Wheat Germ-Derived Peptide Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Molecular Biology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with limited therapeutic options.
• Dietary peptides are emerging as potential therapeutic agents for inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of wheat-germ-derived peptide APEPEPAF (APE) against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in a mouse model.

Main Methods:

• Induction of colitis in mice using DSS.
• Administration of APE peptide to assess its effects on colitis symptoms.
• Analysis of inflammatory cytokine levels, protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway activation, tight junction protein expression, and gut microbiota composition.

Main Results:

• APE peptide significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis symptoms, including weight loss and colon shortening.
• APE attenuated inflammatory cytokine production by inhibiting PKCζ phosphorylation and NF-κB transcriptional activity.
• APE dose-dependently enhanced colon barrier function by promoting tight junction protein expression.
• APE modulated gut microbiota, decreasing *Bacteroides* and increasing *Dubosiella* and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006 abundance.

Conclusions:

• Wheat germ peptide APE demonstrates significant protective effects against ulcerative colitis in mice.
• APE ameliorates colitis by regulating the PKCζ/NF-κB signaling pathway and preserving intestinal barrier integrity.
• APE's ability to modulate gut microbiota suggests its potential as a novel therapeutic agent and dietary supplement for ulcerative colitis.