Gallincin ameliorates colitis-associated inflammation and barrier function in mice based on network pharmacology prediction

Objective To explore potential mechanisms and effects of gallincin on a mouse model of colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Methods Network pharmacology analysis was used to predict the molecular mechanism of action of gallincin for treatment of colitis. Gallincin was administered orally to mice with DSS-induced colitis. Expression of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), D-lactate, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and myeloperoxidase activity were assessed with real-time quantitative PCR and an enzyme-linked immunoassay, respectively. Expression of occludin, zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1/2 (p-ERK1/2) was analyzed with immunohistochemical staining and/or western blot assays. Results Using a network pharmacology approach, 12 mapping targets between gallincin and colitis were obtained, including ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase. Further investigations in an experimental colitis mouse model showed that gallincin significantly ameliorated experimental colitis, reduced D-lactate levels, and remarkably increased occludin and ZO-1 expression, possibly in part by decreasing IL-1β, TNF-α, and p-ERK1/2 levels and inhibiting leukocyte penetration. Conclusions Gallincin regulated colonic barrier function and reduced colitis-associated inflammation, suggesting it is a promising drug for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.