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Donkey Milk Improves Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Ulcerative Colitis by Protecting Gut Barrier Function, Inhibiting
Lin Yang1, Hua Ni1, Xiaogang Gou2
1Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecology of Pamirs Plateau in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, College of Life and Geographic Sciences Kashi University Kashi China.
Food Science & Nutrition
|September 25, 2025
Summary
Donkey milk (DM) shows potential for treating ulcerative colitis (UC) by reducing inflammation and improving gut barrier function. This study confirms DM
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Immunology
- Microbiome Research
- Nutraceutical Science
Background:
- Donkey milk (DM) possesses bioactive properties with potential therapeutic applications.
- Limited mechanistic research exists on DM's efficacy for ulcerative colitis (UC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of DM in a DSS-induced murine UC model.
- To evaluate DM's effects on gut barrier integrity, inflammation, and gut microbiota composition.
Main Methods:
- Established a standardized DSS-induced murine model of UC.
- Administered DM daily and assessed clinical manifestations, gut barrier gene expression, inflammatory markers, and cecal microbiota composition via 16S rDNA sequencing.
Main Results:
- DM administration significantly reduced UC clinical symptoms, including body weight loss and intestinal injury.
- DM enhanced gut barrier integrity by upregulating key genes and suppressed inflammation via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway inhibition.
- DM restored gut microbiota balance, enriching beneficial bacteria and reducing inflammation-associated taxa.
Conclusions:
- Donkey milk acts as a nutraceutical intervention for UC by promoting mucosal healing, resolving inflammation, and restoring microbiome balance.
- DM demonstrates promise as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) spectrum disorders.
