Protective Effect of Gochujang on Inflammation in a DSS-Induced Colitis Rat Model

Abstract

Gochujang is a traditional Korean fermented soy-based spicy paste made of meju (fermented soybean), red pepper powder, glutinous rice, and salt. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Gochujang containing salt in DSS-induced colitis. Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were partitioned into five groups: normal control, DSS control, DSS + salt, DSS + mesalamine, and DSS + Gochujang groups. They were tested for 14 days. Gochujang improved the disease activity index (DAI), colon weight/length ratio, and colon histomorphology, with outcomes similar to results of mesalamine administration. Moreover, Gochujang decreased the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6 and inhibited TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β mRNA expression in the colon. Gochujang downregulated the expression of iNOS and COX-2 and decreased the activation of NF-κB in the colon. Gochujang induced significant modulation in gut microbiota by significantly increasing the number of Akkermansia muciniphila while decreasing the numbers of Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus sciuri. However, compared with the DSS group, the salt group did not significantly change the symptoms of colitis or cytokine levels in serum and colon. Moreover, the salt group significantly decreased the gut microflora diversity. Gochujang mitigated DSS-induced colitis in rats by modulating inflammatory factors and the composition of gut microflora, unlike the intake of salt alone.

Protective effects of amoxicillin and probiotics on colon disorders in an experimental model of acute diverticulitis disease

“…These results are consistent with the findings from Peran et al ( 2007 ) and Khodir et al ( 2019 ). Also, Mahoro et al ( 2021 ) found that; DSS-induced bloody diarrhoea, weight loss, shortening of the colon, and mucosal deterioration in a rat model of DSS-induced colitis. Otherwise, only amoxicillin–probiotics treatment could significantly ameliorate the body weight loss and the high stool score caused by DSS/LPS, while both treatments (amoxicillin and probiotics–amoxicillin) showed inhibitory effects on the high colon weight-to-length ratio ( p < 0.01), as well as colon macroscopic lesion score ( p < 0.001).…”

Effect of fermented Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit juice on gut microbiota in a dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mouse model

“…The abundance of S. sciuri, Desulfovibrio C21_c20, R. gnavus and Akkermansia muciniphila were significantly increased in the DSS group. S. sciuri was found in the colon tissues of patients with colitis and was reported as an oral bacterium that promoted intestinal inflammation in colitis [49] . Desulfovibrio subspecies are sulfate-reducing anaerobic Gram-negative bacteria associated with increased gut permeability [50] .…”

Comparison of the laxative effects of KoreanGochujangcontaining different microbiota on loperamide-induced constipation in ICR mice

“…16,17 Interestingly, the meju microbiota is influenced by various factors, including weather conditions, provinces, and manufacturers, altering the microbiota composition of Gochujang subsequently. 13,18,19 Although the general microbial composition of Gochujang and its health beneficial functions have been studied well, 14,[20][21][22][23] the dissimilar physiological effects of Gochujang based on its distinct microbial communities have not been fully investigated. Therefore, the aims of this study were: (1) to study the constipation ameliorative effects of two different types of Gochujangs in aspects of their microbial communities; (2) to investigate their underlying molecular mechanisms, and (3) to measure the distinct effects of two different types of Gochujangs on the gut microbiota composition.…”