Compound Xuejie Preparation Improved Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Mitigating Inflammation-Induced Damage and Downregulating TNF-α Expression

M.M. Zhao, M.D. Jin, M.M. Yuan, M.D. Liu and M.M. Zang

Background and Objective: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and refractory disease, which is closely related with inflammation. The current treatments for UC demonstrated efficacy, but followed with significant adverse reactions after long-term use. Compound Xuejie Preparation can enhance intestinal mucosal permeability through its effects on blood rheology. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Compound Xuejie Preparation in a murine model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC and its influence on TNF-α expression. Materials and Methods: Forty-five healthy male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to three groups (15 mice per group) and subjected to specific treatments. Control group received normal drinking water and saline by gavage, DSS group had free access to 4% DSS and saline by gavage and DSS and Compound Xuejie Preparation Group (Experimental group) had free access to 4% DSS and Compound Xuejie Preparation (0.075 g/kg/day) by gavage. On the 11th day, specimens were collected for evaluation using the Disease Activity Index (DAI) score, histological assessment (colon tissue Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, Histological Index, HI score) and TNF-α expression determined via ELISA. Results: Data showed that mice in DSS and experimental group exhibited worsened general conditions, increased DAI scores and elevated colon HI scores compared to the control groups (p<0.05). Moreover, the experimental group displayed a reduced degree of inflammation in colon tissue compared to the DSS group (p<0.05) and a significant decrease in TNF-α expression (p<0.05). Conclusion: Compound Xuejie Preparation mitigates inflammation-induced damage in mouse colon tissue and downregulates TNF-α expression, which might be effective in the treatment of UC.

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