Xi'an Jiaotong University Researchers Advance Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treatment
Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong University have identified dihydromyricetin (DHM) as a compound that significantly improves colitis symptoms and intestinal barrier disruption in a mouse model.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong University have made advancements in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a growing health concern with increasing incidence globally, often affecting younger individuals. Due to its unclear pathogenesis, it remains difficult to cure, with limited effective drug options.
The study found that dihydromyricetin (DHM), a main active component from Vitis vinifera tea, significantly alleviated colitis symptoms, improved intestinal barrier function, and reduced colon inflammation in mice. The research indicated that DHM effectively addressed gut dysbiosis in UC mice, with its efficacy closely related to the intestinal flora, as confirmed by experiments involving pseudo-sterile mice and fecal microbiota transplantation.
Further metabolomic studies revealed that DHM regulates the synthesis of unconjugated bile acids (UBA). These UBAs subsequently activate the intestinal epithelial FXR/TGR5 signaling pathway, which ultimately inhibits inflammation and restores the integrity of the intestinal barrier.
This research highlights DHM's potential therapeutic role in managing IBD and underscores the intricate connection between dietary compounds, gut microbiota, and bile acid metabolism. These findings could lead to new treatment strategies for challenging conditions like IBD.