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Published on: February 27, 2014
Propionic Acid Driven by the Lactobacillus johnsonii Culture Supernatant Alleviates Colitis by Inhibiting M1
Zhifeng Wu1, Jinhui He1, Zeyue Zhang1
1College of Animal Sciences and Technology and College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
Abstract:
In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus johnsonii on the mouse colitis model. The results showed that the supernatant of the L. johnsonii culture alleviated colitis and remodeled gut microbiota, represented by an increased abundance of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids, leading to an increased concentration of propionic acid in the intestine. Further studies revealed that propionic acid inhibited activation of the MAPK signaling pathway and polarization of M1 macrophages. Macrophage clearance assays confirmed that macrophages are indispensable for alleviating colitis through propionic acid. In vitro experiments showed that propionic acid directly inhibited the MAPK signaling pathway in macrophages and reduced M1 macrophage polarization, thereby inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings improve our understanding of how L. johnsonii attenuates inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and provide valuable insights for identifying molecular targets for IBD treatment in the future.
Insights
Lactobacillus johnsonii supernatant alleviates colitis by increasing propionic acid, which inhibits inflammatory pathways and M1 macrophage polarization, offering new therapeutic insights for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) poses a significant health challenge.
- The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in IBD pathogenesis.
- Probiotics are being explored as potential therapeutic agents for IBD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of Lactobacillus johnsonii on a mouse model of colitis.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms by which L. johnsonii exerts its anti-colitis effects.
Main Methods:
- Administration of L. johnsonii supernatant to mice with induced colitis.
- Analysis of gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels.
- Investigation of the effects of propionic acid on macrophage polarization and inflammatory signaling pathways (MAPK).
Main Results:
- L. johnsonii supernatant significantly alleviated colitis symptoms in mice.
- Treatment increased the abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria and propionic acid levels.
- Propionic acid was found to inhibit MAPK signaling and M1 macrophage polarization, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion.
Conclusions:
- L. johnsonii demonstrates therapeutic potential for colitis by modulating gut microbiota and producing propionic acid.
- Propionic acid acts as a key mediator, inhibiting inflammatory pathways and macrophage activation.
- These findings provide a mechanistic understanding of L. johnsonii's benefits and suggest propionic acid as a potential therapeutic target for IBD.
