Shikimic Acid Regulates the NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathway and Gut Microbiota to Ameliorate DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis

Shikimic acid (SA) is a compound extracted from the plantaniseand has anti-inflammatory effects. However, any impact on intestinalinflammation or mechanisms involved has not been investigated. Thepresent study used a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse colitismodel to investigate the effects of SA on intestinal inflammation.Intragastric administration of SA slowed DSS-induced weight loss,reduced disease activity index (DAI) score, enhanced the intestinalbarrier, reduced the destruction of the colonic structure, inhibitedthe phosphorylation of key proteins in MAPK and NF-kappa B signalingpathways, inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-alpha,IL-1 beta, and MPO (P < 0.05), decreased IFN-gamma expression (P < 0.05), and increased immunoglobulinIgG content (P < 0.05). After 50 mg/kg SA treatment,the content of Bacteroidetes increasedand Proteobacteria decreased in thececal feces of mice with colitis (P < 0.05) andthe richness of gut species increased. In conclusion, SA could improveintestinal inflammation and enhance intestinal immunity, indicatingits suitability as a therapeutic candidate.