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

Ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment usually involves either drug therapy or surgery. Natural food polysaccharides have showed great potential for preventing UC. In this study, the therapeutic effects of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja polysaccharide (CP) and Chinese yam polysaccharide (CYP) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced mice UC model and their underlying mechanisms were explored. The results suggested that CP and CYP could improve colitis symptoms in DSS-induced mice, enhance the production of IL-10, inhibit cytokines (IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha) and reduce MPO activity. Furthermore, they maintained the integrity of intestine by improving the expression of mucin MUC-2, ZO-1 and occludin, which in turn reduced the contents of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) and endotoxin (ET) in serum and oxidative stress in liver. Finally, they modulated the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota. Notably, Alistipes and Bacteroides were the specific genera in CP and CYP groups, respectively. These findings indicated that polysaccharides might alleviate the development of colitis and inform other relevant studies.

Automated summary

This study explored the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharide (CP) and Chinese yam polysaccharide (CY) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mice colitis model. CP and CYP improved colitis symptoms, enhanced IL-10 production, inhibited cytokines (IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha), and reduced MPO activity. They also maintained intestinal integrity, reduced LBP and ET levels, and modulated gut microbiota composition and metabolism. These findings suggest that polysaccharides may alleviate colitis development and have implications for further research.