PRIMARY STUDY

Phycocyanin stimulates ulcerative colitis healing via selective activation of cannabinoid receptor-2, intestinal mucosal healing, Treg accumulation, and p38MAPK/MK2 signaling inhibition

Key Findings:  Data revealed that Phycocyanin (PC), a photosynthetic assistant protein isolated from Microcystis aeruginosa Kützing blue green algae, was effective against UC via CB2 agonism, thus expanding its possible therapeutic application against other inflammatory diseases. More specifically, PC-treatment showed effective CB2 activation via potent anti-inflammatory activities, Treg-cell accumulation, suppression in p38MAPK/MK2 signaling, and tight junction barrier restoration as indicated by ultrastructural examinations, elevated ZO-1 and occludin protein expressions, and Ki67 immunohistochemical expression in colonic tissues. Furthermore, PC alleviated intestinal dysbiosis via downregulating LPS/TLR4/NF-κB signaling and gut microbiota maintenance.