LAUSR

Lizhong decoction (LZD), a classic prescription being firstly documented in "Shanghan Lun", has been applied to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) in clinical practices for thousands of years. However, its mechanism is not clear up to now. The aim of this study was to assess the amelioration of LZD on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice and further clarify its mechanism. The results showed that all doses of LZD could notably improve DSS-induced colon lesions, reduce histological scores, prolong colon length and increase body weight. Additionally, LZD significantly reduced colonic inflammation in UC mice by inhibiting the production of bone marrow peroxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO) and cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β and IL-6). And the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA in UC mice were remarkably down-regulated after the treatment of LZD. Furthermore, LZD could markedly increase the expressions of tight junction proteins (Zo-1, Occludin, Claudin-1) in UC mice. In summary, this study indicated that LZD could notably improve UC symptoms by suppressing inflammation and ameliorating gut barrier, which provided scientific basis for its clinical application in the future.