Baicalein ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting ferroptosis and regulating gut microbiota.

ABSTRACT: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a nonspecific inflammatory disease. Baicalein has potential value in treating UC, but its mechanism is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of baicalein on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC mice. The UC model was established by 4% DSS solution for 7 days. Treatments included baicalein (10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg) and sulfasalazine (200 mg/kg) via oral gavage. Colonic damage was assessed through body weight, disease activity index (DAI), histopathology (H&E staining) and colon length. Inflammatory cytokines were measured by ELISA, while oxidative stress markers and iron content were analyzed by colorimetric assays. Protein expression was evaluated by Western blot, and gene levels by RT-qPCR. Intestinal microbiota changes were characterized usi

SUBMITTER: Lv W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12350334 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature