Galactooligosaccharides Promote Gut Barrier Integrity and Exert Anti-Inflammatory Effects in DSS-Induced Colitis...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology
• Nutrition Science

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) involves chronic inflammation, immune imbalance, and gut microbiota changes.
• Lupinus albus-derived galactooligosaccharides (GOS) act as prebiotics, potentially improving gut health.
• GOS may modulate gut microbiota and mitigate UC-related intestinal damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of GOS on gut microbiota modulation in ulcerative colitis.
• To explore the molecular mechanisms of GOS in epithelial restoration and inflammation reduction.
• To assess GOS impact on tight junction proteins and inflammatory markers.

Main Methods:

• Ulcerative colitis induced in C57BL/6 mice using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS).
• Mice treated with GOS via gavage for 14 days.
• Evaluated mucus layer, tight junction proteins, pro-inflammatory cytokines, gut microbiota composition, and monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs).

Main Results:

• GOS supplementation improved mucus layer thickness and regulated tight junction protein expression.
• GOS reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and prevented gut microbiota loss.
• Significant differences in MCT1 and MCT4 expression were observed in colon and cecum tissues.

Conclusions:

• GOS supplementation shows potential in attenuating ulcerative colitis.
• GOS modulates gut microbiota and influences the metabolic state of intestinal cells.
• Further research into GOS as a therapeutic agent for UC is warranted.