Effect of Lactobacillus with Feruloyl Esterase-Producing Ability on Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is becoming an increasingly serious health problem. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a newly isolated Lactobacillus species that produces feruloyl esterase (FAEb) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in mice. In this study, FAEb supplementation slowed body weight loss and mitigated colon length shortening, the severity of fecal occult blood, and increases in the disease activity index (DAI) in UC model mice. FAEb supplementation was also shown to reduce the expression of proinflammatory factors, increase the antioxidant capacity, improve the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), upregulate the expression of tight junction proteins, reduce the histopathological scores, and reduce mucous barrier damage in the gut. Furthermore, FAEb supplementation was shown to inhibit inflammatory NF -KB signaling pathway activity, increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria, and regulate the balance of microbiota in the gut. These results suggest that FAEb may serve as a potential probiotic to prevent and treat UC.

Automated summary

This study found that supplementation with a Lactobacillus species producing feruloyl esterase (FAEb) can alleviate ulcerative colitis in mice by reducing body weight loss, colon length shortening, fecal occult blood severity, and disease activity index. FAEb supplementation also improves antioxidant capacity, promotes beneficial short-chain fatty acid production, increases expression of tight junction proteins, reduces histopathological scores, and prevents mucous barrier damage in the gut. Additionally, FAEb supplementation inhibits inflammatory signaling pathways, increases beneficial bacteria abundance, and regulates gut microbiota balance.