Exploring the mechanism of Suxin Hugan Fang in treating ulcerative colitis based on network pharmacology

Abstract

Abstract As a traditional Chinese medicine formula used in clinical practice for an extended period, Suxin-Hugan-Fang (SXHGF) exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory properties. However, the efficacy of SXHGF in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) and its mechanism of action are still unclear. In this study, the therapeutic effects of SXHGF on UC were evaluated using network pharmacology and experimental validation, while also investigating its mechanism of action. By administering DSS to C57BL/6 mice to construct a mouse model of ulcerative colitis, the therapeutic effect of SXHGF on ulcerative colitis was evaluated based on weight loss percentage, disease activity index, colon length changes, and pathological conditions as indicators. The main chemical components of SXHGF were determined by LC-MS-QTOF method. The potential targets and mechanisms of action of SXHGF in the treatment of UC were inferred using bioinformatics methods, and further validated through ELISA, IHC, and Western blotting assays. The experimental results demonstrate that SXHGF can suppress oxidative stress and oxidative damage in the colon tissue of UC mice, and alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 and NFκB pathways.

Keywords

• Ulcerative colitis
• Chinese herbal prescription
• Suxin-Hugan Fang
• Inflammation
• Oxidative injury