Alleviative effects of natural plant polysaccharides against DSS-induced ulcerative colitis via inhibiting inflammation and modulating gut microbiota

Morin alleviates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice via inhibition of inflammation and modulation of intestinal microbiota

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition with recurrent and challenging symptoms. Effective treatments are lacking, making UC management a critical research area. Morin (MO), a flavonoid from the Moraceae family, shows potential as an anti-UC agent, but its mechanisms are not fully understood. Using a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mouse model, we employed network pharmacology to predict MO's therapeutic effects. Assessments included changes in body weight, disease activity index (DAI), and colon length. Immunofluorescence, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and PAS staining evaluated colon damage. ELISA and western blot analyzed inflammatory factors, tight junction (TJ)-associated proteins (Claudin-3, Occludin, ZO-1), and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)/ Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. 16S rRNA sequencing assessed gut microbiota diversity, confirmed by MO's modulation via Fecal Microbial Transplantation (FMT). Early MO intervention reduced UC severity by improving weight, DAI scores, and colon length, increasing goblet cells, enhancing barrier function, and inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB pathways. MO enriched gut microbiota, favoring beneficial bacteria like Muribaculaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae while reducing harmful Erysipelotrichaceae and Muribaculaceae. This study highlights MO's potential in UC management through inflammation control, mucosal integrity maintenance, and gut flora modulation.

Exploratory studies of the antidepressant effect of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide and its potential mechanism

Cordyceps sinensis, a traditionally prized medicinal fungus, contains polysaccharides as one of its main bioactive constituents, known for their significant immunomodulatory properties. In this study, we systematically investigated the composition and structure of Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide, followed by an evaluation of its therapeutic effect on depression using a chronic restraint stress-induced depression model. The polysaccharide CSWP-2, extracted via hot water, precipitated with ethanol, and purified using DEAE-cellulose column chromatography from Cordyceps sinensis, is primarily composed of glucose, mannose, and galactose, with α-1,4-D-glucan as its major structural component. Behavioral tests, immunological profiling, metabolomics, and gut microbiota analyses indicated a notable ameliorative effect of CSWP-2 on depressive-like symptoms in mice. Furthermore, the action of CSWP-2 may be attributed to the modulation of the gut microbiome's abundance and its metabolic impacts, thereby transmitting signals to the host immune system and exerting immunomodulatory activity, ultimately contributing to its antidepressant effects.

Structural analysis and biological activity of cell wall polysaccharides and enzyme-extracted polysaccharides from pomelo (Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr.)

Pomelo peel is a valuable source of pectin, but research on its cell wall polysaccharides is limited. This study compared the cell wall polysaccharides of pomelo peel, enzyme-extracted polysaccharides of pomelo peel, and enzyme-extracted polysaccharides of whole pomelo fruit. Cell wall polysaccharides, including water-soluble pectin (WSP), chelator-soluble pectin (CSP), sodium carbonate-soluble pectin (NSP), 1 mol/L KOH soluble hemicellulose (KSH-1), and 4 mol/L KOH soluble hemicellulose (KSH-2), were obtained by sequence-extraction method. Total polysaccharides from whole pomelo fruit (TP) and peel-polysaccharides from pomelo pericarps (PP) were obtained using enzyme-extraction method. The structural, thermal, rheological, antioxidant properties, and wound healing effect in vitro were described for each polysaccharide. WSP had a uniform molecular weight distribution and high uronic acid (UA) content, suitable for commercial pectin. NSP had the highest Rhamnose (Rha)/UA ratio and a rich side chain with highest viscosity and water retention. PP displayed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing capacity at 0.1 to 2.0 mg/mL concentration range, with an IC50 of 1.05 mg/mL for DPPH free radicals. NSP also demonstrated the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and promoted Human dermal keratinocyte proliferation and migration at 10 μg/mL, suggesting potential applications in daily chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Effects of Hypericum attenuatum Choisy extract on the immunologic function and intestinal microflora of broilers under oxidative stress

