Squalene alleviates DSS-induced colitis by restoring Nrf2-dependent redox balance and gut microbiota homeostasis

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by excessive oxidative stress, intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction, and gut microbiota dysbiosis; despite expanding therapeutic options, achieving durable disease control remains challenging. Squalene (SQ), a naturally occurring triterpene with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has emerged as a promising bioactive compound. Although the protective potential of SQ in experimental colitis has been previously reported, the molecular dependence of this effect and the functional contribution of the gut microbiota remain incompletely defined. This study investigated the protective effects of SQ against DSS-induced experimental colitis and the roles of Nrf2 signaling and the gut microbiota in mediating these effects.