HMGB1 Modulates Macrophage Metabolism and Polarization in Ulcerative Colitis by Inhibiting Cpt1a Expression

Background: Macrophage polarization is involved in the development of ulcerative colitis (UC). This study investigated the mechanism by which high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1) regulates macrophage polarization through metabolic reprogramming, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of UC. Methods: Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to induce colitis in mice. RAW264.7 cells were polarized to M1 or M2 macrophages in vitro by stimulating with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon-γ (IFN-γ) or Interleukin-4 (IL-4), respectively. Macrophage infiltration and distribution within colon tissue were assessed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation (FAO), and inflammatory factors were evaluated using relevant reagent kits. Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter experiments were performed to study the regulation of Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (Cpt1a) promoter transcriptional activity by HMGB1. Results: The mouse UC model showed upregulated HMGB1 and increased macrophage infiltration. Overexpression of HMGB1 promoted M1 macrophage polarization, increased glycolysis, and reduced FAO, whereas knockdown of HMGB1 promoted M2 macrophage polarization, reduced glycolysis, and increased FAO. HMGB1 negatively regulated Cpt1a expression by inhibiting transcription of the Cpt1a promoter. Knockdown of Cpt1a reversed the effects of small interfering RNA targeting HMGB1 (si-HMGB1) on macrophage metabolism and polarization. Administration of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-shHMGB1 in vivo caused a reduction in UC symptoms and inflammation. Conclusions: HMGB1 modulates macrophage metabolism in UC by inhibiting Cpt1a expression, leading to increased M1 polarization. This provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of HMGB1 inhibitors in the treatment of UC.