This study investigated the impact of Hypericum attenuatum Choisy extract (HYG) on immunological function and the cecum microflora in broilers. A total of 240 one-day-old AA broilers were randomly divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates of 8 broilers each: 1) the CN group, in which broilers were injected with saline and fed a basal diet; 2) the PC group, in which broilers were injected with lipolyaccharide (LPS) and fed a basal diet; 3) the HYG1 group, in which broilers were injected with LPS and fed a 400 mg/kg HYG-supplemented diet; 4) the HYG2 group, in which broilers were injected with LPS and fed a 800 mg/kg HYG-supplemented diet; 5) the HYG3 group, in which broilers were injected with LPS and fed a 1,200 mg/kg HYG-supplemented diet. Broilers were injected with 1 mg/kg LPS or the same amount saline 12 hours before sampling on d 21 and 42. The results revealed that dietary 400 mg/kg HYG supplementation alleviated spleen index and thymus index abnormalities, balanced the disturbance of serum immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgA levels, and regulated the cytokine balance in the serum, liver, spleen and jejunum tissues included induced by LPS. Dietary supplementation with 400 mg/kg HYG also downregulated the relative expression of the inhibitor of kappa B kinase alpha (IKKα) and interleukin (IL)-6 mRNAs in the liver and upregulated the relative expression of the inhibitor kappa B alpha (IκBα) and IL-10 mRNAs in the spleen. Dietary HYG improved the cecal microflora balance at 42 d by increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Alistipes and Phascolarctobacterium, while reducing the relative abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Helicobacter and Colidextribacter. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between activation of the NF-κB inhibitory pathway in the liver and the presence of Phascolarctobacterium, Erysipelatoclostridium, Subdoligranulum and Parabacteroides. Conclusions: The incorporation of 400 mg/kg HYG into the diet was optimal in improving broiler immunological function.

Structural changes of rice starch-anthocyanins complexes (V-type) and its impact on gut microbiotas and potential metabolic pathways during in vitro fermentation

This study explored the differences in the in vitro fermentation properties of rice starch (RS) and rice starch-anthocyanins complexes (RS-A). Structural characterization suggested that RS and RS-A complexes showed a V-type crystalline structure. The degree of order (DO) and degree of double helix (DD) values of RS and RS-A complexes were enhanced after fermentation. Moreover, the RS-A complexes could improve the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Ruminococcaceae, and up-regulate gut microbiota diversity to maintain gut homeostasis. Relative abundance of potential metabolic pathways, such as energy metabolism, digestion system, and carbohydrate degradation overexpressed in the presence of RS-A complexes. The results demonstrated that the RS-A complexes had slower fermentation rates contributing to the transport of the formed short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) to the end of the colon and that the crystallinity might be a factor influencing the utilization of the starch matrix by the gut microbiota for SCFA formation.

Resistant starch and tannic acid synergistically ameliorated dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis, particularly in the distal colon

We previously confirmed that tannic acid could delay the metabolism of resistant starch in vitro, which suggested that tannic acid might deliver resistant starch to the distal colon in vivo. Accordingly, co-supplementation of resistant starch and tannic acid might be beneficial for keeping the distal colon healthy. Thus, this study compared the effects of resistant starch, tannic acid and their mixtures on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in mice. It was found that the mixtures had a more profound effect on ameliorating DSS-induced ulcerative colitis than resistant starch or tannic acid. In particular, the mixtures reversed the histology damage of the distal colon induced by DSS, while resistant starch or tannic acid alone did not. The mixtures also had a stronger ability to resist oxidative stress and inhibit inflammation in the distal colon. These results suggested that resistant starch and tannic acid synergistically alleviated DSS-induced ulcerative colitis, particularly in the distal colon. On the other hand, DSS decreased the production of short-chain fatty acids and induced significant microbial disorder, while the administration of resistant starch, tannic acid and their mixtures reversed the above shifts caused by DSS. In particular, the mixtures exhibited stronger prebiotic activity, as indicated by the microbial composition and production of short-chain fatty acids. Therefore, it was inferred that tannic acid delivered resistant starch to the distal colon of mice, and thus the mixtures had stronger prebiotic activity. As a result, the mixtures effectively alleviated ulcerative colitis in the whole colon.

