Anti-inflammatory effects of Lactobacillus brevis K65 on RAW 264.7 cells and in mice with dextran sulphate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis

Pasteurized form of a potential probiotic lactobacillus brevis IBRC-M10790 exerts anti-inflammatory effects on inflammatory bowel disease in vitro

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal system. So far, no treatment has been identified that can completely cure IBD. Lactobacillus brevis is hypothesized to be beneficial in preventing inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the potential probiotic effects of live and pasteurized L. brevis IBRC-M10790 on the in vitro cell co-culture model of IBD.

METHODS

An in vitro intestinal model was established using a transwell co-culture system of Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells and RAW264.7 macrophages. Inflammatory conditions were induced in RAW264.7 cells using lipopolysaccharide. The effects of live and pasteurized L. brevis IBRC-M10790 on inflammatory mediators and epithelial barrier markers were investigated.

RESULTS

L. brevis IBRC-M10790 was able to significantly decrease the proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) and increase the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in the in vitro co-culture system. In addition, L. brevis increased adherens and tight junction (TJ) markers (ZO-1, E-cadherin, and Occludin) in Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells. Based on the results, pasteurized L. brevis showed a higher protective effect than live L. brevis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that live and pasteurized forms of L. brevis possess probiotic properties and can mitigate inflammatory conditions in IBD.

Preclinical evidence of probiotics in ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

The imbalance of gastrointestinal microbial composition has been identified as the main factor of chronic inflammatory diseases. At present, probiotics have a beneficial effect on the microbial composition of the human gastrointestinal tract, but it is still controversial and the specific mechanism is unknown. The purpose of this network meta-analysis is to compare the mechanism of different probiotics on ulcerative colitis. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched till 16 November 2022. The SYRCLE risk bias assessment tool was used to assess the quality of the research studies. A total of 42 studies, 839 ulcerative colitis models, and 24 kinds of probiotics were finally included. The results showed that L. rhamnosus has the best effect in relieving weight loss and improving the Shannon index in the ulcerative colitis model. E. faecium has the best effect in reducing colon injury; L. reuteri has the best effect in reducing the DAI; L. acidophilus has the best effect in reducing the HIS index and increasing the expression of tight junction protein ZO-1; and L. coryniformis has the best effect in reducing the content of serum pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α. It indicated that probiotics can improve ulcerative colitis by improving histopathological manifestations, reducing inflammatory reaction, and repairing the mucosal barrier, and different probiotics showed different effects. However, considering the limitations of this study, preclinical studies that require more large samples and high-quality and more reliable and rigorous experimental designs and reports need to be conducted in the future. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#record details, identifier CRD42022383383.

Exploring the potential of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei M11 on antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and ACE inhibitory effects of fermented dromedary camel milk (Camelus dromedaries) and the release of antidiabetic and anti-hypertensive peptides

The goal of this investigation was to find antidiabetic peptides and inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (M11) fermented dromedary camel milk (Camelus dromedaries). According to the findings, the rate of antidiabetic activity increased along with the incubation periods and reached its peak after 48 hr of fermentation. The inhibitions of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase were 80.75, 59.62, and 65.46%, respectively. The inhibitory activity of ACE was 78.33%, and the proteolytic activity was 8.90 mg/mL. M11 at 0.25 mg/mL effectively suppressed LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines and their mediators such as NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in RAW 264.7 cells. The rate of inoculum in the optimization phase was 1.5-2.5%, and the greatest proteolytic activity was observed after 48 hr of fermentation. The investigation of the above property in the ultrafiltered fermented milk exhibited the highest antidiabetic and ACE inhibition activities in the 3 kDa than 10 kDa fractions. The molecular weight was determined employing SDS-PAGE, and the six-peptide sequences were identified using 2D gel electrophoresis. Due to its high proteolytic activity, the L. paracasei strain has been reported to be useful in the production of ACE-inhibitory and antidiabetic peptides. Amino acid sequences such from ɑ1, ɑ2, and β-caseins have been identified within fermented camel milk by searching on online databases, including BIOPEP (for antidiabetic peptides) and AHTPDB (for hypertension peptides) to validate the antidiabetic and ACE-inhibitory actions of several peptides. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The study aims to identify antidiabetic peptides and inhibit ACE in dromedary camel milk fermented with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei M11. Maximum antidiabetic and ACE-inhibitory actions of the fermented camel milk were observed in 3 kDa permeate fractions. Fermented camel milk significantly reduced the excessive TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells. RP-LC/MS was used to identify 6 bioactive peptides from dromedary fermented camel milk. This fermented camel milk could be used for the management of hypertension and diabetic related problems.

