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Tetrandrine ameliorates dextran-sulfate-sodium-induced colitis in mice through inhibition of nuclear factor -κB activation

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Abstract

Background

Activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB has been shown to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), and tetrandrine, a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the Chinese herb Radix Stephania tetrandra, has been demonstrated to be a potent inhibitor of NF-κB activation. The purpose of the study was to investigate effects of tetrandrine on experimental model of UC.

Materials and methods

Tetrandrine was administered in experimental colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The disease activity index (DAI) and histological score were observed. NF-κB DNA binding activity was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

A significant improvement was observed in DAI and histological score in mice with tetrandrine, and the increase in NF-κB DNA binding activity, myeloperoxidase activity, IL-1β, and TNF-α in mice with DSS-induced colitis was significantly reduced following administration of tetrandrine.

Conclusion

The administration of tetrandrine leads to an amelioration of DSS-induced colitis, suggesting administration of tetrandrine may provide a therapeutic approach for UC.

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Acknowledgments

The present work was supported by the National Science Foundation of China (No. 30770983).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geriatric Medicine and Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China

    Dei Kui Zhang, Li Na Cheng, Xiao Li Huang, Wei Shi, Jun Ying Xiang & Hua Tian Gan

  2. Department of Geriatric Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China

    Hua Tian Gan

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  1. Dei Kui Zhang
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  2. Li Na Cheng
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  3. Xiao Li Huang
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  4. Wei Shi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hua Tian Gan.

Additional information

Dei Kui Zhang and Li Na Cheng contributed equally to this work.

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Zhang, D.K., Cheng, L.N., Huang, X.L. et al. Tetrandrine ameliorates dextran-sulfate-sodium-induced colitis in mice through inhibition of nuclear factor -κB activation. Int J Colorectal Dis 24, 5–12 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-008-0544-7

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