Heterogeneity of transport and metabolism of Tormentillae rhizoma constituents across human intestinal epithelium cellular model

Tormentilla erecta (L.) Raeusch is a widespread plant in Europe and Western Asia. Its rhizomes (Tormentilae rhizoma) are the main ingredient of herbal alcoholic beverages and can be used as a natural preservative in beer production. Apart from its unique taste qualities, therapeutic properties in gastrointestinal tract ailments are attributed to the tincture obtained from Tormentillae rhizoma. The presented research aimed to determine the mutual relationship between the components of Tormentillae tincture, present in popular alcoholic beverages, and intestinal epithelium (Caco-2 cell monolayers). A comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of the tincture was performed, including the determination of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins as well as triterpenoids (UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS). Incubation of the tincture with Caco-2 monolayers has shown that only triterpenes pass through the monolayer, while condensed tannins are mainly bound to the monolayer surface. Ellagic acid derivatives were the only components of the Tormentillae tinctura being metabolized by cell monolayers to the compounds not previously described in the literature, which may be crucial in the treatment of intestinal diseases with inflammatory background.

Spatial metabolome of biosynthesis and metabolism in Cyclocarya paliurus leaves

A large number of plant metabolites were discovered, but their biosynthetic and metabolic pathways are still largely unknown. However, the spatial distribution of metabolites and their changes in metabolic pathways can be supplemented by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) techniques. For this purpose, the combination of desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)-MSI and non-targeted metabolomics was used to obtain the spatial distribution information of metabolites in the leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja (C. paliurus). The sample pretreatment method was optimized to have higher detection sensitivity in DESI. The changes of metabolites in C. paliurus were analyzed in depth with the integration of the spatial distribution information of metabolites. The main pathways for biosynthesis of flavonoid precursor and the effect of changes in compound structure on the spatial distribution were found. Spatial metabolomics can provide more metabolite information and a platform for the in-depth understanding of the biosynthesis and metabolism in plants.

Bifidobacterium bifidum Ameliorates DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice by Regulating Microbial Metabolome and Targeting Gut Microbiota

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a recurrent inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract, and its clinical treatment remains suboptimal. Probiotics have shown effectiveness in alleviating dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis, exhibiting strain-specific anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we compared the therapeutic effects of five strains of Bifidobacterium bifidum isolated from healthy adult feces on DSS-induced colitis in mice. Additionally, we investigated the underlying mechanisms by examining gut microbiota composition and microbial metabolome. Our findings highlighted the superior efficacy of B. bifidum M1-3 compared to other strains. It significantly improved colitis symptoms, mitigated gut barrier disruption, and reduced colonic inflammation in DSS-treated mice. Moreover, gut microbiota composition analysis revealed that B. bifidum M1-3 treatment increased the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota. Specifically, it significantly increased the abundance of Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Enterorhabdus, while decreasing the abundance of Escherichia-Shigella. Furthermore, our nontargeted metabolomics analysis illustrated that B. bifidum M1-3 treatment had a regulatory effect on various metabolic pathways, including tyrosine metabolism, lysine degradation, and tryptophan metabolism. Importantly, we confirmed that the therapeutic efficiency of B. bifidum M1-3 was dependent on the gut microbiota. These results are conducive to the development of probiotic products for alleviating colitis.

