Lizhong Decoction ((sic)(sic)) Ameliorates Ulcerative Colitis in Mice via Regulation of Plasma and Urine Metabolic Profiling

Objective To elucidate the mechanism of Lizhong Decoction (LZD, (sic)(sic)) in treating dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice based on metabonomics. Methods Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into 6 groups, including normal, model, low- (1.365 g/kg), medium- (4.095 g/kg) and high dose (12.285 g/kg) LZD and salazosulfadimidine (SASP) groups, 6 mice in each group. Colitis model mice were induced by DSS admistration for 7 days, and treated with low, medium and high dose LZD extract and positive drug SASP. Metabolic comparison of DSS-induced colitis and normal mice was investigated by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) combined with Metabolynx (TM) software. Results The metabolic profiles of plasma and urine in colitis mice were distinctly ameliorated after LZD treatment (P<0.05). Potential biomarkers (9 in serum and 4 in urine) were screened and tentatively identified. The endogenous metabolites were mainly involved in primary bile acid, sphingolipid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, amino acids (alanine, aspartate, and glutamate), butanoate and glycerophospholipid metabolism in plasma, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid and tryptophan metabolism in urine. After LZD treatment, these markers notably restored to normal levels. Conclusions The study revealed the underlying mechanism of LZD on amelioration of ulcerative colitis based on metabonomics, which laid a foundation for further exploring the pathological and physiological mechanism, early diagnosis, and corresponding drug development of colitis.

Automated summary

The study investigated the mechanism of Lizhong Decoction in treating DSS-induced colitis in mice using metabonomics. Through metabolic comparison, potential biomarkers were identified and the endogenous metabolites involved in various metabolic pathways were restored to normal levels after treatment with Lizhong Decoction. This research provides a foundation for further exploration of the pathological and physiological mechanisms, early diagnosis, and drug development of colitis.