Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity in Mice Using Fluorescein-Isothiocyanate-Labeled Dextran
Published on: November 18, 2022
Bifidobacterium bifidum Alleviate Intestinal Barrier Damage by Regulating the Intestinal Flora and Colonic Mucin
Meng-Meng Niu1,2, Yan Li1,2, Bo Ma1,2
1Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, Northeast Agricultural University,Harbin 150030,China.
Abstract:
Bifidobacterium bifidum can alleviate intestinal barrier damage, but its reliance on mucin O-glycan modifications remains unclear. A dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis mouse model was established to evaluate the therapeutic potential of B. bifidum Z29-2, C5, and their mixture. The results demonstrated that B. bifidum alleviated intestinal injury by preventing colon shortening and goblet cell depletion, as well as reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, B. bifidum maintained the structural integrity of gut microbiota by enriching beneficial bacteria like Faecalibaculum and Olsenella, while suppressing the abundance of opportunistic pathogens, including Mucispirillum and Erysipelatoclostridium. Additionally, strains Z29-2 and C5 promoted goblet cell differentiation and MUC2 secretion by inhibiting of the Notch signaling pathway. Crucially, these strains enhanced mucin fucosylation by upregulating Fut1 and Fut2, while maintaining glycan homeostasis by reducing O-glycan sulfation and chain truncation. This study provides deeper protective mechanism of B. bifidum in colitis and supports its potential application as a functional supplements.
Related Concept Videos
Mucosal Barrier of the Stomach
Within parietal cells, carbonic acid is first formed through the reaction of water and carbon dioxide. The dissociation of carbonic acid releases bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The bicarbonate...
Bacterial Flora of the Large Intestine
The normal gut flora of the colon plays a critical role in generating essential vitamins such as vitamins K, B5, and B7.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Mucosal Defense Factors
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Defense Mechanism Against Infection
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...