Administering Lactiplantibacillus fermentum F6 decreases intestinal Akkermansia muciniphila in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced rat colitis model

Probiotics are increasingly used to manage gut dysbiosis-related conditions due to their robust ability to manipulate the gut microbial community. However, few studies have reported that probiotics can specifically modulate individual gut microbes. This study demonstrated that administering the probiotic, Lactiplantibacillus fermentum F6, could ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in a rat model, evidenced by the decreases in the disease activity index score, histopathology grading, and serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, as well as the increase in the serum anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. Shotgun metagenomics revealed that the fecal metagenomic of colitis rats receiving the probiotic intervention contained substantially fewer Akkermansia muciniphila than the dextran sulfate sodium group. Thus, the probiotic mechanism might be exerted by reducing specific gut microbial species associated with disease pathogenesis. A new paradigm for designing probiotics that manage diseases through direct and precise manipulation of gut microbes has been provided through this study.

Echinacea purpurea Polysaccharide Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by Restoring the Intestinal Microbiota and Inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB Axis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic intestinal ailment which cannot be completely cured. The occurrence of UC has been on the rise in recent years, which is highly detrimental to patients. The effectiveness of conventional drug treatment is limited. The long-term usage of these agents can lead to substantial adverse effects. Therefore, the development of a safe and efficient dietary supplement is important for the prevention of UC. Echinacea purpurea polysaccharide (EPP) is one of the main bioactive substances in Echinacea purpurea. EPP has many favorable effects, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. However, whether EPP can prevent or alleviate UC is still unclear. This study aims to analyze the effect and mechanism of EPP on UC in mice using a 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model. The results showed that dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg EPP significantly alleviated the shortening of colon length, weight loss, and histopathological damage in DSS-induced colitis mice. Mechanistically, EPP significantly inhibits the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and preserves the intestinal mechanical barrier integrity by enhancing the expression of claudin-1, ZO-1, and occludin and reducing the loss of goblet cells. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that EPP intervention reduced the abundance of Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, and Klebsiella; the abundance of Lactobacillus increased. The results of nontargeted metabonomics showed that EPP reshaped metabolism. In this study, we clarified the effect of EPP on UC, revealed the potential function of EPP, and supported the use of polysaccharide dietary supplements for UC prevention.

Food Polysaccharides and Proteins: Processing, Characterization, and Health Benefits

Natural macromolecular substances are prevalent in the organs of plants and animals, such as polysaccharides, resins, proteins, etc [...].

Chicoric Acid Alleviates Colitis via Targeting the Gut Microbiota Accompanied by Maintaining Intestinal Barrier Integrity and Inhibiting Inflammatory Responses

Polyphenols have shown great potential to prevent ulcerative colitis. As a natural plant polyphenol, chicoric acid (CA) has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored the intervention effects and potential mechanism of CA on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mice. The results showed that CA alleviated the symptoms of colitis and maintained the intestinal barrier integrity. CA significantly downregulated the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors including IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, COX-2, and iNOS. In addition, CA modulated the gut microbiota by improving the microbial diversity, reducing the abundance of Gammaproteobacteriaand Clostridium_XI and increasing the abundance ofBarnesiellaandLachnospiraceae. Further fecal microbiota transplantation experiments showed that FM from CA donor mice significantly alleviated the symptoms of colitis, verifying the key role of gut microbiota. These results indicate that CA effectively relieves DSS-induced colitis via targeting gut microbiota along with preserving intestinal barrier function and suppressing inflammatory responses.

EPA and DHA Alleviated Chronic Dextran Sulfate Sodium Exposure-Induced Depressive-like Behaviors in Mice and Potential Mechanisms Involved

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have higher rates of depression. However, the mechanism of depression development remains unclear. The improvements of EPA and DHA on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC have been verified. Therefore, the present study mainly focused on the effects of EPA and DHA on UC-induced depression in C57BL/6 mice and the possible mechanisms involved. A forced swimming test and tail suspension experiment showed that EPA and DHA significantly improved DSS-induced depressive-like behavior. Further analysis demonstrated that EPA and DHA could significantly suppress the inflammation response of the gut and brain by regulating the NLRP3/ASC signal pathway. Moreover, intestine and brain barriers were maintained by enhancing ZO-1 and occludin expression. In addition, EPA and DHA also increased the serotonin (5-HT) concentration and synaptic proteins. Interestingly, EPA and DHA treatments increased the proportion of dominant bacteria, alpha diversity, and beta diversity. In conclusion, oral administration of EPA and DHA alleviated UC-induced depressive-like behavior in mice by modulating the inflammation, maintaining the mucosal and brain barriers, suppressing neuronal damage and reverting microbiota changes.

