Therapeutic effects of D-cycloserine in mouse models of IBD and CAC: Targeting NLRP3 inflammasome and intestinal barrier integrity


Chen S., Yan L., Zeng J., Meng W., Zhuang J., Chen F., ...More

INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY, vol.163, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 163
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.intimp.2025.115209
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Keywords: D-cycloserine, IBD, CAC, NLRP3-caspase1-GSDMD, Tight junction proteins
  • Ataturk University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

D-Cycloserine (DCS), a broad-spectrum antibiotic and NMDA receptor modulator, exhibits immunomodulatory effects beyond its known neurological and antimicrobial functions. This study investigated DCS's therapeutic potential in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) using in vitro and in vivo models. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated NCM460 cells, DCS inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and restored tight junction protein expression. In dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis, both preventive and therapeutic DCS regimens attenuated inflammation, reduced histopathological damage, and preserved intestinal barrier integrity. In azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS-induced CAC, DCS decreased tumor burden and reduced Ki-67+ cell proliferation without systemic toxicity. These findings position DCS as a promising dual-target candidate for IBD and CAC management through NLRP3-caspase-1-GSDMD pathway inhibition and epithelial barrier maintenance.