Oxyresveratrol Ameliorates Dextran Sulfate Sodium-Induced Colitis by Improving Inflammation and Modulating Gut Microbiota

Colitis causes destruction of intestinal mucus layer and increases intestinal inflammation. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory molecules derived from natural resources and probiotics have been recently highlighted as new remedies to improve colitis. Oxyresveratrol (OXY) is an antioxidant and is known that it has many beneficial effects on human health. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of OXY on intestinal homeostasis by observing intestinal mucus layer and investigating anti-inflammatory activity and gut microbiota composition in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis rat model. OXY ameliorated the symptoms of colitis and restored the intestinal mucus layer. OXY treatment reduced expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines. OXY also showed anti-apoptosis property. In addition, OXY prevented dysbiosis and enhanced diversity of the gut microbiota. In conclusion, OXY might improve DSS-induced colitis by decreasing inflammation and modulating gut microbiota resulted in the preservation of homeostasis in the gut.