Polysaccharide from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Jackfruit) Pulp Ameliorates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Enteritis in Rats

A polysaccharide from Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (jackfruit) pulp (JFP-Ps) is known for its excellent bioactivities. However, its impact on small intestinal barrier function is still largely unexplored. The study aimed to examine the protection effect of JFP-Ps against dextran sodium sulfate-induced enteritis and its underlying mechanism. This research revealed that JFP-Ps mitigated small intestinal tissue damage by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in the small intestine. JFP-Ps diminished oxidative stress by bolstering the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reducing the concentration of malondialdehyde in the small intestine. In addition, JFP-Ps may restore the mechanical barrier and inhibit intestinal structure damage by augmenting the expression of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) receptors (GPR41/43) and up-regulating the expression of tight junction proteins (occludin). In conclusion, JFP-Ps may positively influence intestinal health by relieving oxidative stress in the small intestine, improving mechanical barrier function, activating the SCFA-GPR41/GPR43 axis, and inhibiting TLR4/MAPK pathway activation. The results augment our comprehension of the bioactivities of JFP-Ps, corroborating its great potential as a functional food.

Soluble dietary fibers from solid-state fermentation of wheat bran by the fungus Cordyceps cicadae and their effects on colitis mice

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a complex pathogenesis for which there is no definitive therapeutic agent. Fermentation, as a green and efficient bioprocessing technique, has been shown to enhance the biological activity of food ingredients. Soluble dietary fiber isolated from plants is thought to have the potential to prevent and alleviate ulcerative colitis. This work was designed to study the differences in the chemical properties of the soluble dietary fiber from wheat bran fermented by Isaria cicadae Miq. (FSDF) and the unfermented soluble dietary fiber from wheat bran (UFSDF) and their effects on colitis mice. The results showed that FSDF and UFSDF differed in molecular weight, monosaccharide compositions, and surface morphology. In addition, supplementation with UFSDF and FSDF ameliorated the symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice by attenuating body weight loss, decreasing the disease activity index and splenic index, shortening the length of the colon, and attenuating colonic tissue damage. UFSDF and FSDF also increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and inhibited the expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. The results of gut flora and short-chain fatty acid analyses showed that UFSDF and FSDF improved the diversity of gut microbiota, up-regulated the abundance of some beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia and Muribaculaceae, increased the levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, and restored dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced dysbiosis of the intestinal flora in mice. These findings provide guidance for the development of FSDF and UFSDF as functional foods for the relief of ulcerative colitis.

Carboxylated Pocoa polysaccharides inhibited oxidative damage and inflammation of HK-2 cells induced by calcium oxalate nanoparticles

