It is demonstrated that excess LE (8 or 16 g/kg) aggravated DSS-induced colitis in mice, showing aggravated inflammation (shorter colon length, upregulated IL-1β and TNF-α), more serious histological abnormalities, increased gut permeability (decreased ZO-1 protein expression), and increased epithelia injury (increased TUNEL-positive cells) when compared to DSS alone. The gene discussed is TJP1; the disease is colitis.