Jianpi-Qingchang decoction alleviates ulcerative colitis by modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress-related autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related autophagy is involved in the occurrence and development of ulcerative colitis (UC). Therefore, regulating ERS-related autophagy is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of UC. Jianpi-Qingchang (JPQC) decoction, consisting of nine Chinese herbal medicines, is used to treat patients with UC. However, its mechanism of action has not been completely elucidated. Here, we aimed to reveal the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of JPQC in UC. We established a colitis model using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and an ERS model using thapsigargin (Tg) and administered JPQC. We systematically examined ERS-related autophagy associated protein expression, inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic cells, and autophagic flux. Moreover, the cellular ultrastructure was observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We found that JPQC reduced disease activity index (DAI) scores, counteracted colonic tissue damage, decreased the number of autophagosomes, inhibited proinflammatory cytokines, enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokines, and dampened ERS-related autophagy associated protein gene expression.