Leonurine, an active compound derived from *Leonurus japonicus*, has shown significant potential in alleviating DSS-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. The study utilized a 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution to induce colitis, replicating symptoms of human UC, including inflammation and epithelial barrier damage.
Leonurine, an active compound derived from *Leonurus japonicus*, has shown significant potential in alleviating DSS-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. The study utilized a 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution to induce colitis, replicating symptoms of human UC, including inflammation and epithelial barrier damage. Oral administration of leonurine (30 mg/kg/day) for 7 days markedly reduced symptoms such as body weight loss, colon shortening, and disease activity index (DAI) scores. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced epithelial cell loss, crypt damage, and inflammatory infiltration, improving colon tissue structure.
Leonurine enhanced intestinal barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins claudin-1 and occludin, reducing permeability caused by DSS. ELISA tests demonstrated decreased serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, indicating its anti-inflammatory effects. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed preserved tight junction integrity, preventing structural damage caused by DSS. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 861 differentially expressed genes, with significant modulation of pathways related to leukocyte chemotaxis, extracellular matrix organization, and pancreatic secretion. Leonurine downregulated pancreatic protease genes *Cela2a* and *Cela3b*, implicated in gut inflammation and barrier disruption. Quantitative PCR validated these findings.
Leonurine also modulated gut microbiota composition, reducing inflammatory bacterial genera such as *Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group*, *UBA1819*, *Enterococcus*, and *Oscillibacter*. It increased the abundance of anti-inflammatory Verrucomicrobia, promoting microbial balance. By regulating pancreatic enzymes and microbial composition, leonurine restored intestinal homeostasis, limited bacterial translocation, and protected gut barrier function. These findings highlight its therapeutic potential as a natural candidate for UC treatment, warranting further research into its mechanisms in pancreatic-gut axis regulation.
Introduction: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is an aggressive primary liver cancer with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. While ICC has traditionally been considered a malignancy of biliary epithelial cells, increasing evidence suggests that hepatocytes can...
Introduction: Liver fibrosis is the key determinant of long-term outcomes in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) drive fibrogenesis, but effective antifibrotic therapies remain unavailable. This study investigated whether blocking the succinate–GPR91...
Introduction: The progression from metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver (MAFL) to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is driven by complex interactions between hepatocytes and immune cells. This study identifies a novel spatial mechanism in the periportal (PP)...
Introduction: Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic (CKM) syndrome recognizes the close interaction between obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. This review highlights the emerging role of the gut microbiome, particularly butyrate-producing bacteria, as a central...
• Small intestinal adenocarcinoma (SIA) is a rare gastrointestinal cancer with limited disease-specific prognostic biomarkers and generally poor outcomes. • This nationwide Dutch population-based study evaluated whether three routinely available immunohistochemical markers—CK7, CK20, and CDX2—have...
Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is closely linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, with the liver traditionally viewed as a key regulator of blood glucose through hepatic glucose production. However, emerging...
We are pioneers in clinical intelligence, dedicated to helping gastroenterologists harness the power of artificial intelligence to drive precision, efficiency, and patient growth.