The inhibitory effects of Chinese medicine Pocoa (PCPs) with different carboxyl group (-COOH) contents on oxidative damage and inflammatory response of renal epithelial cells and the influence of -COOH content in polysaccharides were investigated. HK-2 cell damage model was established by nanocalcium oxalate crystals (nanoCOM), and then PCPs with -COOH contents of 2.56% (PCP0), 7.48% (PCP1), 12.07% (PCP2), and 17.18% (PCP3) were used to protect the cells. PCPs could inhibit the damage of nanoCOM to HK-2 cells, increase cell viability, restore cytoskeleton and morphology, and improve lysosomal integrity. PCPs can reduce the oxidative stress response of nanoCOM to cells, inhibit the opening of mPTP and cell necrotic apoptosis, reduce the level of Ca2+ ions in cells, the production of ATP and MDA, and increase SOD expression. PCPs can also reduce the cellular inflammatory response caused by oxidative damage, and reduce the expression of nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and MCP-1, as well as the content of inflammasome NLRP3. After protection, PCPs can inhibit the endocytosis of nanoCOM crystals by cells. With the increase in -COOH content in PCPs, its ability to inhibit nanoCOM cell damage, reduce oxidative stress, reduce inflammatory response, and inhibit crystal endocytosis increases, that is, PCP3 with the highest -COOH content, shows the best biological activity. Inhibiting cell damage and inflammation and reducing a large amount of endocytosis of crystals by cells are beneficial to inhibit the formation of kidney stones.

Polystyrene nanobeads exacerbate chronic colitis in mice involving in oxidative stress and hepatic lipid metabolism

BACKGROUND

Nanoplastics (NPs) are omnipresent in our lives as a new type of pollution with a tiny size. It can enter organisms from the environment, accumulate in the body, and be passed down the food chain. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a nonspecific intestinal inflammatory disease that is recurrent and prevalent in the population. Given that the intestinal features of colitis may affect the behavior and toxicity of NPs, it is imperative to clarify the risk and toxicity mechanisms of NPs in colitis models.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, mice were subjected to three cycles of 5-day dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) exposures, with a break of 7 to 11 days between each cycle. After the first cycle of DSS exposure, the mice were fed gavagely with water containing 100 nm polystyrene nanobeads (PS-NPs, at concentrations of 1 mg/kg·BW, 5 mg/kg·BW and 25 mg/kg·BW, respectively) for 28 consecutive days. The results demonstrated that cyclic administration of DSS induced chronic inflammation in mice, while the standard drug "5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)" treatment partially improved colitis manifestations. PS-NPs exacerbated intestinal inflammation in mice with chronic colitis by activating the MAPK signaling pathway. Furthermore, PS-NPs aggravated inflammation, oxidative stress, as well as hepatic lipid metabolism disturbance in the liver of mice with chronic colitis.

CONCLUSION

PS-NPs exacerbate intestinal inflammation and injury in mice with chronic colitis. This finding highlights chronically ill populations' susceptibility to environmental hazards, which urgent more research and risk assessment studies.

Polysaccharide from walnut green husk alleviates liver inflammation and gluconeogenesis dysfunction by altering gut microbiota in ochratoxin A-induced mice

Walnut green husk polysaccharides (WGP) are isolated from the walnut green husk with a mean molecular weight of 12.77 kDa. The structural characterization revealed by methylation and NMR analysis indicated that WGP might consist of →4-α-D-Galp-(1→, α-D-Galp (1→, and →2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→. Previous studies have been demonstrated that WGP effectively prevented liver injury and modulated gut microbiota in high fructose-treated mice and high fat diet-treated rats. In this study, we found for the first time that WGP presenting outstanding protective effects on liver inflammation and gluconeogenesis dysfunction induced by ochratoxin A (OTA) in mice. Firstly, WGP decreased oxidative stress, down-regulated the expression of inflammatory factors and inhibited the TLR4/p65/IκBα pathway in the liver. Then, WGP reversed OTA-induced lower phosphoenolpyruvate carboxyl kinase (PEPCK), and glucose 6-phosphatase (G6PC) activities in the liver. Furthermore, WGP increased the diversity of gut microbiota and the abundance of beneficial bacteria, especially Lactobacillus and Akkermansia. Importantly, the results of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment further confirmed that gut microbiota involved in the protective effects of WGP on liver damage induced by OTA. Our results indicated that the protective effect of WGP on liver inflammation and gluconeogenesis dysfunction caused by OTA may be due to the regulation of gut microbiota.

