Brucea javanica oil emulsion ameliorates ulcerative colitis by upregulating Deoxyribonuclease 2 to suppress cytosolic DNA-sensing signaling.

BACKGROUND

Brucea javanica oil emulsion (BJOE) is a clinically approved phytomedicine with reported anti-inflammatory effects, but its molecular mechanism and therapeutic potential in ulcerative colitis (UC) are not defined.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the protective effects of BJOE in experimental colitis and to elucidate its mechanism, with a focus on epithelial cytosolic DNA sensing, in order to provide a rationale for repurposing BJOE in UC.

METHODS

UC was induced in mice using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and treated with oral BJOE. Disease severity, histopathology, intestinal permeability (FITC‑dextran), serum biochemistry, junctional protein expression, and epithelial ultrastructure were assessed. Gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. To identify candidate pathways and targets, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) profiling was integrated with clinical transcriptomic co‑expression analysis, network pharmacology, and colon proteomics. Mechanistic validation was performed in DSS‑injured NCM460 epithelial cells using Western blotting, RT‑qPCR, immunofluorescence, deoxyribonuclease 2 (DNase2) silencing, cellular thermal shift assay, and molecular docking.

RESULTS

BJOE alleviated DSS‑induced colitis, reduced intestinal permeability, and preserved epithelial junction proteins and ultrastructure. BJOE also partially remodeled DSS‑associated dysbiosis, including suppression of Firmicutes expansion and shifts in key genera. Multi‑omics analyses converged on cytosolic DNA sensing and highlighted DNase2 as a key node. DNase2 was reduced in colitis, accompanied by cytosolic double‑stranded DNA accumulation and activation of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway; BJOE restored DNase2 and attenuated pathway activation. DNase2 knockdown abolished these DNase2‑dependent effects of BJOE in epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION

BJOE alleviates ulcerative colitis by targeting the DNase2-mediated cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway. By stabilizing DNase2, BJOE clears inflammatory DNA triggers, resolves sterile inflammation, and restores epithelial barrier integrity. These findings provide a scientific rationale for repurposing BJOE for UC therapy.