Objective: To investigate the effects of Qingre Jianpi decoction (，QRJPD) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice and explore its mechanism.
Methods: All mice were randomly divided into six groups. Weight changes, disease activity index values, and histological damage were detected. Inflammatory cytokines and immune cell infiltration were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) method. The key protein expression levels of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were detected by western blot analysis, IHC, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.
Results: QRJPD played an anti-inflammatory role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and inhibited the inflammatory infiltration of immune cells by suppressing DSS-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Conclusion: QRJPD exerts protective effects by inhibiting DSS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Keywords: Colitis, ulcerative; NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 3 protein; anti-inflammatory agent; inflammasome.