China Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine ›› 2024, Vol. 51 ›› Issue (5): 2228-2236.doi: 10.16431/j.cnki.1671-7236.2024.05.043

• Basic Veterinary Medicine • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Pharmacological Effects of Triterpenoids on Intestinal Inflammation

LIU Lilin, TAN Yu, YANG Fan, YI Jine   

  1. College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
  • Received:2023-10-20 Online:2024-05-05 Published:2024-04-28

Abstract: Triterpenoids are a class of natural compounds of multiple isoprene units.They have various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory,antioxidant properties and potential therapeutic effects in relieving intestinal inflammation.Firstly,triterpenoids exert their anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the secretion of inflammatory mediators (interleukins,prostaglandins,tumor necrosis factor) and their related signaling pathways,thereby reducing the production of intestinal inflammation.Secondly,triterpenoids improve the generation of reactive oxygen species,balance the redox system,and reduce oxidative stress damage,leading to their anti-inflammatory properties.Moreover,triterpenoids regulate the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and multiple signaling pathways (NF-κB/MAPK/Nrf2 signaling pathways) to improve the levels of immunoglobulins and complement,so achieving immune balance.Fourthly,triterpenoids promote the expression of tight junction proteins,repair damaged intestinal mucosal epithelium,enhance intestinal barrier function,and reduce the penetration of irritants,thus inhibiting intestinal inflammation.Furthermore,triterpenoids exhibit a close relationship with the gut microbiota.They can maintain gut microbiota stability,preserve the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier,and reduce the occurrence of intestinal inflammation.In conclusion,triterpenoids protect against intestinal inflammation by regulating inflammation,oxidative stress,immune balance,mucosal barrier and gut microbiota.Although there are certain limitations and challenges in the current research on triterpenoids,this review provides an important reference for further exploration,development and utilization of triterpenoids,and offer new ideas for their application in the field of intestinal inflammation.

Key words: triterpenoids; intestinal inflammation; oxidative stress; immune balance; intestinal mucosal barrier

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