Postbiotic Administration Ameliorates Colitis and Inflammation in Rats Possibly through Gut Microbiota Modulation

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Postbiotics are inactive microbial preparations offering health benefits.
• The optimal dosage for postbiotic efficacy remains undetermined.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases like colitis pose significant health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dose-dependent effects of postbiotics on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in rats.
• To evaluate the impact of postbiotics on clinical symptoms, colon damage, and inflammatory markers.
• To explore changes in gut microbiota and fecal metabolites following postbiotic intervention.

Main Methods:

• A dose-dependent study involving five groups of rats: control, DSS-induced colitis, and DSS-induced colitis treated with low, medium, or high doses of postbiotics.
• Assessment of spleen index, colon tissue damage, serum cytokine profiles (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10).
• Fecal metabolomics and metagenomics analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• Postbiotic treatment significantly alleviated colitis symptoms and inflammation compared to the untreated DSS group.
• A dose-dependent therapeutic effect was observed, with improved spleen index and reduced colon damage.
• Serum cytokine levels shifted towards an anti-inflammatory profile (decreased TNF-α and IL-1β, increased IL-10).
• Fecal analysis revealed an increase in anti-inflammatory metabolites and a shift towards beneficial gut microbes.

Conclusions:

• Postbiotics are effective in mitigating colitis in a dose-dependent manner.
• The findings support the therapeutic potential of postbiotics for inflammatory bowel conditions.
• This research provides valuable insights for the food science, clinical, and health food industries.