Alginate and Probiotics Synergistically Reversed Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (DSS)-Induced Gut Barrier Damage

Abstract

Previous studies have established that sole probiotics or fibre could be used to relieve colitis. However, few studies evaluated the synergistical effect of fibre and probiotics in treating colitis. This study, examined the effect of alginate, one of the commonest biomaterials and dietary fibre, and/or probiotics on the gut barrier in colitis mice. A synergistical effect was found between alginate and probiotics in colitis. Dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS), a chemical toxic substance, was used to induce colitis model. Body weight, oxidative stress, inflammatory factors, gut barrier, intestinal morphology and the apoptosis of intestine epithelial cells were analyzed. A combination of probiotics and alginate was used to analyze their synergistic effect. The results showed that the combination of alginate and probiotics had a better therapeutic effect on colitis than using them individually, and they protected the gut barrier from DSS induced oxidative stress. The combination exhibited a greater ability in reducing pro-inflammatory factors and protecting the gut barrier from further damage. The synergistic effect of alginate and probiotics provides a great prospect for biotherapy in bowel diseases and oral drug delivery system.