Eurotium cristatum Exhibited Anti-Colitis Effects via Modulating Gut Microbiota-Dependent Tryptophan Metabolism

Abstract

Fu-brick tea (FBT) has attracted the attention of researchers because of its unique nutritional value, but it remains unknown whether Eurotium cristatum, the critical fungus from FBT, is responsible for the observed anti-colitis effects of FBT. Herein, the effects of E. cristatum on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis was first discussed. The results illustrated that the oral administration of E. cristatum inhibited DSS-induced colon damage. Microbiota analysis revealed that E. cristatum improved the intestinal homeostasis of colitis mice, especially increased the proportion of Lactobacillus, followed by an obvious increase in fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Besides, E. cristatum markedly promoted tryptophan metabolism and increased the fecal contents of tryptophan metabolites in colitis mice. Furthermore, E. cristatum drastically increased the content of colonic IL-22 and the expression of tight-junction proteins. Conclusively, these results suggest that E. cristatum can resist colon damage and other implications of colitis by regulating the microbiota and enhancing tryptophan metabolism to strengthen intestinal barriers.

Eukaryotes may play an important ecological role in the gut microbiome of Graves’ disease

“…Similarly, many reports have demonstrated that Saccharomyces could be used as a biotherapeutic agent owing to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune modulatory properties ( 35 , 36 ). Eurotium can also exhibit anti-colitis effects through regulating gut microbiota-dependent tryptophan metabolism ( 37 ). Therefore, fungi may play a vital role in maintaining health and avoiding GD in humans.…”

Chemical components of Fu brick tea and its potential preventive effects on metabolic syndrome

“…For example, for ulcerative colitis induced by sodium dextran sulfate, FBT polysaccharide can effectively alleviate the intestinal flora disorder caused by colitis, promote the increase of beneficial bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria and Ackermann bacteria, and thus significantly increase the level of short‐chain fatty acids. In addition, it can also improve the tryptophan metabolism of intestinal microorganisms in patients with ulcerative colitis and increase the content of indole‐3‐acetic acid and indole‐3‐acetaldehyde in feces (Yang et al., 2021 ; Zhang, Ren, Zhao, Shao, et al., 2022 ).…”

Characterization of Eurotium cristatum Fermented Thinned Young Apple and Mechanisms Underlying Its Alleviating Impacts on Experimental Colitis

“…17−20 Moreover, E. cristatum produces fungal polysaccharides that have shown to beneficially regulate intestinal microecology and reduce colonic inflammation. 9 Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease seriously influencing the quality of people's life. 21−23 The majority of current treatment methods are drug therapies, including infliximab, aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and thiopurines.…”

“…Eurotium cristatum (E. cristatum) is a potential probiotic fungus used for producing Fu-brick tea, one of the treasures of the ancient Silk Road in China that has been widely consumed since the 1860s . The safety of E.…”