Shenling Baizhu powder reduced the oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage during ulcerative colitisthe Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-NF-E2-related factor 2/nuclear factor kappa B pathway.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects and relative mechanisms of Shenling Baizhu powder (, SBP) on ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

This study investigates the potential of SBP, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, in attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress in UC. Applying both in vivo(rat) and in vitro (human colonic epithelial cells) models, we explored the anti-inflammation and oxidative stress effect of SBP, focusing on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-NF-E2-related factor 2/nuclear factor kappa B (KEAP1-NRF2/NF-κB) pathway and mitochondrial homeostasis.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that SBP administration significantly improved the health status of rats, with less intestinal injury, and reduced inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6) and oxidative stress (myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species) both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, SBP restored the inhibited KEAP1-NRF2/NF-κB signaling during inflammatory responses induced by dextran sulfate sodium or lipopolysaccharide, and decreased the expression level of the inflammatory molecule: NF-κB. Besides, SBP also helped to restore the mitochondrial dynamics, as evidenced by the recovery of mitochondrial membrane potential and mitofusin-2 levels.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that SBP may offer a promising alternative therapy for managing UC, providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits as key molecular mechanisms.