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Updated: Jan 24, 2026

Investigating the Alleviating Effects of Bacillus cereus Administration on Colitis through Gut Microbiota Modulation
Published on: July 27, 2022
l-Malic Acid Potentiates Bifidobacterium breve Bb18 Tolerance and Synergistically Ameliorates Colitis via Gut
Yanjun Tong1, Luming Li1, Xingyuan Liu1
1School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
Abstract:
This study investigated l-malic acid (l-MA) as a protectant enhancing Bifidobacterium breve Bb18 (Bb18) bile tolerance and its synergistic therapeutic efficacy against DSS-induced colitis in mice. In vitro, 0.4% l-MA optimally enhanced Bb18 tolerance to glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA) by 52.3%, preserving membrane integrity, boosting energy metabolism, and upregulating bile salt efflux genes, thus promoting a multidimensional cellular adaptive response. In vivo, the combination of Bb18 and l-MA synergistically alleviated the colon length shortening by 20.1%, reduced inflammation, and restored gut barrier integrity. Critically, l-MA potentiated Bb18 colonization under inflammatory stress by 217.6%. Furthermore, the combination simultaneously modulated the gut microbiota and increased barrier-protective metabolites, mechanistically linked to inflammation resolution. These results establish l-MA as a protective synbiotic partner for Bb18, offering a novel combinatorial strategy for probiotic-enhanced colitis management.
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