Orange Pectin with Compact Conformation Effectively Alleviates Acute Colitis in Mice

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Biochemistry
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Functional pectin preparation requires understanding structure-function relationships.
• Pectin's role in gut health is an area of active research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of different orange pectin extraction methods in alleviating dextran sodium sulfate-induced acute colitis.
• To investigate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of the most effective pectin.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of five orange pectins using acid, alkali, cellulase, acid + cellulase, and alkali + cellulase.
• Administration of pectins to dextran sodium sulfate-induced acute colitis mouse model.
• Assessment of physiological and histopathological indicators, gut microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acid production, and gene/protein expression.

Main Results:

• Alkali + cellulase-extracted pectin (P10 + C) demonstrated the most significant alleviating effects on acute colitis.
• P10 + C treatment increased Akkermansia abundance, colonic short-chain fatty acids, and expression of barrier proteins (claudin-1, ZO-1, occludin) and receptors (GPR43, GPR109A).
• P10 + C reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines, correlating with a compact pectin conformation.

Conclusions:

• Orange pectin extracted using alkali and cellulase (P10 + C) effectively alleviates acute colitis.
• The therapeutic effects are mediated by modulation of gut microbiota, enhanced intestinal barrier function, and altered cytokine profiles.
• Pectins with compact conformations, like P10 + C, hold potential as adjuvant therapies for intestinal inflammation.