Chinese bayberry extract regulates the permeability of blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier and ameliorates experimental colitis-related brain comorbidities in mice

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Anxiety, depression symptoms, and cognitive decline related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are recognized to have an impact on patients’ health. The blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) is important in somatic disease-related psychiatric and cognitive disorders; however, few treatments show efficacy. The objective of this research was to determine the protective effect of Chinese bayberry extract on IBD-related brain comorbidities. Materials and Methods C57BL/6J mice were induced with dextran sulfate sodium solution to establish an experimental model, followed by the administration of Chinese bayberry extract. Oxidative stress indexes, immunofluorescence of choroid plexus, and BCSFB permeability were further investigated. Results Chinese bayberry extract improved behavioral markers and reduced the level of oxidative stress in the brain. In addition, the administration of the bayberry extract increased the tight junction proteins in the choroid plexus and significantly decreased in the permeability of the BCSFB. Conclusions Chinese bayberry extract has a potential therapeutic effect on relieving inflammatory bowel disease-related brain comorbidities. The underlying mechanism is associated with a decrease in oxidative stress in the brain and a decrease in the permeability of the BCSFB.