Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Leonurine alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by activating the PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy pathway: an integrated network pharmacology and experimental validation study.
- Journal:
- Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology
- Year:
- 2026
- Authors:
- Cao, Tingting et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Gastroenterology · China
- Species:
- rodent
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease with an unclear pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of leonurine in UC. Using network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis, we identified the PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy pathway as a key target. Validation in a DSS-induced colitis mice model showed that leonurine significantly alleviated colonic injury, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and restored intestinal barrier function. Mechanistically, leonurine upregulated the expression of mitophagy-related proteins (PINK1, Parkin, LC3II) and improved mitochondrial morphology. In conclusion, leonurine ameliorates UC by activating the PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy pathway, providing a scientific basis for its development as a potential therapeutic agent.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41639349/