Polysaccharide fraction isolated from the leaves of Hordeum vulgare L. protects against colonic inflammation of systemic immune responses

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can result in death accompanied by multiple organ failure. Here, we investigated the preventive effects of BLE0, a polysaccharide fraction isolated from young barley leaves (Hordeum vulgare L.), on colonic inflammation in a mouse model of LPS-induced systemic septic shock. Pretreatment with BLE0 increased the survival rate and markedly restored colon length and crypt damage in LPS-challenged mice. BLE0 suppressed the LPS-induced expression of iNOS, COX-2, IL-6, and IL-17. The molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of BLE0 included inactivation of NF-κB and AP-1 and inhibition of monocyte/macrophage infiltration. BLE0 inhibited the mRNA expression of TLR4, Myd88, IRAK1, and TRIF induced by LPS. Collectively, BLE0 ameliorated LPS-induced endotoxemia and colonic inflammation, suggesting thatt the regulation of colonic conditions could be associated with improved systemic immune responses.