PHI ameliorated DSS-induced murine acute ulcerative colitis
We first investigated the therapeutic effects of PHI in DSS-induced
colitis. 2% Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) in drinking water ad libitum
for 7 consecutive days, followed by treatment with different doses of
PHI (60 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) throughout the whole experiment (Fig. 2A)
Using disease activity index (DAI) as a measure of UC severity, the mice
in both DSS- and 2,4,6-trinitro-Benzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced
colitis experienced significant weight loss, severe diarrhea, and bloody
stool after chemical induction. Treatment with PHI resulted in a
reversal of these symptoms, as well as a restoration of immune
hyperfunction-induced splenomegaly and colon shortening (Fig. 2B and
2C). PHI also exerted positive effects on maintaining the intestinal
mucosal barrier by reducing goblet cell loss, mucous thinning, and
intestinal permeability (Fig. 2D, E).
In addition, the histologic analysis indicated that PHI treatment
restored the colon structure, prevented crypt destruction, and inhibited
inflammatory cell infiltration. The expression of tight junction
proteins in the colon was also restored, further demonstrating PHI’s
beneficial effect on intestinal barrier function (Fig. 2F).