Leuconostoc mesenteroides LVBH107 Antibacterial Activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Anti-Inflammatory Activity against P. gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells

Probiotics, active microorganisms benefiting human health, currently serve as nutritional supplements and clinical treatments. Periodontitis, a chronic infectious oral disease caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), activates the host immune response to release numerous proinflammatory cytokines. Here, we aimed to clarify Leuconostoc mesenterica (L. mesenteroides) LVBH107 probiotic effects based on the inhibition of P.gingivalis activities while also evaluating the effectiveness of an in vitro P.gingivalis lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell-based inflammation mode. L. mesenteroides LVBH107 survived at acid, bile salts, lysozyme, and hydrogen peroxide conditions, auto-aggregated and co-aggregated with P. gingivalis, exhibited strong hydrophobicity and electrostatic action, and strongly adhered to gingival epithelial and HT-29 cells (thus exhibiting oral tissue adherence and colonization abilities). Moreover, L.mesenteroides LVBH107 exhibited sensitivity to antibiotics erythromycin, doxycycline, minocycline, ampicillin, and others (thus indicating it lacked antibiotic resistance plasmids), effectively inhibited P.gingivalis biofilm formation and inflammation (in vitro inflammation model), reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and inflammatory mediators (NO and PGE₂), and decreased the expression levels of inflammation related genes. Thus, L.mesenterica LVBH107 holds promise as a probiotic that can inhibit P.gingivalis biofilm formation and exert anti-inflammatory activity to maintain oral health.

Comparative Analysis of the Bioactive Compounds in Chicken Cartilage: Protective Effects of Chondroitin Sulfate and Type II Collagen Peptides Against Osteoarthritis Involve Gut Microbiota

This study was designed to explore osteoarthritis (OA) treatment from bioactive compounds of chicken cartilage food supplements. The OA rat model induced by sodium iodoacetate was used to evaluate the treatment effect in vivo. In this study, we used animal experiments to show that oral chondroitin sulfate (CS), cartilage powder, and type II collagen peptides could increase the athletic ability of rats and reduce inflammatory cytokine levels in serum or synovial fluid, including prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-6, and IL-17. CS displayed the best treatment effect against OA. The morphological structure of articular cartilage indicated that CS could significantly improve cartilage tissue morphology and reduce OA score. Oral CS slowed down the development of OA by modulating gut microbiota. These results provided a useful scientific basis for the high-value utilization of chicken cartilage.

The antiinflammatory and antifibrotic effect of olive phenols and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC513 in dextran sodium sulfate-induced chronic colitis

OBJECTIVES

After a chronic intestinal injury, several intestinal cells switch their phenotype to activated myofibroblasts, which in turn release an abnormal amount of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to the onset of the fibrotic process. To date, no resolutive pharmacological treatments are available, and the identification of new therapeutic approaches represents a crucial goal to achieve. The onset, maintenance, and progression of inflammatory bowel disease are related to abnormal intestinal immune responses to environmental factors, including diet and intestinal microflora components. This study aimed to evaluate the potential antiinflammatory and antifibrotic effect of a biologically debittered olive cream and its probiotic oral administration in an experimental model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced chronic colitis.

METHODS

Chronic colitis was induced in mice by three cycles of oral administration of 2.5% DSS (5 d of DSS followed by 7 d of tap water). Mice were randomly divided into five groups: 10 control mice fed with standard diet (SD), 20 mice receiving SD and DSS (SD+DSS), 20 mice receiving an enriched diet (ED) with olive cream and DSS (ED+DSS), 20 mice receiving SD plus probiotics (PB; Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC513) and DSS (SD+PB+DSS), and 20 mice receiving ED plus PB and DSS (ED+ PB+DSS). Clinical features and large bowel macroscopic, histologic, and immunohistochemical findings were evaluated.

RESULTS

The simultaneous administration of ED and PB induced a significant reduction in macroscopic and microscopic colitis scores compared with the other DSS-treated groups. In addition, ED and PB led to a significant decrease in the expression of inflammatory cytokines and profibrotic molecules.

CONCLUSIONS

The concomitant oral administration of a diet enriched with biologically debittered olive cream and a specific probiotic strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC513) can exert synergistic antiinflammatory and antifibrotic action in DSS-induced chronic colitis. Further studies are needed to define the cellular and molecular mechanisms modulated by olive cream compounds and by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum IMC513.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HG20 attenuates II type collagen-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats via anti-inflammatory and inhibition of apoptosis

AIMS

This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum HG20 (HG20) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats and its mechanism.

