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Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
Published on: January 19, 2010
The maca protein ameliorates DSS-induced colitis in mice by modulating the gut microbiota and production of SCFAs
Ping He1, Yizhe Zhang1, Ruyang Chen1
1College of Food Sciences and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China. fehwu@scut.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Maca is a functional food with anti-inflammatory activity, and it is rich in protein. Currently, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common gastrointestinal disease. However, there is little research focusing on the effect of maca protein (MCP) on IBD. In this study, we extracted MCP from maca root and explored its effect and mechanism on improving dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced IBD in mice. The results indicated that MCP intervention alleviated the clinical symptoms and colon tissue damage of mice with DSS-induced colitis and inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors. Moreover, it can modulate the gut microbiota composition in mice with DSS-induced colitis. The regulation is achieved by reducing the relative abundance of the IBD-exacerbating key bacterial genera: Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Bacteroides, Desulfovibrio, Prevotella, Helicobacter and Sutterella, while increasing the relative abundance of the IBD-alleviating key bacterial genera: norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, Oscillospira, Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium. MCP can also promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The further western blotting results indicated that MCP can regulate the Treg/Th17 immune balance in mice with colitis via the SCFAs-GPR41/43/HDAC1 signaling pathway. Overall, MCP can alleviate colitis by comprehensively regulating the gut microbiota and inflammatory response. It may be a promising functional component that reduces the risk of colitis by maintaining intestinal health.
Insights
Maca protein (MCP) effectively reduced inflammation and colon damage in mice with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It also positively altered gut bacteria and promoted beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), suggesting MCP as a potential functional food for gut health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Nutrition
- Immunology and Microbiology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a prevalent gastrointestinal condition with limited therapeutic options.
- Maca, a functional food, possesses anti-inflammatory properties, but its protein component's effect on IBD is under-researched.
- Maca protein (MCP) is a potential candidate for modulating gut health due to its rich protein content.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effects of maca protein (MCP) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in a mouse model.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including gut microbiota modulation, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and immune balance regulation.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of maca protein (MCP) from maca root.
- Induction of colitis in mice using dextran sodium sulfate (DSS).
- Administration of MCP to DSS-treated mice.
- Assessment of clinical symptoms, colon tissue damage, inflammatory factor expression, gut microbiota composition, SCFA levels, and Treg/Th17 immune balance via Western blotting.
Main Results:
- MCP intervention significantly alleviated clinical symptoms and colon tissue damage in DSS-induced colitis mice.
- MCP modulated gut microbiota by decreasing detrimental bacteria (e.g., *Bacteroides*, *Desulfovibrio*) and increasing beneficial bacteria (e.g., *Lactobacillus*, *Akkermansia*).
- MCP promoted SCFA production and regulated the Treg/Th17 immune balance through the SCFAs-GPR41/43/HDAC1 signaling pathway.
Conclusions:
- Maca protein (MCP) demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects in a mouse model of IBD.
- MCP alleviates colitis by comprehensively regulating gut microbiota, promoting SCFA production, and balancing the immune response.
- MCP holds promise as a functional food component for maintaining intestinal health and reducing colitis risk.
