The results showed that Foxp3 mRNA and protein expression in colonic tissue samples was dramatically decreased in the TNBS-induced colitis model group but increased in the PF (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg), PF-treated DC, SASP and prednisone groups compared with the TNBS-induced colitis model group (Fig. 8c, d). This evidence concerns the gene FOXP3 and colitis.