“One stone three birds”: Andrographis paniculata-derived exosome-like nanoparticles mitigate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

作者：Min‐zheng Zhu, Shimin Wang, Ningning Yue, Hailan Zhao, Yuan Zhang, Cheng‐mei Tian, Kong Chen, Zhiliang Mai, Longbin Huang, Qianjun Luo, Daoru Wei, Ruiyue Shi, Yuqiang Nie, Yujie Liang, Jun Yao, Li‐Sheng Wang, Jing Sun, Defeng Li · 发表于：Chinese Medical Journal · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1097/cm9.0000000000003651 · 被引用次数：6 · 研究领域：Andrographolide Research and Applications、Inflammatory Bowel Disease、Gut microbiota and health

BACKGROUND: Ulcerative colitis (UC), a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, is characterized by a multifactorial etiology and limited therapeutic options. Recent advancements in plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles (PDENs) have demonstrated promising potential for UC treatment. This study explored the therapeutic efficacy of Andrographis paniculata -derived exosome-like nanoparticles (APELNs) in alleviating dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. METHODS: APELNs were isolated and purified using sucrose gradient centrifugation and subsequently characterized through visualization techniques. Their stability was assessed under simulated stomach-like and intestine-like conditions. The therapeutic potential of APELNs was evaluated through both in vivo and in vitro experiments. In addition, the biosafety of APELNs was comprehensively analyzed in these settings. RESULTS: APELNs exhibited excellent stability and biosafety, with a targeted accumulation in inflamed colonic tissues under gastrointestinal conditions. The nanoparticles displayed a desirable size (about 180 nm) and a negative zeta potential (-40 mV). Treatment with APELNs significantly ameliorated colonic pathologies in vivo and suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro . Mechanistically, APELNs enhanced gut microbiota richness and diversity, fostering the growth of the probiotic Lactobacillus murinus . Moreover, APELNs reduced intestinal permeability and preserved intestinal barrier integri...