<i>Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum</i> Ameliorates DSS-Induced Colitis by Maintaining Intestinal Mechanical Barrier, Blocking Proinflammatory Cytokines, Inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB Signaling, and Altering Gut Microbiota

Abstract

This study was designed to explore the effects and discrepancy of different CLA-producing <i>Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum</i> on relieving colitis and to investigate the potential mechanisms. <i>B. pseudocatenulatum</i> MY40C and CCFM680 were administered to mice with DSS-induced colitis. The content of tight junction proteins and mucin2 was significantly upregulated. TNF-α and IL-6 were downregulated, while IL-10 and PPAR-γ were upregulated. TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation was significantly inhibited. Moreover, each treated strain increased <i>Allobaculum</i> and decreased <i>Sutterella, Bacteroides</i>, and <i>Oscillospira</i>. The colonic conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentrations were significantly and positively correlated with the effectiveness of strain in relieving colitis. In conclusion, MY40C and CCFM680 supplementation alleviated DSS-induced colitis by protecting intestinal mechanical barrier, modulating gut microbiota, blocking proinflammatory cytokines, and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway. These results are conducive to promote clinical trials and product development of probiotics for colitis.