Wolfberry, Yam, and Chrysanthemum polysaccharides increased intestinal Akkermansia muciniphila abundance and hepatic YAP1 expression to alleviate DILI

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is frequently induced by high dose of acetaminophen (APAP) and is concomitant with disturbances of gut flora. Akkermansia muciniphila is beneficial for the repair of liver injury. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide, yam polysaccharide, and chrysanthemum polysaccharide all have anti-inflammatory and antioxidation effects. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential of lycium barbarum polysaccharide, yam polysaccharide, and chrysanthemum polysaccharide (LYC) in improving DILI by increasing the abundance of A. muciniphila. Initially, screening for the optimal concentrations of wolfberry, yam, and chrysanthemum (WYC) or LYC to promote A. muciniphila proliferation in vitro and validated in antibiotic (ATB)-treated KM mice. Subsequently, APAP-induced DILI model in BALB/c mice were constructed to examine the treatment effects of LYC. Our findings indicate that the optimal concentration ratio of WYC was 2:3:2, and LYC was 1:1:1. WYC increased A. muciniphila proliferation in vitro and in ATB-treated mice under this ratio. Meanwhile, LYC increased A. muciniphila abundance in vitro and the combination LYC with A. muciniphila promoted the proliferation of A. muciniphila in ATB-treated mice. The overdose of APAP resulted in the impairment of the intestinal barrier function and subsequent leakage of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Moreover, LYC increased A. muciniphila abundance, reduced intestinal inflammation and permeability, and upregulated the expression of the tight junction protein zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1) and occludin contents in the gut. Lastly, LYC inhibited LPS leakage and upregulated hepatic YAP1 expression, ultimately leading to the repair of DILI.

Amelioration Effects and Regulatory Mechanisms of Different Tea Active Ingredients on DSS-Induced Colitis

The potential biological function of tea and its active components on colitis has attracted wide attention. In this study, different tea active ingredients including tea polyphenols (TPPs), tea polysaccharides (TPSs), theabrownin (TB), and theanine (TA) have been compared in the intervention of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Specifically, TPP showed the greatest effect on colitis since it reduced 60.87% of disease activity index (DAI) compared to that of the DSS-induced colitis group, followed by the reduction of 39.13% of TPS and 28.26% of TB on DAI, whereas there was no obvious alleviative effect of TA on colitis. TPP, TPS, and TB could regulate the composition and abundance of gut microbiota to increase the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and enhance intestinal barrier function. Further evidence was observed that TPP and TPS regulated the activation of Nrf2/ARE and the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB P65 pathway to alleviate the colitis. Results of cell experiments demonstrated that TPP showed the greatest antiapoptosis and mitochondrial function protective capability among the tea ingredients via inhibiting the Cytc/Cleaved-caspase-3 signaling pathway. In summary, the superior anticolitis activity of TPP compared to TPS and TB is primarily attributed to its unique upregulation of the abundance of Akkermansia and its ability to regulate the mitochondrial function.

Xylooligosaccharides from corn cobs alleviate loperamide-induced constipation in mice via modulation of gut microbiota and SCFA metabolism

This study aimed to optimize the structure and efficacy of xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) from corn cobs in constipated mice. Structural analysis revealed that XOSs from corn cobs were composed of β-Xyl-(1 →4)-[β-Xyl-(1→4)]n-α/β-Xyl (n = 0-5) without any other substituents. XOS administration significantly reduced the defecation time, increased the gastrointestinal transit rate, restored the gastrointestinal neurotransmitter imbalance, protected against oxidative stress, and reversed constipation-induced colonic inflammation. Fecal metabolite and microbiota analysis showed that XOS supplementation significantly increased short chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels and improved the gut microbial environment. These findings highlighted the potential of XOSs from corn cobs as an active ingredient for functional foods or as a therapeutic agent in constipation therapy.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) flour modulates the intestinal microbiota in Wistar rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose diet

