<i>Allium tuberosum</i>-derived nanovesicles with anti-inflammatory properties prevent DSS-induced colitis and modify the gut microbiome

Abstract

Edible plant-derived nanovesicles (ePDNs) have shown potential as a non-pharmacological option for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by maintaining gut health and showing anti-inflammatory effects. However, the effects of <i>Allium tuberosum</i>-derived nanovesicles (ADNs) on colitis have not been studied to date. Here, we extracted exosome-like nanovesicles from <i>Allium tuberosum</i> and investigated whether they have an anti-inflammatory effect in RAW 264.7 cells and colitis mice. The results showed that ADNs reduced the elevated levels of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB pathway-related proteins as a consequence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, our mouse experiments demonstrated that ADNs could ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis symptoms (<i>e.g.</i>, increased disease activity index score, intestinal permeability, and histological appearance). Additionally, ADNs counteracted DSS-induced colitis by downregulating the expression of serum amyloid A (SAA), IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and increasing the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that ADN intervention restored the gut microbial composition, which was similar to that of the DSS non-treated group, by decreasing the ratio of <i>Firmicutes</i> to <i>Bacteroidetes</i> and the relative abundance of <i>Proteobacteria</i>. Furthermore, ADNs induced acetic acid production along with an increase in the abundance of <i>Lactobacillus</i>. Overall, our findings suggest that ADN supplementation has a crucial role in maintaining gut health and is a novel preventive therapy for IBD.