Sargassum horneri Extract Ameliorates DSS-Induced Colitis through Modulation of mTOR Axis and Intestinal Microbiota

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by colonic mucosal inflammation, intestinal microflora imbalance, and intestinal permeability. It is essential to develop natural compounds with anti-inflammatory and intestinal bacterial imbalance correction properties. The brown alga Sargassum horneri is rich in polyphenols, such as fucoxanthin and chromene, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. In results, S. horneri ethanol extract (SHE) reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels as well as Pi3k/Mtor/S6k mRNA expression in LPS-treated RAW264.7 and Caco-2 cells. In addition, SHE treatment decreased the expression of genes associated with inflammation and the mTOR axis in the co-culture system while increasing the expression of tight junction factors. In a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, SHE treatment improved intestinal length, histological scores, and the expression of genes related to tight junctions while decreasing the expression of genes related to inflammatory markers and the mTOR axis. The gut microbiota of mice treated with SHE exhibited a decrease in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidota, which had been increased by DSS treatment and an increase in beneficial bacteria. Therefore, SHE consumption may be a useful natural alternative, as it improves gut microbiota, alleviates colitis symptoms, and prevents their onset.

Phlorotannins Isolated from Eisenia bicyclis and Lactobacillus casei Ameliorate Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice through the AhR Pathway

“…Commencing on day 21, LC was orally administered via gavage feeding for 7 days (3rd week: 21-27 days; 1 × 10 8 CFU/100 µL). On day 30, all mice were euthanized, and serum, spleen, colon, and stool samples were collected for further analysis [35]. The animal protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC: PNU2023-0420) of Pusan National University.…”

Sargassum horneri extract fermented by Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SH803 mediates adipocyte metabolism in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by regulating oxidative damage and inflammation

“…Oxidative stress in turn exacerbates inflammation, leading to obesity-related complications, such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and infertility 13 . S. horneri and LAB possess antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which suggests their potential in attenuating obesity 14 – 16 . Moreover, in previous reports, the antioxidative activities of Sargassum spp.…”