Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
Murine Colitis Modeling using Dextran Sulfate Sodium DSS
Published on: January 19, 2010
Candida utilis Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice via NF-κB/MAPK Suppression and Gut
Rongxin Zang1,2, Zhouliang Liu1, Huihao Wu3
1College of Life Science and Engineering, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou 730100, China.
Insights
Candida utilis (CUM) effectively treats ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice by reducing inflammation and restoring gut microbiota balance. This natural supplement shows promise for promoting gut health and alleviating UC symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with limited treatment options.
- Candida utilis (CUM) exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
- The therapeutic potential of CUM for UC remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of CUM in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of UC.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which CUM exerts its beneficial effects on UC.
Main Methods:
- A DSS-induced colitis mouse model was utilized to assess CUM's effects.
- Disease activity index (DAI), colon length, and intestinal tissue damage were evaluated.
- Levels of inflammatory cytokines, tight junction proteins, oxidative stress markers, and gut microbiota composition were analyzed.
Main Results:
- CUM significantly reduced the DAI and alleviated colon shortening and tissue damage in UC mice.
- CUM preserved intestinal tight junction proteins and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α).
- CUM modulated the NF-κB, MAPK, and PPARγ signaling pathways, decreased oxidative stress, rebalanced gut microbiota, and increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
Conclusions:
- CUM demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for alleviating DSS-induced UC in mice.
- CUM acts by reducing inflammation, preserving gut barrier integrity, and modulating the gut microbiota.
- CUM represents a promising natural supplement for managing UC and promoting gut health.
Abstract:
Candida utilis (CUM) possesses various biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, intestinal microbiota regulatory, and immunomodulatory activities. However, there has been little exploration regarding the effects of CUM on ulcerative colitis (UC). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of CUM on alleviating dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC in mice and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms. Here, the effect of CUM on UC was analyzed using a DSS-induced colitis mouse model (n = 9), the results of which indicated a decrease in disease activity index (DAI) in DSS-induced UC mice. Furthermore, CUM alleviated colon shortening, minimized intestinal tissue damage, and preserved intestinal tight junction proteins (Claudin-3, Occludin, and ZO-1). CUM reduced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α), inhibited the activation of the NF-ĸB, MAPK and PPARγ signaling pathways, and decreased the level of oxidative mediators (MPO, SOD and MDA) in the colon of UC mice. Additionally, it mitigated the dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota in UC mice by increasing the abundance of Prevotellaceae and Lactobacillus while decreasing the abundance of Bacteroidaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. CUM alleviated the decrease in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content in the colon of UC mice. The above results provide a scientific basis for CUM, as a natural supplement, to restore the balance of the gut inflammatory microbiota and promote gut health.
