Therapeutic Effect of Postbiotics Cocktail on DSS-Induced Colitis in Mice by Modulating of Autophagy Pathway

Autophagy plays a critical role in regulating inflammation, and its modulation is essential for managing inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Postbiotics, derived from probiotic bacteria, have recently attracted attention for their health-promoting properties. This study evaluated the protective effects of postbiotics produced by native Limosilactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. on inflammation through autophagy regulation. Fifteen male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to three groups: control (PBS), DSS-induced colitis, and DSS plus postbiotics. Colitis was induced with 2% DSS, and postbiotics (1 × 10⁹ CFU/mL) were administered daily for 14 days. Disease activity index, colon length, histopathology, and autophagy-related gene expression (Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, Atg13, and Beclin 1) were assessed. DSS treatment resulted in significant body weight loss, shortened colon length, increased disease activity, and higher pathological scores (p value < 0.05). In contrast, postbiotics administration mitigated these colonic damages and preserved body weight. Furthermore, postbiotics enhanced the expression of autophagy-related genes compared to the DSS group. Collectively, molecular and phenotypic findings highlight the regulatory role of native postbiotics in modulating inflammation via autophagy. These results suggest that native postbiotics may serve as a safe and effective therapeutic alternative for IBD management.