ZPDC glycoprotein inhibits inflammation-related cytokine and protein via nuclear factor-kappa B in dextran sulfate sodium-stimulated ICR mouse

The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory potentials of a 24-kDa glycoprotein isolated from Zanthoxylum piperitum DC fruit (ZPDC glycoprotein) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-stimulated ICR mouse colitis. ZPDC glycoprotein was administered to mice at 10 and 20 mg/kg for 7 days and then the mice were co-treated with 5% DSS for another 7 days in presence of ZPDC glycoprotein and killed on day 15. The results showed that ZPDC glycoprotein has inhibitory effects on levels of disease activity index and large intestine shortening in DSS-treated mice. In addition, ZPDC glycoprotein suppresses the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, production of inducible nitric oxide, and release of lactate dehydrogenase in DSS-treated mice plasma. Interestingly, we found that consumption of ZPDC glycoprotein (20 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the expressions of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 via modulation of transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-kappa B in DSS-treated mice colon. Collectively, these results suggest that ZPDC glycoprotein is useful for prevention of inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.