Sesamol Supplementation Attenuates DSS-Induced Colitis via Mediating Gut Barrier Integrity, Inflammatory Responses, and Reshaping Gut Microbiome

Abstract

Sesamol, a liposoluble lignan extract, has already been proved to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties, and it could also regulate gut dysfunction. The purpose of the present research is to explore the protective effect of sesamol on colitis mice. In the current research, sesamol treatment (100 mg/kg bodyweight/day) for 6 weeks inhibited the dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)induced bodyweight loss of mice. Transmission electron microscopy and hematoxylin and eosin staining results showed that the DSS-induced histopathological changes of mice were also recovered by sesamol supplementation. In addition, DSS-induced inflammatory responses were inhibited by sesamol supplementation via the NF-κB signaling pathway in mice colon. Moreover, sesamol treatment prevented gut barrier damages by enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins (occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1) and recovering the loss of gut mucus layer. Furthermore, sesamol supplementation also increased the short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) contents of acetate, propionate, and butyrate. Furthermore, sesamol supplementation changed the gut microbiome structure by enhancing the relative abundance of Coprococcuscus, Butyricicoccus, Odoribacter, and AF12 in colitis mice. In conclusion, sesamol could effectively ameliorate DSS-induced colitis by promoting gut microecology.

Cinnamaldehyde Promotes the Intestinal Barrier Functions and Reshapes Gut Microbiome in Early Weaned Rats

“…Moreover, WB results also showed that treatment with cinnamaldehyde significantly up-regulated the protein expression levels of TJs such as ZO-1, claudin-1, and occluding (Figure 2F). Consistent with these results, a few other phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, have also been indicated to enhance TJ functions and gut integrities (22)(23)(24).…”

“…Tight junctions (TJs) also play important roles in the maintenance of intestinal permeability, which is considered to determine selective para-cellular absorption ( 18 ). Previous studies have shown that the zonula occludins (ZO), claudin family proteins, and occludin are essential components of TJs in the epithelial barrier ( 22 ). The major functions of TJs are to maintain the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier.…”

The Regulatory Effects of Licochalcone A on the Intestinal Epithelium and Gut Microbiota in Murine Colitis

“…Correlation analysis was performed based on the experimental data to identify a correlation among bacteria, inflammatory cytokines, TJ proteins, and rate of apoptosis in DSS-treated mice [ 8 ]. The data indicated a notable correlation between the proportion of bacteria and other parameters ( Figure 5 ).…”

“…Thus, novel drugs that treat or target other aspects of the disease are needed. Among these multiple factors involved in UC, gut barrier damage has been identified as a vital etiological factor in colitis [ 7 , 8 ]. The intestinal barrier—the first mechanical defense against pathogens and antigens—is formed by tight junctions (TJs), adhesive junctions, and desmosomes between epithelial cells (ECs) [ 9 ].…”

“…A growing number of studies strongly support that the epithelial barrier plays a vital role in regulating gut homeostasis and also interacts with microbes to influence colitis. Once the gut barrier is disrupted, which is represented by changes in TJ proteins that include claudin-1, occludin, and ZO-1, and an increase in EC apoptosis [ 8 , 10 ], luminal antigens and toxins are able to penetrate the underlying tissue, and the consequent exposure thereof to the luminal antigens induces an inflammatory response and the release of inflammatory cytokines, which trigger further degradation of TJs [ 11 ]. Additionally, the gut barrier is intimately influenced by the colonic microflora.…”