Effects of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide on Digestive Function and Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction in Septic Mice by Regulating JNK Pathway

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) on digestive function and intestinal barrier integrity in septic mice, and to explore its underlying mechanisms. A total of 70 healthy male BALB/C mice were randomly assigned into five groups: blank control group (BG, n = 12), control group (CG, n = 12), low-dose group (LDG, n = 12, 200 mg/kg), medium-dose group (MDG, n = 12, 400 mg/kg), and high-dose group (HDG, n = 12, 800 mg/kg). A sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture, followed by treatment with different doses of LBP. Digestive function was assessed by measuring body weight, food intake, and stool consistency. Histopathological changes in the small intestine were observed via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and the activation of the JNK signaling pathway was analyzed by Western blotting. One week after model establishment, a dose-dependent increase in body weight was observed in the LBP-treated mice (P < 0.05). The LBP treatment groups exhibited higher food intake and significantly lower stool wet weight compared to the CG (P < 0.05). Gastric emptying rate followed the order: BG > HDG > MDG > LDG > CG (P < 0.05). The intestinal propulsion rate was ranked from high to low as CG > LDG > MDG > HDG > BG, while intestinal absorption capacity was ranked from high to low as BG > HDG > MDG > LDG > CG (P < 0.05). The expression of RNA and protein associated with the JNK pathway showed the order: BG > HDG > MDG > LDG > CG, whereas the expression of MUC2 followed the opposite order (P < 0.05). LBP treatment significantly prolonged the survival time of the septic mice (P < 0.05). LBP significantly improves digestive function and intestinal barrier integrity in septic mice by modulating the inflammatory response and inhibiting JNK pathway activation.