multi-target approach for managing UC.