Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026
Investigating the Alleviating Effects of Bacillus cereus Administration on Colitis through Gut Microbiota Modulation
Published on: July 27, 2022
[Effect of VSL#3 and S.Boulardii on intestinal microbiota in mice with acute colitis]
X C Meng1, Y N Wang1, P G Yan1
1Department of Gastroenterology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing 100730, China.
Abstract:
Objective: To investigate the effects of probiotics(VSL#3, S. Boulardii) on intestinal flora of mice with DDS-induced acute colitis. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were administered with 2.5% dextran sulfate sodium for 5 consecutive days to develop the acute colitis model except for the blank control group. Meantime,Mice were treated with drinking water (DSS model group),VSL#3 (1.5×10(9) CFU),or S.Boulardii(5×10(7) CFU) by gavage for 7 days respectively,and mice were sacrificed 2 days after the model of colitis was established. The fecal specimens before gavage (day 0),in the middle of experiment (day 4),and the end of gavage (day 7) and the intestinal mucosa after sacrifice were collected to analyze the differences between these four groups by 16s rDNA sequencing method. Results: Compared with the DSS model group, VSL#3 group showed a decrease in disease activity index (DAI) and histological scores, and there was no significant change in the S.Boulardii group. Fecal microbiota:in the middle of experiment,the alpha diversity of DSS model group,VSL#3 group and S.Boulardii group were lower than that of the blank control group(P=0.0135,P=0.0018,P=0.0151). After the end of gavage,the diversity of the VSL#3 group was lower than that of the blank control group(P=0.025), and the difference between any other two groups was not statistically significant. Mucosa-adherent microbiota:biodiversity of DSS model group,S.Boulardii group were lower than the blank control group(P=0.031,P=0.0437),while biodiversity of VSL#3 group was higher than DSS model group and S. Boulardii group(P=0.0394, P=0.0426). Compared with the blank control group, the DSS model group showed an increase in Bacteroides and a decrease in Lactobacillus. Abundance in the genus Turicibacter and Odoribacter increased in intestinal microbiota of mice with acute colitis, while VSL#3 inhibited them. Conclusions: VSL#3 alleviates inflammation in DSS-induced colitis of mice.Both VSL#3 and S.Boulardii can affect intestinal microbiota. Compared with healthy mice,mice with colitis showed a reduced diversity of microbiota both in feces and in intestinal mucosa. VSL#3 increases biodiversity of mucosal microbiota in mice with acute colitis,while it does not increase biodiversity of fecal microbiota. Genera such as Turicibacter and Odoribacter increase in mice with acute colitis, and these genera can be inhibited by VSL#3.
Insights
Probiotics VSL#3 significantly alleviate inflammation in mice with acute colitis, improving gut microbiota diversity. Saccharomyces boulardii showed no significant anti-inflammatory effects. VSL#3 enhances mucosal microbiota but not fecal microbiota diversity in colitis models.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acute colitis is characterized by intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis.
- Probiotics are investigated for their potential to modulate gut microbiota and alleviate inflammatory conditions.
- Understanding the impact of specific probiotic strains on the gut microbiome in colitis models is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of VSL#3 and Saccharomyces boulardii on the intestinal flora of mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis.
- To evaluate the impact of these probiotics on disease activity, histological scores, and gut microbiota composition and diversity.
Main Methods:
- Acute colitis was induced in C57BL/6J mice using 2.5% DSS.
- Mice were treated with VSL#3, Saccharomyces boulardii, or a control.
- Fecal and intestinal mucosal samples were analyzed using 16S rDNA sequencing to assess microbiota changes.
Main Results:
- VSL#3 treatment reduced disease activity index and histological scores in DSS-induced colitis mice.
- Both VSL#3 and Saccharomyces boulardii affected fecal microbiota diversity, with VSL#3 showing a decrease compared to controls post-treatment.
- VSL#3 increased mucosal microbiota biodiversity, while DSS-induced colitis and Saccharomyces boulardii decreased it compared to controls. Colitis increased Bacteroides and decreased Lactobacillus, with VSL#3 inhibiting Turicibacter and Odoribacter.
Conclusions:
- VSL#3 demonstrates efficacy in alleviating inflammation associated with DSS-induced colitis in mice.
- VSL#3 positively modulates mucosal microbiota biodiversity in colitis, whereas fecal microbiota diversity is not significantly increased.
- Specific bacterial genera like Turicibacter and Odoribacter are implicated in colitis and can be targeted by VSL#3.
More Related Videos
09:11Systematic Scoring Analysis for Intestinal Inflammation in a Murine Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis Model
Published on: February 14, 2021
08:58Analyzing Beneficial Effects of Nutritional Supplements on Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions During Experimental Colitis
Published on: January 5, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis in IBD
01:15Small Intestine
The small intestine is divided into three main sections - the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. The duodenum, approximately 25 cm long, is nearest the stomach. It acts as a 'mixing bowl,' where chyme (partially digested food) blends with digestive enzymes from the pancreas and liver. The duodenum's unique...
01:09Large Intestine
The ileocecal sphincter, a mucous membrane fold, guards the opening from the ileum to the large intestine. This valve permits material from the small intestine to pass into the large intestine. Attached to the ileocecal valve is the cecum. This small pouch, approximately 6 cm long, has a twisted, coiled tube known as...
01:26Histology of the Large Intestine
The innermost mucosa layer comprises simple columnar epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosae. This layer is primarily populated with absorptive cells, tasked with water absorption, and goblet cells, responsible for secreting mucus to...