Effect of a Polysaccharide from Cultivated Buchwaldoboletus sp. on DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

BACKGROUND: sp.) polysaccharide (BSP60) was prepared. METHODS: The protective effect of BSP60 on ulcerative colitis (UC) was evaluated using a dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced murine model of UC. RESULTS: The results showed that BSP60 significantly alleviated colonic inflammation and oxidant stress in DSS-treated mice. BSP60 reduced the overproduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6; lowered the accumulation of MDA and LPS in serum and colon; and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px in colonic tissues. Histological observations revealed that BSP60 significantly alleviated DSS-induced colonic tissue damage in mice by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration and mucosal injury. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that BSP60 increased the expression of intestinal barrier-associated proteins ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 in DSS-induced UC mice, thereby alleviating inflammation. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that BSP60 maintained gut microbiota homeostasis in UC mice and inhibited the excessive growth of inflammation-associated microorganisms. BSP60 also enhanced the production of short-chain fatty acids in the mice feces. The protective effect of BSP60 on UC was dose dependent. CONCLUSIONS: BSP60 exerts anti-UC effects, providing a scientific basis for its application as a functional food ingredient to improve intestinal health.