Preventive and Prebiotic Effect of α-Galacto-Oligosaccharide against Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis and Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Mice

beta-Galacto-oligosaccharide (beta-GOS) showed great potential in ulcerative colitis (UC) adjuvant therapy. Herein, the preventive and prebiotic effect of enzymatic-synthesized alpha-linked galacto-oligosaccharide (alpha-GOS) was investigated in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis and gut microbiota dysbiosis mice. Compared with beta-GOS, the alpha-GOS supplement was more effective in improving preventive efficacy, promoting colonic epithelial barrier integrity, and alleviating inflammation cytokines. Moreover, the activation of the NOD-like receptor (NLR) family member NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammation was significantly inhibited by both alpha-GOS and beta-GOS. Gut microbiota analysis showed that a-GOS treatment reshaped the dysfunctional gut microbiota. The subsequent Spearmans correlation coefficient analysis indicated that these gut microbiota changes were significantly correlated with the inflammatory parameters. These results suggested that the enzymatic-synthesized alpha-GOS is a promising therapeutic agent in UC prevention and adjuvant treatment by maintaining intestinal homeostasis.

Automated summary

Enzymatic-synthesized alpha-GOS shows better preventive efficacy in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis mice, improving colonic epithelial barrier integrity and alleviating inflammation. Moreover, it inhibits inflammation pathways and reshapes gut microbiota, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent in UC prevention and adjuvant treatment.