Sinomenine activates gut innate immune response through the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor by regulating the IL-23/IL-17 axis

Background: Sinomenine (SIN) plays a role in regulating intestinal immune inflammation, but its effect on the intestinal immune response is unclear. Objective: To investigate the potential mechanism of SIN in protecting intestinal immunity. Materials and Methods: The mechanism by which SIN regulates intestinal immunity was detected in RAW264.7 cells using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical staining. Results: Compared with the control group, the LPS group has higher cell viability and inflammatory cytokines (interleukine-1beta [IL-1β], tumor necrosis factor α[TNF-α], IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-23), chemokine, and metalloproteinase levels. SIN significantly suppressed these increases. By contrast, aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and IL-10 levels were lower in the LPS group compared with the control group, and SIN treatment prevented increased these levels. Conclusion: SIN can activate the innate immune function of the intestinal tract by affecting the IL-23/IL-17 axis through the AhR.