Ameliorative effect of MPAF on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis mice

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Nutritional Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory intestinal disease.
• Nut protein peptides offer digestibility and physiological benefits.
• Macadamia nut-derived peptide Ala-Cys-Asn-Pro-Phe-Gly-Trp (MPAF) is explored for its therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the protective effects of MPAF against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in a mouse model.
• To evaluate MPAF's impact on oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal barrier integrity in colitis.

Main Methods:

• C57BL/6 mice were administered DSS to induce colitis and treated with varying doses of MPAF or 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA).
• Histopathological analysis, antioxidant activity assays, and gene/protein expression analysis of the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway were performed.
• Measurements included colon length, disease activity index (DAI) scores, goblet cell counts, tight junction proteins (ZO-1, MUC2), and inflammatory markers.

Main Results:

• MPAF treatment significantly alleviated colon atrophy and histopathological damage compared to the DSS group.
• MPAF increased goblet cell numbers and upregulated tight junction proteins ZO-1 and MUC2, enhancing intestinal barrier function.
• MPAF effectively boosted antioxidant levels, inhibited the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, and reduced pro-inflammatory factors.

Conclusions:

• MPAF demonstrates significant protective effects against UC by mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and pathological damage.
• The mechanism involves the suppression of the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammatory pathway.
• MPAF holds potential as a functional food ingredient for the prevention and treatment of ulcerative colitis.