Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a complex pathogenesis that is yet to be completely understood. However, a strong correlation between
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling and IBD has been observed. T-cell
immunoglobulin and
mucin domain-containing-3 (Tim-3) has been reported to regulate TLR4/NF-κB by interacting with Galectin-9 (Gal-9), and recombinant Gal-9 can activate Tim-3; however, its potential properties in IBD and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. This study aimed to determine how Gal-9 affects experimental
colitis in mice.
Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and
2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) were used to establish
colitis in mice, and the severity of the illness was assessed based on
body weight, colon length, and histology. Therefore, we explored the effects of Gal-9 treatment on
colitis. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of Gal-9 on the expression of Tim-3 and TLR4/NF-κB pathway in colonic tissues and the serum levels of
interferon-gamma (IFN-γ),
interleukin (IL)-1β, and
IL-6. Tim-3 expression in the colon was notably decreased in mice with TNBS-induced
colitis, whereas TLR4/
NF-kB expression was significantly increased.
Intraperitoneal injection of Gal-9 dramatically decreased the disease activity index and attenuated the level of intestinal mucosal
inflammation in TNBS-induced
colitis mice (p < 0.05). Intraperitoneal administration of Gal-9 significantly increased Tim-3 expression in the colon and decreased the serum concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-1β, and
IL-6. Additionally, Gal-9 treatment significantly downregulated the expression of TLR4 signaling pathway-related
proteins. In contrast, Gal-9 did not reduce the severity of DSS-induced
colitis. In summary, exogenous Gal-9 increased Tim-3 expression, inhibited the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and alleviated TNBS-induced
colitis in mice but not DSS-induced
colitis in mice, revealing its potential therapeutic ramifications for IBD.