Therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Zhen-Wu-Bu-Qi Decoction on dextran sulfate sodium-induced chronic colitis in mice assessed by multi-omics approaches

Background: Zhen-Wu-Bu-Qi Decoction (ZWBQD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula comprising Poria, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, Radix Codonopsis and Rhizoma Coptidis, is used for treating ulcerative colitis (UC). In a previous study, we have reported ZWBQD mitigates the severity of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Hypothesis: In this study, we aimed to understand the systemic actions and underlying mechanisms of ZWBQD on experimental colitis in mice. Methods: We used multi-omics techniques and immunoblotting approach to study the pharmacological actions and mechanisms of ZWBQD in DSS-induced chronic colitic mice. Results: We showed that ZWBQD exhibited potent anti-inflammatory properties and significantly protected DSS-induced colitic mice against colon injury by regulating the PI3K-AKT, MAPK signaling pathway and NF-kappa B signaling pathways. We also revealed that ZWBQD significantly ameliorated gut microbiota dysbiosis and ab-normalities of tryptophan catabolites induced by DSS. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of ZWBQD on experimental colitis are mediated by regulating multiple signaling pathways and modulation of gut microbiota. Our study employed an integrative strategy to elucidate novel mechanisms of ZWBQD, which provides new insights into the development of Chinese herbal medicine-based therapeutics for UC.