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A pectic polysaccharide from Lycium ruthenicum Murray alleviates dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice
Dai Dong1, Hailiang Wang2, Hongtao Bi3
1Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xin min Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
Abstract:
Inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) can lead to severe complications like perforation, bleeding, and colon cancer, posing life-threatening risks. Lycium ruthenicum Murray (L. ruthenicum Murr.), rich in polysaccharides, has been utilized in traditional diets for thousands of years. This study explores the protective effects of the polysaccharide of L. ruthenicum on mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. In the present study, a pectic polysaccharide (LRWP-Ap) containing arabinogalactan (AG) and homogalacturonic acid (HG) structural domains with a Mw of 4.34 kDa was obtained from L. ruthenicum Murr. Fruit. The gavage administration of LRWP-Ap significantly alleviated symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice. In this process, LRWP-Ap modulated the balance of Arg-1/iNOS to regulate the metabolism of arginine, and the levels of intestinal tight junction (TJ) (ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin 1) were increased by LRWP-Ap treatment, which promoted intestinal barrier function. In addition, LRWP-Ap alleviated the inflammatory response while increasing the anti-inflammatory response by reducing the level of proinflammatory factors, enhancing the level of anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10) and improving the balance of Treg/Th17 cells. These effects resulted in the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis. Moreover, LRWP-Ap modulated the gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content, which may maintain relatively favorable intestinal homeostasis. In general, LRWP-Ap has the potential to alleviate IBD, and the use of L. ruthenicum Murr. As a natural functional food to improve gut health in the context of DSS-induced colitis.
Insights
Lycium ruthenicum polysaccharide (LRWP-Ap) alleviates inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) symptoms in mice. It enhances gut barrier function, reduces inflammation, and balances gut microbiota, showing potential as a functional food for gut health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) present severe health risks, including perforation, bleeding, and colon cancer.
- Lycium ruthenicum Murray (L. ruthenicum), a fruit rich in polysaccharides, has a long history of traditional use.
- Polysaccharides from L. ruthenicum are explored for their therapeutic potential in managing gut health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of a specific pectic polysaccharide from L. ruthenicum (LRWP-Ap) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying LRWP-Ap's therapeutic actions on the gut.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of a pectic polysaccharide (LRWP-Ap) from L. ruthenicum fruit.
- Induction of colitis in mice using DSS and subsequent oral administration of LRWP-Ap.
- Assessment of disease severity, intestinal barrier function (tight junction proteins), inflammatory markers (pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines), immune cell balance (Treg/Th17), arginine metabolism (Arg-1/iNOS), gut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels.
Main Results:
- LRWP-Ap administration significantly alleviated DSS-induced colitis symptoms in mice.
- Treatment with LRWP-Ap enhanced intestinal barrier function by increasing tight junction protein levels (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin 1).
- LRWP-Ap modulated arginine metabolism, reduced pro-inflammatory factors, increased anti-inflammatory IL-10, and rebalanced Treg/Th17 cells, thereby maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis. Gut microbiota and SCFA levels were also favorably modulated.
Conclusions:
- The pectic polysaccharide LRWP-Ap from L. ruthenicum demonstrates significant potential in alleviating IBD symptoms.
- LRWP-Ap exerts protective effects by strengthening the intestinal barrier, regulating immune responses, and modulating gut microbiota.
- L. ruthenicum shows promise as a natural functional food ingredient for improving gut health in conditions like DSS-induced colitis.
