Astragaloside IV ameliorates 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis implicating regulation of energy metabolism

Sci Rep. 2017 Feb 2:7:41832. doi: 10.1038/srep41832.

Abstract

Dysfunction of energy metabolism is involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study was designed to investigate the potential of astragaloside IV (ASIV), an active ingredient of Radix Astragalus, to ameliorate colonic mucosal injury, with focusing on the implication of energy restoration in the underlying mechanism. Experimental colitis model was established in rats by injecting 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) through anus. After 24 hours, ASIV was administrated once daily by gavage for 6 days. On day 1 and day 7, colon tissue was collected for macroscopic and histological examination, ELISA, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis. TNBS impaired colonic mucosa with an injured epithelial architecture, increased inflammatory cell infiltration, and decreased colonic blood flow. Lgr5 positive cell number in crypt and β-catenin nuclear translocation were down-regulated by TNBS treatment. TNBS induced epithelial F-actin disruption and junctional protein degradation. Furthermore, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and ATP synthase subunit β expression in the colon tissue were significantly decreased after TNBS stimulation. All of the aforementioned alterations were relieved by ASIV post-treatment. The present study revealed that ASIV promoted mucosal healing process in TNBS-induced colitis, which was most likely attributed to regulating energy metabolism.

MeSH terms

  • Actins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Cell Count
  • Colitis / drug therapy
  • Colitis / etiology*
  • Colitis / metabolism*
  • Colitis / pathology
  • Colon / blood supply
  • Colon / drug effects
  • Colon / metabolism
  • Colon / pathology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Energy Metabolism / drug effects*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / drug therapy
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / etiology
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / metabolism
  • Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / pathology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / drug effects
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Intestinal Mucosa / pathology
  • Proteolysis / drug effects
  • Rats
  • Regional Blood Flow / drug effects
  • Saponins / chemistry
  • Saponins / pharmacology*
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Tight Junction Proteins / metabolism
  • Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid / adverse effects*
  • Triterpenes / chemistry
  • Triterpenes / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Actins
  • Biomarkers
  • Saponins
  • Tight Junction Proteins
  • Triterpenes
  • astragaloside A
  • Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid