Urolithin A Modulates Gut Circadian Rhythms and Barrier Integrity in IBD

A new study has uncovered that Urolithin A (UA), a metabolite produced by gut microbiota, can restore disrupted circadian rhythms and improve gut health, particularly in inflammatory conditions like IBD. UA was found to regulate the expression of core clock genes (BMAL1 and PER2) and tight junction proteins (OCLN, TJP1, and CLDN1), which are critical for maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. In a DSS-induced colitis mouse model, oral UA administration enhanced gut immunity by increasing fecal IgA levels and reinforcing tight junction function. Notably, UA also influenced circadian rhythms in the brain’s central clock (SCN), indicating systemic effects. These benefits were linked to activation of the Nrf2-SIRT1 pathway, suggesting that UA may serve as a promising nutraceutical intervention for gut-inflammatory and sleep-related disorders driven by circadian disruption.

Source: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/14/2263