Polysaccharide Engineered Nanozymes Target Inflammation for Alleviating Colitis-Associated Mental Disorders via...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Neurology
• Nanomedicine
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Molecular therapies for colitis-associated mental disorders are limited by single-pathway focus and off-target toxicity.
• Bioinformatic analysis suggests inflammation and metabolism as key therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel nanozymes for treating colitis-associated mental disorders.
• To investigate the efficacy of Fucoidan-cerium nanocomplexes (FucCeNCs) in targeting gut inflammation and regulating metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Engineered oral polysaccharide nanozymes (FucCeNCs) were developed.
• FucCeNCs were tested in a murine model of ulcerative colitis-associated mental disorders.
• Effects on inflammation, gut barrier, gut microbiota, metabolites, and behavior were assessed.

Main Results:

• FucCeNCs demonstrated anti-inflammatory and gut barrier-protective effects.
• They restored gut microbial homeostasis, increasing probiotics and decreasing pathogens.
• This led to normalized amino acid metabolism, increased beneficial metabolites (homovanillic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid), and ameliorated depression/anxiety behaviors.

Conclusions:

• The microbiome-gut-brain axis is a critical therapeutic target for colitis-associated mental disorders.
• Polysaccharide engineered nanozymes, like FucCeNCs, offer a promising therapeutic strategy.