METHODS AND RESULTS

CIA rats were established by injecting bovine type II collagen for 7 days, and treated by intragastric administration HG20 for 21 days. The foot palm temperature and arthritis score were measured once a week. The pathological changes in the knee joint were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of cytokines were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and the effects of HG20 on inflammatory and apoptosis pathway of spleen cells were detected by western blot analysis. The results indicated that HG20 reduced the joint swelling degree and foot palm temperature, inhibited the development of joint histopathology, decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, down-regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by nuclear factor kappa-B pathway, and inhibited the apoptosis of spleen cells by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway and regulating apoptosis pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

HG20 had an adjuvant therapeutic effect on arthritis in CIA rats, and its mechanism might be related to the inflammatory and apoptosis pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

These results revealed that HG20 could be used as a functional probiotic in the field of food and medical, and which played a potential role in the prevention and treatment of arthritis.

Antioxidant activity and short-chain fatty acid production of lactic acid bacteria isolated from Korean individuals and fermented foods

Compounds of the cell walls of heat-killed lactic acid bacteria show immunomodulatory properties which boost immunological systems, and are used ad postbiotics (paraprobiotics). In this study, we used 17 different heat-killed isolates as postbiotics and evaluated their anti-inflammatory potential on the expression of proinflammatory mediators and cellular signaling pathways of murine macrophage, RAW 264.7 cells. Bifidobacterium bifidum MG731 showed the high 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity (90.6%), followed by Bifidobacterium lactis MG741 (59.6%). The Bi. lactis MG741 showed the high ABTS free radical scavenging activity (99.5%), followed by Lactobacillus plantarum MG989 (98.9%), Lactobacillus salivarius MG242 (97.1%), and Bi. bifidum MG731 (96.1%). In addition, Bi. bifidum MG731 showed the lowest nitric oxide production (4.28 µM), followed by B. lactis MG741 (10.80 µM), L. salivarius MG242 (14.60 µM), and L. plantarum MG989 (19.60 µM). The selected strains showed a decreased nitric oxide production via downregulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2, which were upregulated via LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) including acetic, propionic, and butyric acid were produced by four strains. The Bi. bifidum MG731 showed total SCFAs production (4998.6 µg/g), Bi. lactis MG741 (2613.9 µg/g), L. salivarius MG242 (1456.1 µg/g), and L. plantarum MG989 (630.2 µg/g). These results indicated that the various selected strains may possess an anti-inflammatory potential and provide a molecular basis for the development of functional probiotics.

Harnessing the potential of Lactobacillus species for therapeutic delivery at the lumenal-mucosal interface

Lactobacillus species have been studied for over 30 years in their role as commensal organisms in the human gut. Recently there has been a surge of interest in their abilities to natively and recombinantly stimulate immune activities, and studies have identified strains and novel molecules that convey particular advantages for applications as both immune adjuvants and immunomodulators. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in Lactobacillus-related activity at the gut/microbiota interface, the efforts to probe the boundaries of the direct and indirect therapeutic potential of these bacteria, and highlight the continued interest in harnessing the native capacity for the production of biogenic compounds shown to influence nervous system activity. Taken together, these aspects underscore Lactobacillus species as versatile therapeutic delivery vehicles capable of effector production at the lumenal-mucosal interface, and further establish a foundation of efficacy upon which future engineered strains can expand.

Human-origin Lactobacillus salivarius AR809 protects against immunosuppression in S. aureus-induced pharyngitis via Akt-mediated NF-κB and autophagy signaling pathways

Lactobacillus salivarius AR809 is a newly discovered probiotic strain from a healthy human pharynx and has potential ability to adhere to the pharyngeal epithelium and inhibit Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-induced inflammatory response. Pharyngeal spray administration of AR809 exhibited protective effects in a S. aureus-induced mouse model of pharyngitis. The inhibitory effect and underlying molecular mechanism of AR809 on S. aureus-stimulated pharyngitis were further investigated. AR809 significantly increased phagocytosis and bactericidal activity, reduced the production of inflammatory mediators (intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide (NO), inducible NOS (iNOS)) and the expression of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β)), and induced macrophages to adopt the M2 phenotype. AR809 also attenuated S. aureus-induced phosphorylations of protein kinase B (Akt) and rapamycin (mTOR), and elevated the autophagic protein (light chain 3 from II (LC3-II) and Beclin-1) level. Furthermore, AR809 inhibited nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB) activation by suppressing the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. Likewise, 740Y-P (a PI3K activator) decreased the anti-inflammatory effect of AR809 against S. aureus-induced inflammatory response, while AR809 treatments with wortmannin (a PI3K inhibitor) markedly reversed this inflammatory response. AR809 prevents S. aureus-induced pharyngeal inflammatory response, possibly by regulating TLR/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway-related autophagy and TLR/PI3K/Akt/IκB/NF-κB pathway activity, and therefore has potential for use in preventing pharyngitis and other inflammatory diseases.

