Shaoyao Gancao Decoction protects against dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis by down-regulating ferroptosis

Objectives: Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (SGD) is a well-known Chinese herbal prescription used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC). This study was designed to evaluate the effect of SGD in dextran sulfate sodium-induced UC and to reveal the potential mechanism.

Methods: A UC mouse model was established by the administration of dextran sulfate sodium. The mice were given SGD extract intragastrically for 7 days. Histological pathology, inflammatory factors, and ferroptosis regulators were determined in vivo. In addition, ferroptotic Caco-2 cells were prepared to investigate the underlying mechanism of the effects of SGD.

Key findings: The results showed that SGD reduced the disease activity index, the level of inflammatory factors, and histological damage in mice with UC. Moreover, SGD down-regulated the level of ferroptosis in cells in colon tissue, as evidenced by a reduced iron overload, decreased glutathione depletion, and a lower level of malondialdehyde production, compared with the model group. Correspondingly, similar effects of SGD on ferroptosis were observed in Erastin-treated Caco-2 cells. The results of our in vitro reactive oxygen species assays and the changes in mitochondrial structure observed by scanning electron microscopy also supported these results.

Conclusion: Taken together, these findings suggest that SGD protected against UC by down-regulating ferroptosis in colonic tissue.