1.Tengli Kangliu Prescription Inhibits Colorectal Adenoma Carcinoma Transition in Mice via Regulating STAT3 Signaling Pathway and Targeting M2 Type Macrophages
Fang LIU ; Kaiyue CHI ; Qingxiu WU ; Xing SHI ; Jiangmei ZOU ; Mingjun BAO ; Bo CAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):207-216
ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effect of Tengli Kangliu prescription (TKP) on the carcinogenesis of colorectal adenoma (CRA) induced by azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulphate sodium salt (DSS) in C57BL/6 mice and decipher the potential mechanism through regulating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway to target M2-type macrophages. MethodsA total of 55 male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into a blank group (n=10), a model group (n=15), a celecoxib (0.02 g·kg-1·d-1) group (n=15), a TKP (42.43 g·kg-1·d-1) group (n=15). The mice in the model, TKP, and celecoxib groups were modeled for CRA lesions through the AOM/DSS three-cycle protocol. The intervention in each group began one week after free access to DSS and lasted for 12 weeks, and the blank group received 20 mL·kg-1·d-1 normal saline through gavage. Throughout the study period, changes in body mass and survival rate were recorded, alongside measurements of colorectal length and spleen mass. Histological changes of the colonic tissue were observed by HE staining. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to detect the positive expression of CD68 and CD11c in the colorectal tissue. Western blot was employed to assess the protein levels of STAT3, phosphorylated (p)-STAT3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in the intestinal tissue. Real-time quantitative PCR was employed to analyze the mRNA levels of arginase 1 (Arg1), CD206, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the serum concentrations of Th2-type cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, and IL-13 in mice. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group exhibited symptoms including diarrhea, hematochezia, and body mass loss, accompanied by shortened colon length, mucosal damage, and multiple tumors. In addition, the model group showcased up-regulated protein levels of STAT3, p-STAT3, and Bcl-2, down-regulated protein level of Bax, increased positive expression of CD68 and CD11c, and up-regulated mRNA levels of Arg1, CD206, and VEGF in the colon tissue, together with elevated serum levels of IL-4, IL-13, and IL-6 (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the above-mentioned indicators were partially reversed in both TKP group and celecoxib group, with superior effects observed in the TKP group (P<0.05). ConclusionTKP significantly improves the survival quality of the mouse model of AOM/DSS-induced CRA by reducing intestinal inflammation and decreasing colorectal tumor number and size. It may delay the progression of AOM/DSS-induced colorectal tumor-like lesions by inhibiting activation of the STAT3/p-STAT3 signaling pathway in the intestinal tissue, targeting regulation of M2-type macrophages, and improving the tumor microenvironment, thereby suppressing CRA carcinogenesis.

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