IDDF2022-ABS-0100 Taraxasterol ameliorates DSS-induced colitis through improving intestinal barrier and modulating GUT microbiota dysbiosis

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Taraxasterol (TAX) has been proven to prevent and treat inflammatory diseases. However, TAX effects on intestinal barrier and diversity, structure, and function of gut microbiota have yet to be elucidated in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) -induced colitis mice. Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of TAX on the intestinal barrier and its impact on gut microbiota. <h3>Methods</h3> Immunofluorescence was conducted to determine the expression of tight junction (ZO-1) and mucin (Mucin-2) proteins. 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to investigate the abundance, diversity, and function of fecal colonies in mice, and the influence of TAX on the gut microbiota in mice was further analyzed. <h3>Results</h3> Our results suggested that TAX attenuated the symptoms in DSS-induced colitis mice (IDDF2022-ABS-0100 Figure 1. The weight loss (%) in the four groups) and improved intestinal barrier (IDDF2022-ABS-0100 Figure 2. Immunofluorescence detected the immunoreactivity of ZO-1 in the four groups, IDDF2022-ABS-0100 Figure 3. Immunofluorescence detected the immunoreactivity of mucin-2 in the four groups). 16S rDNA sequencing of fecal samples indicated that TAX increased microbial diversity that was reduced by DSS (IDDF2022-ABS-0100 Figure 4. Venn diagram of OTUs in the four groups). It normalized the relative abundance of <i>Bacteroidetes</i> and the ratio of <i>Bacteroidetes</i>/<i>Firmicutes</i> (IDDF2022-ABS-0100 Figure 5. Relative abundance of predominant bacteria was shown at the phylum level). In addition, the treatment of TAX had a better effect on the function of metabolisms, such as nucleotide, lipid, and bile acid metabolism (IDDF2022-ABS-0100 Figure 6. The functions of different abundances of microflora between DSS+water and TAX 10mg/kg groups at KEGG levels). <h3>Conclusions</h3> These findings suggested that TAX could be a good candidate for the remission of colitis, which was related to improving the intestinal barrier and modulating gut microbiota.