Qing-Re-Hua-Shi Decoction ameliorates DSS-induced colitis by modulating multiple signaling pathways and remodeling the gut microbiota and metabolite profile.

BACKGROUND

Clinically, Qing-Re-Hua-Shi Decoction (QRHSD) has been clinically used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) with satisfactory outcomes and minimal side effects. However, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the effects of QRHSD on DSS-induced colitis in mice, employing multi-omics analyses, including RNA-seq transcriptomics, 16S rRNA microbiomics, non-targeted metabolomics, and network pharmacology analysis.

METHODS

The chemical composition of QRHSD was analyzed using quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). A UC mice model was induced by 3% DSS for 7 days. The effects and mechanisms of QRHSD on UC were evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin, immunofluorescence assay, flow cytometry, western blot, RNA-seq transcriptomics, 16S rRNA microbiomics, non-targeted metabolomics, and network pharmacology. Correlation analyses and validation experiments explored links between transcriptomic, microbiome, metabolomic profiles, and UC-related clinical indices.

RESULTS

UPLC-Q-TOF/MS identified 55 compounds in QRHSD. QRHSD significantly reduced clinical activity, histological changes, and inflammatory factors in UC mice, regulated Th17/Treg balance, and enhanced intestinal barrier integrity. 16S rRNA analysis showed that QRHSD altered gut microbiota composition, increasing beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus) and decreasing harmful bacteria (e.g., Morganella). Non-targeted metabolomics revealed 507 metabolites associated with UC amelioration, enriched in pathways like bile secretion, ABC transporters, and amino acid biosynthesis. RNA-seq analysis, network pharmacology, and experimental verification showed that QRHSD significantly regulated key signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT, NF-κB, and MAPK signaling pathways. Finally, correlation analysis highlighted connections among UC-related clinical factors, gut microbiota, and metabolites.

CONCLUSION

QRHSD could modulate the gut microbiota, metabolic homeostasis, and multiple signal pathways in the treatment of DSS-induced UC, revealing the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine therapy for UC.