Aluminum exposure-exacerbated experimental colitis in mice was antagonized by <i>Pueraria lobata</i> extract

Aluminum is the most abundant environmental pollutant. Recent studies suggest that aluminum exposure increases the risk of multiple diseases, including intestinal barrier dysfunction. We investigated whether <i>Pueraria lobata</i> extract (PLE) is effective in safeguarding against aluminum chloride exposure-exacerbated intestinal barrier dysfunction. Using an experimental colitis model of aluminum-exacerbated dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-treated mice, clinical and pathological evidence suggested that the administration of PLE counteracted aluminum exposure-induced intestinal barrier damage. In addition, we found that aluminum toxicities, including loss of tight junction molecules (TJs), upregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, were significantly suppressed by PLE administration. Furthermore, PLE administration was identified to inhibit activation of MAPKs and NF-κB signal pathways, which contribute to upregulation of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK) in inflamed intestine. Taken together, these results suggest that PLE might be a potential candidate for aluminum exposure-related intestinal barrier dysfunction.