Lactobacillus plantarum L15 Alleviates Colitis by Inhibiting LPS-Mediated NF-κB Activation and Ameliorates DSS-Induced Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis

Previous studies have suggested that the Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria strain could be effective in ulcerative colitis (UC) management. However, its effects are strain-specific and the related mechanisms for its attenuating effects on UC remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for the protective effect of L. plantarum on UC. Firstly, 15 L. plantarum strains were screened for potential probiotic characteristics with good tolerance to simulated human gastrointestinal transit and adhesion. Secondly, the inflammatory response of selected strains to the Caco-2 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was measured. Finally, an in vivo mouse model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to assess the beneficial effects and likely action mechanisms the successfully screened in vitro strain, L. plantarum L15. In vitro results showed that L. plantarum L15 possessed the highest gastrointestinal transit tolerance, adhesion and reduction of pro-inflammatory abilities compared to the other screened strains. In vivo, high dose of L. plantarum L15 supplementation increased the body weight, colon length and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Pro-inflammatory cytokine production, disease activity index (DAI) levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) parameters decreased using this strain. In addition, L. plantarum L15 alleviated the histopathological changes in colon, modulated the gut microbiota, and decreased LPS secretion. The activities of this strain down-regulated the expression of TLR4 and MyD88 genes as well as genes associated with NF-κB signaling pathway. Our findings present L. plantarum L15 as a new probiotic, with promising application for UC management.

Lactobacillus ingluviei C37 from chicken inhibits inflammation in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophages

Probiotics are growing alternatives to antibiotics, and can contribute to the prevention and treatment of diseases and enhance livestock production. Lactobacillus (L.) ingluviei is a novel probiotic species with growth-enhancement effects; however, this species remains poorly understood, and there have been (to our knowledge) no studies focusing on its immunological effects. Here, we isolated L. ingluviei C37 (LIC37) from chicken and evaluated the bacterium's immunomodulatory properties to explore its probiotic potential. Real-time quantitative PCR and ELISA showed that in vitro exposure of inflammation-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages to heat-killed LIC37 led to decreases in tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-6 levels and an increase in IL-10. These findings suggested that LIC37 exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine profiles. This species may be an attractive probiotic bacterial strain for use in animal production.

Regulatory Effect of Lactobacillus brevis Bmb6 on Gut Barrier Functions in Experimental Colitis

The integrity of gut barrier functions is closely associated with the pathogenesis of colitis. It is speculated that Lactobacillus brevis Bmb6 alleviates colitis by improving the tight junction (TJ) of the inflamed intestinal epithelial layer. In the present study, the regulatory effects of L. brevis Bmb6 on the TJ barrier to ameliorate colitis-symptoms were investigated. Preliminary screening showed that L. brevis Bmb6 exhibited strong acid and bile acid tolerance, along with antioxidants and β-galactosidase activities. In a 14-day dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model, treatment with L. brevis Bmb6 significantly decreased in the disease activity index score. In addition, histological analyses showed that treatment with L. brevis Bmb6 protected the structural integrity of the intestinal epithelial layer and mucin-secreting goblet cells from DSS-induced damage, with only slight infiltration of immune cells. Interestingly, western blotting analyses showed that the expression of the TJ protein, zona occluden-1, was restored in Bmb6-treated mice, but not in DSS-induced mice. Consistently, the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ) was also suppressed in the Bmb6-treated mice. Hence, our findings suggest that suppression of inflammatory conditions enhanced expression of TJ protein, ZO-1, or vice versa, contributing to a colitis-ameliorating effect in L. brevis Bmb6.

The prophylactic effects of different Lactobacilli on collagen-induced arthritis in rats

Recent studies have shed light on the prophylactic effects of Lactobacilli on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the modulatory mechanisms of Lactobacilli remain unclear. The current study evaluated different Lactobacillus species' ability to alleviate arthritis induced by collagen. Rats were intragastrically administered different lactobacilli cocktails two weeks before arthritis induction. The results revealed that the performance of Lactobacillus in relieving arthritis was different for some species. L. reuteri, L. casei, L. rhamnosus and L. fermentum attenuated RA through species-independent pathways that inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines and anti-CII-antibodies; and through species-dependent immune regulation that was based on rebalancing the intestinal microbiota, and metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids. In particular, L. reuteri and L. casei weaken the Th1 immune response, while L. rhamnosus and L. fermentum impaired Th17 responses. Interestingly, L. plantarum did not alleviate arthritis although it did suppress Th1 and Th17 immune responses, while L. salivarius only delayed the onset of arthritis without influencing the immune response. In conclusion, Lactobacilli protect against collagen-induced-arthritis through both common and individual pathways.

Oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum 06CC2 prevents experimental colitis in mice via an anti‑inflammatory response

Dysbiosis of the enteric microbiota causes gastrointestinal diseases, including colitis. The present study investigated the beneficial effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 06CC2 in experimental colitis in mice. An experimental colitis model in C57BL6 mice was induced using dextran sulfate sodium. Mice were orally administered 06CC2 (06CC2 group) or PBS only (control group) by gavage. The disease activity index (DAI), histological grading, and colon tissue and colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) were examined macroscopically and histopathologically, and the expression levels of inflammation‑associated cytokines (IL‑6, IL‑12, TNF‑α and IL‑10) in these samples were determined. Compared with the control group, the 06CC2 group exhibited a significantly lower DAI (1.5±0.8 vs. 0.2±0.3, respectively; P<0.05) and pathology score (6.3±1.5 vs. 3.8±1.3, respectively; P<0.05). IL‑10 expression in colonic LPMCs was higher in the 06CC2 group than in the control group, although there was no significant difference in IFN‑γ, IL‑6 or IL‑12 expression in colonic LPMCs between the two groups. In addition, 06CC2 stimulated the production of IL‑10 from CD11b‑positive cells and CD11c‑positive cells in the colon. The 06CC2 strain induced IL‑10 production in the colon and attenuated colon inflammation.

Lactobacillus casei LH23 modulates the immune response and ameliorates DSS-induced colitis via suppressing JNK/p-38 signal pathways and enhancing histone H3K9 acetylation

Probiotics are thought to have immunomodulatory functions, improve inflammatory disorders and treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Microbe-metabolite-host axis, two-way action in the pathogenesis and treatment of human autoimmunity

The role of microorganism in human diseases cannot be ignored. These microorganisms have evolved together with humans and worked together with body's mechanism to maintain immune and metabolic function. Emerging evidence shows that gut microbe and their metabolites open up new doors for the study of human response mechanism. The complexity and interdependence of these microbe-metabolite-host interactions are rapidly being elucidated. There are various changes of microbial levels in models or in patients of various autoimmune diseases (AIDs). In addition, the relevant metabolites involved in mechanism mainly include short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs), and polysaccharide A (PSA). Meanwhile, the interaction between microbes and host genes is also a factor that must be considered. It has been demonstrated that human microbes are involved in the development of a variety of AIDs, including organ-specific AIDs and systemic AIDs. At the same time, microbes or related products can be used to remodel body's response to alleviate or cure diseases. This review summarizes the latest research of microbes and their related metabolites in AIDs. More importantly, it highlights novel and potential therapeutics, including fecal microbial transplantation, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. Nonetheless, exact mechanisms still remain elusive, and future research will focus on finding a specific strain that can act as a biomarker of an autoimmune disease.

Anti-Colitic Effects of Ethanol Extract of Persea americana Mill. through Suppression of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators via NF-κB/STAT3 Inactivation in Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis Mice

Persea americana Mill, cv. Hass, also known as avocado, has been reported to possess hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, cardioprotective, and photoprotective potencies. However, few studies have reported its anti-colitic effects. In this study, we investigated anti-colitic effects of ethanol extract of P. americana (EEP) in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitic mice and the involved molecular mechanisms. EEP effectively improved clinical signs and histological characteristics of DSS-induced colitis mice. In DSS-exposed colonic tissues, EEP reduced expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Moreover, EEP suppressed DSS-induced activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Consistent with in vivo results, EEP also suppressed protein and mRNA expression levels of iNOS, COX-2, and pro-inflammatory cytokines via NF-κB and STAT3 inactivation in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Taken together, our data indicate that ethanol extract of avocado may be used as a promising therapeutic against inflammatory bowel diseases by suppressing the NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathway.

The dietary freeze-dried fruit powder of Actinidia arguta ameliorates dextran sulphate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by inhibiting the activation of MAPKs

Oral administration freeze-dried Actinidia arguta powder could ameliorate ulcerative colitis disease via inhibiting the activation of MAPKs pathway.