A diet rich in sugar and fat can promote metabolic disorders development, especially in the intestine. Chia flour (Salvia hispanica. L) is a source of dietary fiber, alpha-linolenic fatty acid (ALA), bioactive peptides, and phenolics, promoting health benefits. This study aimed to analyze chia flour's effect on gut microbiota modulation and intestinal health in adult male Wistar rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF) diet. Male Wistar rats (n = 10/group) were fed the diets standard (AIN-93M) or HFHF (31% saturated fat and 20% fructose) in the first phase to induce metabolic disorders. In the second phase, the rats were fed AIN-93M, HFHF, or HFHF plus 14.7% chia flour (HFHF + CF) for 10 weeks. The consumption of chia flour increased the ALA (3.24 ± 0.24) intake and significantly improved immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels (1126.00 ± 145.90), goblet cells number (24.57 ± 2.76), crypt thickness (34.37 ± 5.86), crypt depth (215.30 ± 23.19), the longitudinal muscle layer (48.11 ± 5.04), cecum weight (4.39 ± 0.71), Shannon index (p < 0.05), and significantly increased the production of acetic (20.56 ± 4.10) and butyric acids (5.96 ± 1.50), Monoglobus sp., Lachnospiraceae sp., and Prevotellaceae sp. abundance. Furthermore, chia significantly reduced the cecal pH content (7.54 ± 1.17), body mass index (0.62 ± 0.03) and weight (411.00 ± 28.58), and Simpson index (p < 0.05). Therefore, chia intake improved intestinal health parameters and functionality in rats with metabolic disorders, which demonstrates to be an effective strategy for gut microbiota modulation.

Extraction, Purification, and Structural Characterization of Polysaccharides from Sanghuangporus vaninii with Anti-Inflammatory Activity

In order to obtain homogeneous Sanghuangporus vaninii polysaccharides with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, a response surface method (RSM) was used to compare the polysaccharide extraction rate of hot water extraction and ultrasonic-assisted extraction from Sanghuangporus vaninii. The optimal conditions for ultrasonic-assisted extraction were determined as follows: an extraction temperature of 60 °C, an extraction time of 60 min, a solid-liquid ratio of 40 g/mL, and an ultrasonic power of 70 W. An SVP (Sanghuangporus vaninii polysaccharides) extraction rate of 1.41% was achieved. Five homogeneous monosaccharides were obtained by gradient ethanol precipitation with diethylaminoethyl-cellulose (DEAE) and SephadexG-100 separation and purification. The five polysaccharides were characterized by high performance liquid chromatography, the ultraviolet spectrum, the Fourier transform infrared spectrum, TG (thermogravimetric analysis), the Zeta potential, and SEM (scanning electron microscopy). The five polysaccharides had certain levels of antioxidant activity in vitro. In addition, we the investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of polysaccharides derived from Sanghuangporus vaninii on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells and Kupffer cells. Further, we found that SVP-60 significantly inhibited the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells and promoted the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Our study provides theoretical support for the potential application of Sanghuangporus vaninii in the field of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro.

Plant-Based Dietary Fibers and Polysaccharides as Modulators of Gut Microbiota in Intestinal and Lung Inflammation: Current State and Challenges

Recent research has underscored the significant role of gut microbiota in managing various diseases, including intestinal and lung inflammation. It is now well established that diet plays a crucial role in shaping the composition of the microbiota, leading to changes in metabolite production. Consequently, dietary interventions have emerged as promising preventive and therapeutic approaches for managing these diseases. Plant-based dietary fibers, particularly polysaccharides and oligosaccharides, have attracted attention as potential therapeutic agents for modulating gut microbiota and alleviating intestinal and lung inflammation. This comprehensive review aims to provide an in-depth overview of the current state of research in this field, emphasizing the challenges and limitations associated with the use of plant-based dietary fibers and polysaccharides in managing intestinal and lung inflammation. By shedding light on existing issues and limitations, this review seeks to stimulate further research and development in this promising area of therapeutic intervention.