Shikimic Acid Regulates the NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathway and Gut Microbiota to Ameliorate DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis.

Abstract

Shikimic acid (SA) is a compound extracted from the plant anise and has anti-inflammatory effects. However, any impact on intestinal inflammation or mechanisms involved has not been investigated. The present study used a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse colitis model to investigate the effects of SA on intestinal inflammation. Intragastric administration of SA slowed DSS-induced weight loss, reduced disease activity index (DAI) score, enhanced the intestinal barrier, reduced the destruction of the colonic structure, inhibited the phosphorylation of key proteins in MAPK and NF-&#x3ba;B signaling pathways, inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-&#x3b1;, IL-1&#x3b2;, and MPO (< 0.05), decreased IFN-&#x3b3; expression (< 0.05), and increased immunoglobulin IgG content (< 0.05). After 50 mg/kg SA treatment, the content ofincreased anddecreased in the cecal feces of mice with colitis (< 0.05) and the richness of gut species increased. In conclusion, SA could improve intestinal inflammation and enhance intestinal immunity, indicating its suitability as a therapeutic candidate.